• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6803-6806
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• 2013

Background: Interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) is a transcription factor with distinct and conserved DNA and protein binding domains. Mutations within the protein binding domain have been significantly observed in subjects with orofacial cleft relative to healthy controls. In addition, recent studies have identified loss of expression of IRF6 due to promoter hypermethylation in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Since mutational events occurring within the conserved domains are likely to affect the function of a protein, we investigated whether regions within the IRF6 gene that encodes for the conserved protein binding domain carried mutations in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: Total chromosomal DNA extracted from 32 post surgical OSCC tissue samples were amplified using intronic primers flanking the exon 7 of IRF6 gene, which encodes for the major region of protein binding domain. The PCR amplicons from all the samples were subsequently resolved in a 1.2% agarose gel, purified and subjected to direct sequencing to screen for mutations. Results: Sequencing analysis resulted in the identification of a mutation within exon 7 of IRF6 that occurred in heterozygous condition in 9% (3/32) of OSCC samples. The wild type codon TTC at position 252 coding for phenylalanine was found to be mutated to TAC that coded for tyrosine (F252Y). Conclusions: The present study identified for the first time a novel mutation within the conserved protein binding domain of IRF6 gene in tissue samples of subjects with OSCC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.1073-1075
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• 2013

Background: In normal cells, activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) molecules are subjected to ubiquitination-mediated proteasome degradation pathway by c-Cbl, an ubiquitin ligase that checks uncontrolled proliferation. Hence expression of wild type c-Cbl molecule is essential to keep this degradation machinery in a functional state. Loss of expression or function of c-Cbl may consequently lead to sustained activation of EGFR and promote carcinogenesis, loss of function mutations in the c-Cbl gene already being reported in lung and hematopoietic cancers. However, the genetic status of c-Cbl in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not known. Hence in the present study we investigated the genomic DNA isolated from OSCC tissue biopsy samples for mutations in the RING finger domain coding region of c-Cbl gene, which has also been reported to be most frequently mutated in other cancers. Materials and Methods: Total genomic DNA isolated from thirty two post surgical OSCC tissue samples were amplified using primers flanking the exon 8 of c-Cbl gene that codes for the RING finger domain. The PCR amplicons were then resolved in a 1.2% agarose gel, purified and subjected to direct sequencing to screen for mutations. Results: The sequencing data of the thirty two OSCC samples did not identify mutations in the RING finger domain coding region of c-Cbl gene. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the genetic status of c-Cbl gene in OSCC samples has been investigated. The present data indicates that genetic alteration of RING finger domain coding region of c-Cbl gene is relatively infrequent in OSCC samples.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.27-35
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• 1992

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the size of the temporomandibular joint space by the increase of the occlusal force on the working side and the non-working side during unilateral biting. For the study, 22 normal adults, age from 23 to 25, who had normal or class I molar relationship and had no symptoms on TMJ area and masticatory muscles were selected. Transcranial TMJ radiograph was taken during unilateral biting with the sensor of occlusal load measuring device (MPM-3000 ; Nihon Kohden Kogyo Co. Ltd., Japan) on 1st molar teeth of right and left side given to force of 0kg, 10kg, 20kg and 30kg respectively with Accurad-200(Denar Corperation's product). The radiographs were traced on the screen, with enlaged as 5 times. The size of temporomandibular joint space at anterior, superior and posterior compartment were measured with Dumas's method (reference line between squamotympanic fissure and the lowest point of articular eminence). The following results were obtained by this study. 1. The size of anterior TMJ space showed a tendency to decrease on the working side and increase on the non-working side by the increase of the occlusal force, but had no statistical significancy (P>0.05). 2. The size of superior TMJ space showed a tendency to increase on the working side and decrease on the non-working side by the increase of the occlusal force (P<0.05). 3. The size of posterior TMJ space showed a tendency to decrease on both working and nonworking side, but had no statistical significancy (P>0.05)

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.39
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• pp.1.1-1.7
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• 2017

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells primarily in the bone marrow. Bisphosphonates (BP) are used as supportive therapy in the management of MM. This study aimed to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of medication-related necrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in MM patients. Methods: One hundred thirty MM patients who had previous dental evaluations were retrospectively reviewed. Based on several findings, we applied the staging and treatment strategies on MRONJ. We analyzed gender, age, type of BP, incidence, and local etiological factors and assessed the relationship between these factors and the clinical findings at the first oral examination. Results: MRONJ was found in nine male patients (6.9%). The mean patient age was 62.2 years. The median BP administration time was 19 months. Seven patients were treated with a combination of IV zoledronate and pamidronate, and two patients received single-agent therapy. The lesions were predominantly located in the mandible (n = 8), and the most common predisposing dental factor was a history of prior extraction (n = 6). Half of the MRONJ were related to diseases found on the initial dental screen. Patients with MRONJ were treated with infection control and antibiotic therapy. When comparing between the MRONJ stage and each factor (sign, location, etiologic factor, BP type, treatment, and outcome), there were no significant differences between stages, except for between the stage and sign (with or without purulence). Conclusions: For prevention of MRONJ, we recommend routine dental examinations and treatment prior to starting BP therapy.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2011

Purpose: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global threat, and although the prevalence is comparatively still very low, the number of HIV-positive Koreans is increasing. However, there are no official guidelines as to how to treat people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) or how to screen for potentially infectious people. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Korea toward PLWHA, and their attitudes to screening patients for HIV infections. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective survey targeting dentists working in Korea was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a relatively positive attitude toward PLWHA was found. Most of the respondents preferred rapid HIV testing using oral fluid as a specimen. The general attitude of dentists toward HIV/AIDS is sufficiently positive to enable provision of the best treatment to the patients in need. Conclusions: Most of the dentists require HIV testing in dental clinics. In spite of their needs, there are several obstacles. It is hoped that financial considerations and official legal requirements related to HIV testing strategies will be considered.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.225-233
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• 2012

Objectives : This thesis aims to provide basic materials for exploring trends and operational strategy of the cyber training. To achieve study purpose, it analyzed the satisfaction of trainees in regard to the education of field training course of Cyber Oral Health Promotion Program, established and operated between 2007 and 2009. Methods : This study conducted questionnaire surveys after the completion of training to utilize the satisfaction level of 989 respondents among 1,310 employees of public institutions who completed the field training course of Cyber Oral Health Promotion Program. Results : Respondents showed satisfaction on the training course throughout three years in terms of satisfaction of instructional methods (screen characteristics, educational techniques, and so on) according to educational contents, the connection and realization of online education and service satisfaction, necessary for learning in association with educational guidance, offered to learners by a tutor and rapidity in questions and answers. A majority of respondents in all years answered that they participated in training program voluntarily for self-development and improvement in work ability, and they thought that the completion of course would be helpful to their current work and future work. In addition, cyber training program was primarily conducted in the working place by 72.5%, and the most difficult thing in cyber training was to combine work and learning by 60.6%. Conclusions : As shown in the results above, workers in public institutions were satisfied with cyber job training and it was evaluated that cyber job training would be helpful to performing their actual work. Therefore, it is needed to collect and evaluate more diverse requirements of trainees with regard to cyber job training, and the development and operation of job training program that reflects these results sufficiently is required.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.158-164
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• 2005

Melody intonation therepy (MIT) is to improve the linguistic aspects of the verbal utterance for aphasic patients utilizing the intact right brain. It is applied to the aphasic patients with good comprehension, poor fluency, and little available speech are thought to be ideal candidates. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Korean Melody intonation therapy (kMIT) in patients with non-fluent aphasia. Five male non-fluent aphasic patients were participated in this study. Average ages were 49.9 years old. Each therapy took 45-50minutes once a week for six months. Aphasic Screen lest (RISS) was used to assess language parameter such as Auditory comprehension, oral expression, reading, writing and calculation ability before and after kMIT. Mean of Length Utterance, verbal intelligibility and articulation disorder were assessed also. Computerized Speech Lab was used to assess the acoustic characteristics of aphasic patients before and after kMIT. The results are as follows : 1) Auditory comprehension, oral expression, reading, writing and calculation ability of the subjects increased after UH'. However, only oral expression showed significant difference (p<0.05). 2) Mean of Length Utterance of five patients generally increased after Un. 3) After kMIT, verbal intelligibility increased and showed significant difference (p<0.05). 4) Misarticulation rate generally decreased after m. 5) Voice Onset Time of the alveolar lenis /t/ and velar lenis /k/ gradually decreased after kMIT. 6) However, intonation pattern were increased gradually in yes'no question after kMIT.

• Proceedings of the Korea Environmental Mutagen Society Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.128-128
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• 2002

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6155-6157
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• 2012

Background: Mutations in the MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathway - EGFR/Ras/RAF/MEK have been associated with the development of several carcinomas. ERK2, a downstream target of the MAPK pathway and a founding member of the MAPK family is activated by cellular signals emanating at the cell membrane. Activated ERK2 translocates into the nucleus to transactivate genes that promote cell proliferation. MKP - a dual specific phosphatase - interacts with activated ERK2 via the common docking (CD) domain of the later to inactivate (dephosphorylate) and effectively terminate further cell proliferation. A constitutively active form of ERK2 carrying a single point mutation - E322K in its CD domain, was earlier reported by our laboratory. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of this CD domain E322K mutation in 88 well differentiated OSCC tissue samples. Materials and Method: Genomic DNA specimens isolated from 88 oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue samples were amplified with primers flanking the CD domain of the ERK2 gene. Subsequently, PCR amplicons were gel purified and subjected to direct sequencing to screen for mutations. Results: Direct sequencing of eighty eight OSCC samples identified an E322K CD domain mutation in only one (1.1%) OSCC sample. Conclusions: Our result indicates that mutation in the CD domain of ERK2 is rare in OSCC patients, which suggests the role of genetic alterations in other mitogenic genes in the development of carcinoma in the rest of the patients. Nevertheless, the finding is clinically significant, as the relatively rare prevalence of the E322K mutation in OSCC suggests that ERK2, being a common end point signal in the multi-hierarchical mitogen activated signaling pathway may be explored as a viable drug target in the treatment of OSCC.