• Title/Summary/Keyword: Tissue preparation

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Immunohistoehemical Observation on the Antigens Inducing IgG and IgM Antibodies against Sparganum (IgG와 IgM 항체를 유도하는 sparganum의 항원에 관한 면역조직화학적 및 전기영동에 의한 연구)

  • 김창환;최완성
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.339-354
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    • 1991
  • Localization and characterization of the antigenic components of sparganum which induced IgG and IsM antibodies in the host were studied by immunohistochemical techniques and SDS-PAGT and Western blotting. The antigen recognized by IgG antibody of rats or mice which were immunised by infection or injection of crude extracts of metacestodes of Spirometra erinacei, was located in the parenchyme of sparganum, especially at the cortex and around the calcareous corpuscles. The immunoreaction was demonstrated not only in the encysted fibrous wall of host but around the arterioles or venules in the connective tissue of host. The antigen recognized by IgM antibody of rats or mice was also observed in the parenchyme of sparganum and in the connective tissue of host. By 5∼20% gradient SDS-PAGE and EIBT, we detected antigenic components by IgG and 1gG antibodies of the rat or mouse immunized by infection or injection of crude extract of spargana. Twenty-three antigenic bands from crude extracts of spargana were recognized by IgG antibody and 15 components by IgM antibody of immunized rats. Out of the bands recognized by IgG and IgM antibodies, 15 were cross-reacted each other. Twenty components of eBlcretory-secretory proteins from spargana were recognized by IgG, and 5 components by IgM antibody of immunized rats. By IgG and IgM antibodies of immunized mice, 16 components of crude extracts were recognized by IgG antibody and 9 components by IgM antibody. Twenty components of excretory-secretory preparation were recognized by IgG antibody and 5 components by IgM antibody. Thirteen components of crude extracts were cross-reacted by IgG antibody of rats and mice.

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Synthesis and Evaluation of $2-[^{18}F]Fluoro-A85380$, a Radioligand for ${\alpha}_4{\beta}_2$ Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Imaging (${\alpha}_4{\beta}_2$ 니코틴성 아세틸콜린 수용체 영상 방사성리간드 $2-[^{18}F]fluoro-A85380$의 합성 및 평가)

  • Ryu, Eun-Kyoung;Choe, Yearn-Seong;Kim, Sang-Eun;Hwang, Sae-Hwan;Paik, Jin-Young;Choi, Yong;Lee, Kyung-Han;Kim, Byung-Tae
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.261-270
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    • 2002
  • Purpose: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which mediate excitatory neurotransmission, are known to participate in various neurophysiological functions. Severe losses of nAChRs have been noted in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Therefore, noninvasive and quantitative imaging of nAChRs would offer a better understanding on the function of these receptors. In this study, $2-[^{18}F]fluoro-A85380\;([^{18}F]1)$, an ${\alpha}_4{\beta}_2$ nAChRs radioligand, was prepared using one HPLC purification and evaluated in mouse brain, and the results were compared with those in the literature. Materials and Methods: $[^{18}F]1$ was prepared by $[^{18}F]$fluorination of the iodo precursor followed by acidic deprotection and then purified by HPLC. Tissue distribution studies were performed in mouse brain at the indicated time points and the result was expressed as %ID/g. Inhibition studies were also carried out with pretreatment of various ligands. Results: One HPLC purification method gave the desired product in 15-20% radiochemical yield and with high specific activity ($38-55GBq/{\mu}mol$). Tissue distribution studies showed that $[^{18}F]1$ specifically labeled nAChRs in mouse brain with a high thalamus to cerebellum uptake ratio (13.8 at 90 min). Inhibition studios demonstrated selective binding of $[^{18}F]1$ to nAChRs, blocking the uptake of the $[^{18}F]1$ in nAChR-rich legions by selective ligands such as cytisine and nicotine which are well-known nAChRs agonists. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the $[^{18}F]1$ produced by the method using one HPLC purification gave the results similar to those reported in the literature. Therefore, this synthetic method can be readily applied to the routine preparation of $[^{18}F]1$, a PET radioligand for ${\alpha}_4{\beta}_2$ nAChRs imaging.

A STUDY ON THE TEMPERATURE CHANGES OF BONE TISSUES DURING IMPLANT SITE PREPARATION (임플랜트 식립부위 형성시 골조직의 온도변화에 관한 연구)

  • Kim Pyung-Il;Kim Yung-Soo;Jang Kyung-Soo;Kim Chang-Whe
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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    • v.40 no.1
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    • pp.1-17
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    • 2002
  • The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of thermal injury to bone tissues during an implant site preparation under the same condition as a typical clinical practice of $Br{\aa}nemark$ implant system. All the burs for $Br{\aa}nemark$ implant system were studied except the round bur The experiments involved 880 drilling cases : 50 cases for each of the 5 steps of NP, 5 steps of RP, and 7 steps of WP, all including srew tap, and 30 cases of 2mm twist drill. For precision drilling, a precision handpiece restraining system was developed (Eungyong Machinery Co., Korea). The system kept the drill parallel to the drilling path and allowed horizontal adjustment of the drill with as little as $1{\mu}m$ increment. The thermocouple insertion hole. that is 0.9mm in diameter and 8mm in depth, was prepared 0.2mm away from the tapping bur the last drilling step. The temperatures due to countersink, pilot drill, and other drills were measured at the surface of the bone, at the depths of 4mm and 8mm respectively. Countersink drilling temperature was measured by attaching the tip of a thermocouple at the rim of the countersink. To assure temperature measurement at the desired depths, 'bent-thermocouples' with their tips of 4 and 8mm bent at $120^{\circ}$ were used. The profiles of temperature variation were recorded continuously at one second interval using a thermometer with memory function (Fluke Co. U.S.A.) and 0.7mm thermocouples (Omega Co., U.S.A.). To simulate typical clinical conditions, 35mm square samples of bovine scapular bone were utilized. The samples were approximately 20mm thick with the cortical thickness on the drilling side ranging from 1 to 2mm. A sample was placed in a container of saline solution so that its lower half is submerged into the solution and the upper half exposed to the room air, which averaged $24.9^{\circ}C$. The temperature of the saline solution was maintained at $36.5^{\circ}C$ using an electric heater (J. O Tech Co., Korea). This experimental condition was similar to that of a patient s opened mouth. The study revealed that a 2mm twist drill required greatest attention. As a guide drill, a twist drill is required to bore through a 'virgin bone,' rather than merely enlarging an already drilled hole as is the case with other drills. This typically generates greater amount of heat. Furthermore, one tends to apply a greater pressure to overcome drilling difficulty, thus producing even greater amount heat. 150 experiments were conducted for 2mm twist drill. For 140 cases, drill pressure of 750g was sufficient, and 10 cases required additional 500 or 100g of drilling pressure. In case of the former. 3 of the 140 cases produced the temperature greater than $47^{\circ}C$, the threshold temperature of degeneration of bone tissue (1983. Eriksson et al.) which is also the reference temperature in this study. In each of the 10 cases requiring extra pressure, the temperature exceeded the reference temperature. More significantly, a surge of heat was observed in each of these cases This observations led to addtional 20 drilling experiments on dense bones. For 10 of these cases, the pressure of 1,250g was applied. For the other 10, 1.750g were applied. In each of these cases, it was also observed that the temperature rose abruptly far above the thresh old temperature of $47^{\circ}C$, sometimes even to 70 or $80^{\circ}C$. It was also observed that the increased drilling pressure influenced the shortening of drilling time more than the rise of drilling temperature. This suggests the desirability of clinically reconsidering application of extra pressures to prevent possible injury to bone tissues. An analysis of these two extra pressure groups of 1,250g and 1,750g revealed that the t-statistics for reduced amount of drilling time due to extra pressure and increased peak temperature due to the same were 10.80 and 2.08 respectively suggesting that drilling time was more influenced than temperature. All the subsequent drillings after the drilling with a 2mm twist drill did not produce excessive heat, i.e. the heat generation is at the same or below the body temperature level. Some of screw tap, pilot, and countersink showed negative correlation coefficients between the generated heat and the drilling time. indicating the more the drilling time, the lower the temperature. The study also revealed that the drilling time was increased as a function of frequency of the use of the drill. Under the drilling pressure of 750g, it was revealed that the drilling time for an old twist drill that has already drilled 40 times was 4.5 times longer than a new drill The measurement was taken for the first 10 drillings of a new drill and 10 drillings of an old drill that has already been used for 40 drillings. 'Test Statistics' of small samples t-test was 3.49, confirming that the used twist drills require longer drilling time than new ones. On the other hand, it was revealed that there was no significant difference in drilling temperature between the new drill and the old twist drill. Finally, the following conclusions were reached from this study : 1 Used drilling bur causes almost no change in drilling temperature but increase in drilling time through 50 drillings under the manufacturer-recommended cooling conditions and the drilling pressure of 750g. 2. The heat that is generated through drilling mattered only in the case of 2mm twist drills, the first drill to be used in bone drilling process for all the other drills there is no significant problem. 3. If the drilling pressure is increased when a 2mm twist drill reaches a dense bone, the temperature rises abruptly even under the manufacturer-recommended cooling conditions. 4. Drilling heat was the highest at the final moment of the drilling process.

Anatomical Studies on Root Formation in Hypocotyl and Epicotyl Cuttings of Woody Plants (임목(林木)의 배축(胚軸) 및 유경삽수발근(幼茎揷穗発根)의 해부학적(解剖学的) 연구(研究))

  • Choi, Man Bong
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.52 no.1
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    • pp.1-30
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    • 1981
  • The origin and development of adventitious roots was studied using hypocotyl and epicotyl cuttings of 34 species, 24 genus of woody plants. These cuttings obtained from young seedlings cultured in vials containing distilled water only. The several characteristics of cuttings materials studied are shown in Table 1. The results are summerized as follows: 1. The circumference shapes of cross-sections of hypocotyl and epicotyl cuttings can be divided into six categories, namely, round, irregular round, ellipse, irregular ellipse, square, and triangle. Species differences within a genus did not show any difference of hypocotyl and epicotyl cross-sections shape, however, a noticeable variation among genus or higher taxa. 2. The arrangements of vascular bundles in the cross-sections of hypocotyls or epicotyls were almost all collateral types and generally showed generic characteristics differing one to the other. However, there were some variations between species within the genus. Six models of vascular bundle arrangement were proposed for all the above speices. 3. The rooting portions of hypocotyl and epicotyl cuttings in this experimental materials can be grouped as follows: (1) Interfascicular parenchyma; (Thuja orientalis. T. orientalis for. sieboldii, Acer microsieboldianum, A. palmatum, A. saccharinum, Cercis chinensis, Lespedeza bicolor, Magnolia obovata, M. sieboldii, Mallotus japonicus, Staphylea bumalda) (2) Cambial and phloem parenchyma: (Chamaecyparis obtusa, C. pisifera, Albizzia julibrissin, Buxus microphylla var. Koreana, Cereis chinensis, Euonymus japonica, Firmiana platanifolia, Lagerstroemia indica, Ligustrum salicinum, L. obtusifolium, Magnolia kobus, M. obovata, Mallotus japonicus, Morus alba, Poncirus trifoliata, Quercus myrsinaefolia, Rosa polyantha, Styrax japonica, Styrax obassia) (3) Primary ray tissues; (Euonymus japonica, Styrax japonica) (4) Leaf traces; (Quercus acutissima, Q. aliena) (5) Cortex parenchyma; (Ailanthus altissima) (6) Callus tissues; (Castanea crenata, Quercus aliena, Q. myrsinaefolia, Q. serrata) 4. As a general tendency throughout the species studied, in hypocotyl cuttings, the adventitious root primordia were originated from the interfascicular parenchyma tissue, however, leaf traces and callus tissues were contributed to the root primordia formation in epicotyl cuttings. The hypocotyl cuttings of Ailanthus altissima exhibited a special performance in the root primordia formation, this means that cortex parenchyma was participated to the origin tissue. And in Firmiana platanifolia, differening from the other most species, the root primordia were formed at the phloem parenchyma adjacent outwardly to xylem tissue of vascular bundle system as shown photo. 48. 5. All the easy-to, or difficult-to root species developed adventitious roots in vials filled with distilled water. In the difficult-to-root species, however, root formations seemed to be delayed because they almost all had selerenchyma or phloem fiber which gave some mechanical hindrance to protrusion of root primordia. On the other hand, in the easy-to-root species they seemed to form them more easily because they did not have the said tissues. The rooting portions between easy-to-root and difficult-to-root species have not clearly been distinguished, and they have multitudinous variations. 6. The species structured with the more vascular bundles in number compared with the less vascular bundles exhibited delayed rooting. In the cuttings preparation, the proximal end of cuttings was closer to root-to-stem transition region, the adventitious root formation showed easier. 7. A different case occured however with the mature stem cuttings, in both the needle-leaved and the broad-leaved species. In the hypocotyl cuttings, parenchymatous tissues sited near the vascular bundles become the most frequent root forming portions in general and relevant distinctions between both species were hardly recognizable. 8. In the epicotyl cuttings, root primordia originated mainly in leaf traces in connection with cambial and phloems or callus tissues itself. In the hypocotyl cuttings, interfascicular parenchyma was the most frequent portion of the root primordia formation. The portions of root primordia had more connection with vascular cambium system, as the tissues were continuing to be developed.

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Ablation Rate and Intrapulpal Temperature by Addition of Water Spray During Er:YAG Laser Irradiation (Er:YAG laser를 이용한 치아삭제시 물분사량이 삭제율과 치수내 온도변화에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Jung-Moon;Kim, Mee-Eun;Kim, Ki-Suk
    • Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.375-381
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    • 2005
  • Er:YAG laser has been considered a promising alternative to dental drill and many researches indicate that adjustment to variable parameters, including water flow rate, pulse energy and pulse repetition rate, can be made to improve ablation ability and efficiency of the laser. Of these parameters, addition of water spray during irradiation has been thought to ablate dental hard tissue more rapidly and safely. The purpose of this study was to investigate tooth ablation amount by Er:YAG laser irradiation as related to varied water flow rates added and, ultimately to find the most effective water flow rate for ablation. In addition, the temperature change of pulp chamber during irradiation was also monitored on the irradiated and opposite pulpal walls, respectively. An Er:YAG laser with contact mode was employed. Extracted human molars were split into two pieces for ablation experiment. Pulse energies of 200 and 300 mJ with a pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz and 5 water flow rates (1.6, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 10.0 ml/min) were applied. Each irradiation was performed for 3 seconds. According to these parameters, experimental groups were divided into 10 subgroups which consisted of 5 specimens. For temperature experiment, another 5 tooth-specimens were prepared in the manner that pulp chamber was open through access cavity preparation and two temperature-measuring probes were placed respectively on the irradiated and the opposite walls of pulp chamber. From the experiment on ablation amount related to different water flow rates, it was shown that the least water flow rate of 1.6 ml/min ablated more than any other water flow rates (p<0.000). When the irradiation for 3 seconds, combined with the pulse repetition time of 20Hz and the water flow rate of 1.6 ml/min was done to tooth specimen, the temperature rise was not noticeable both on the irradiated and the opposite pulpal walls (less than 3$^{\circ}C$) and there was no significant difference in temperature rise between the two pulse energies, 200 and 300 mJ. From the results of this study, it is suggested that tooth ablation with Er:YAG laser can be done effectively and safely at a energy between 200 and 300 mJ/pulse and a pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz when the lasing is conjugated with the water flow rate of 1.6ml/min.

Clinical Study on Primary Mediastinal Tumors and Cysts -Report of 344 Cases- (원발성 종격동 종양 및 낭종에 대한 임상적 고찰 -344예에 대한 보고-)

  • Lee, Hong-Lyeol;Kim, Se-Kyu;Kim, Hae-Kyun;Chung, Kyung-Young;Lee, Doo-Yun;Kim, Sung-Eun;Chang, Joon;Kim, Sung-Kyu;Lee, Won-Young
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.40 no.5
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    • pp.575-583
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    • 1993
  • Background: Mediastinal masses are not uncommon, and an overall incidence of one case per 100,000 population per year in individuals of all ages and with no difference in sex incidence may be a reasonable estimation. At least half of all mediastinal masses are asymptomatic and this proportion has increased in recent decades with wider use of screening chest roentgenography. Symptoms in patients with mediastinal mass lesions are usually due to compression or invasion of nearby intrathoracic structures. Most mediastinal mass lesions have characteristic predilectional locations. The basic focus of diagnostic evaluation is an orderly preparation for obtaining a tissue diagnosis but even lesions discovered to be benign must generally be removed. Seldom is this status known for certain preoperatively. In additaion, benign tumors may continue to enlarge, thus compromising vital organs; they may rupture, hemorrhage, become infected or have the possibility of various malignant degeneration. Therefore, all mediastinal masses must be surgically removed whether they are malignant or benign. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 344 cases previously confirmed as mediastinal tumors or cysts from January, 1960 to August, 1992 and investigated the clinical findings. Results: Neurogenic tumors were the most common(24.7%) and thymomas were distinctively increased recently. Overall ratio between males and females was 1.1:1 and age distribution was relatively even among all age groups. Predilectional sites were posterior for neurogenic tumors, and anterior for teratodermoid tumors, thymomas and lymphomas. Dyspnea was the most common symptom in the patients of the mediastinal tumors and asymptomatic patients were 19.5%, Benign mediastinal mass lesions were 66.0% and malignant, 34.0%, Complete or partial resection was done in 42.4%. Conclusion: We could find the increasing incidence and the tendency of aggressive resection as possible in the mediastinal tumors. We expect the discovery of more mediastinal tumors with wider use of regular check-up and development of diagnostic methods.

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THE EFFECTS OF SURFACE CONTAMINATION BY HEMOSTATIC AGENTS ON THE SHEAR BOND STRENGTH OF COMPOMER (지혈제 오염이 콤포머의 전단결합강도에 미치는 영향)

  • Heo, Jeong-Moo;Kwak, Ju-Seog;Lee, Hwang;Lee, Su-Jong;Im, Mi-Kyung
    • Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.150-157
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    • 2002
  • One of the latest concepts in bonding are "total etch", in which both enamel and dentin are etched with an acid to remove the smear layers, and "wet dentin" in which the dentin is not dry but left moist before application of the bonding primer Ideally the application of a bonding agent to tooth structure should be insensitive to minor contamination from oral fluids. Clinically, contaminations such as saliva, gingival fluid, blood and handpiece lubricant are often encountered by dentists during cavity preparation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of contamination by hemostatic agents on shear bond strength of compomer restorations. One hundred and ten extracted human maxillary and mandibular molar teeth were collected. The teeth were removed soft tissue remnant and debris and stored in physiologic solution until they were used. Small flat area on dentin of the buccal surface were wet ground serially with 400, 800 and 1200 abrasive papers on automatic polishing machine. The teeth were randomly divided into 11 groups. Each group was conditioned as follows : Group 1: Dentin surface was not etched and not contaminated by hemostatic agents. Group 2: Dentin surface was not etched but was contaminated by Astringedent$^{\circledR}$(Ultradent product Inc., Utah, U.S.A.) Group 3: Dentin surface was not etched but was contaminated by Bosmin$^{\circledR}$(Jeil Pharm, Korea.). Group 4: Dentin surface was not etched but was contaminated by Epri-dent$^{\circledR}$(Epr Industries, NJ, U.S.A.). Group 5: Dentin surface was etched and not contaminated by hemostatic agents. Group 6: Dentin sorface was etched and contaminated by Astringedent$^{\circledR}$. Group 7 : Dentin surface was etched and contaminated by Bosmin$^{\circledR}$. Group 8: Dentin surface was etched and contaminated by Epri-dent$^{\circledR}$. Group 9: Dentin surface was contaminated by Astringedent$^{\circledR}$. The contaminated surface was rinsed by water and dried by compressed air. Group 10: Dentin surface was contaminated by Bosmin$^{\circledR}$. The contaminated surface was rinsed by water and dried by compressed air. Group 11 : Dentin surface was contaminated by Epri-dent$^{\circledR}$. The contaminated surface was rinsed by water and dried by compressed air. After surface conditioning, F2000$^{\circledR}$ was applicated on the conditoned dentin surface The teeth were thermocycled in distilled water at 5$^{\circ}C$ and 55$^{\circ}C$ for 1,000 cycles. The samples were placed on the binder with the bonded compomer-dentin interface parallel to the knife-edge shearing rod of the Universal Testing Machine(Zwick Z020, Zwick Co., Germany) running at a cross head speed or 1.0 mm/min. Group 2 showed significant decrease in shear bond strength compared with group 1 and group 6 showed significant decrease in shear bond strength compared with group 5. There were no significant differences in shear bond strength between group 5 and group 9, 10 and 11.

Expression and Localization of 20α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Immature Pig Testis (미니돼지 정소에서 20α-HSD의 발현 및 특성화)

  • Kim, Jeong-Soo;Seong, Hun-Ki;Byambaragchaa, Munkhzaya;Sim, Bo-Woong;Her, Chang-Gi;Kang, Myung-Hwa;Min, Kwan-Sik
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.27 no.7
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    • pp.739-745
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    • 2017
  • In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy. $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form $20{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($20{\alpha}$-OHP), and plays a crucial role in the termination of pregnancy and initiation of parturition. In this study, we characterized the expression and localization of $20{\alpha}$-HSDinthe testis of MediKinetics $Micropigs^{(R)}$. The testes were collected at days 6, 9, 12, 18, and 21 after birth. The $20{\alpha}$-HSD mRNA was found to be expressed in the testis at day 6 after birth by RT-PCR. The highest level of mRNA expression in the testis was detected on day 21 after birth. However, the mRNA was not detected in the placenta after parturition. Western blot for $20{\alpha}$-HSD reveal that the specific 37-kDa band was detected in immature pig testis. However, this band was not detected in testis tissue at day 6 after birth. In the immunohistochemical analysis of the testis, $20{\alpha}$-HSD was detected in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Taken together, our study shows for the first time that the $20{\alpha}$-HSD mRNA and protein are expressed in pig testis after birth. Further investigation is required to elucidate the functional mechanisms of $20{\alpha}$-HSD in pig testis after birth.

CROSS-SECTIONAL MORPHOLOGY AND MINIMUM CANAL WALL WIDTHS IN C-SHAPED ROOT OF MANDIBULAR MOLARS (C-shaped canal의 절단면 분석을 통한 근관형태의 변화와 근관과 치아외벽간의 최소거리 분석에 관한 연구)

  • Song, Byung-Chul;Cho, Yong-Bum
    • Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.37-46
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    • 2007
  • The C-shaped canal system is an anatomical variation mostly seen in mandibular second molars, although it can also occur in maxillary and other mandibular molars. The main anatomical feature of C-shaped canals is the presence of fins or web connecting the individual root canals. The complexity of C-shaped canals prevents these canals from being cleaned, shaped, and obturated effectively during root canal therapy, and sometimes it leads to an iatrogenic perforation from the extravagant preparation. The purpose of this study was to provide further knowledge of the anatomical configuration and the minimal thickness of dentinal wall according to the level of the root. Thirty extracted mandibular second molars with fused roots and longitudinal grooves on lingual or buccal surface of the root were collected from a native Korean population. The photo images and radiographs from buccal, lingual, apical direction were taken. After access cavity was prepared, teeth were placed in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 2 hours to dissolve the organic tissue of the root surface and from the root canal system. After bench dried and all the teeth were embedded in a self-curing resin. Each block was sectioned using a microtome (Accutom-50, Struers, Denmark) at interval of 1 mm. The sectioned surface photograph was taken using a digital camera (Coolpix 995, Nikon, Japan) connected to the microscope. 197 images were evaluated for canal configurations and the minimal thickness of dentinal wall between canal and external wall using 'Root Thickness Gauge Program' designed with Visual Basic. The results were as follows : 1. At the orifice level of all teeth, the most frequent observed configuration was Melton's Type C I (73%), however the patterns were changed to type C II and C III when the sections were observed at the apical third. On the other hand, the type C III was observed at the orifice level of only 2 teeth but this type could be seen at apical region of the rest of the teeth. 2. The C-shaped canal showed continuous and semi-colon shape at the orifice level, but at the apical portion of the canal there was high possibility of having 2 or 3 canals 3. Lingual wall was thinner than buccal wall at coronal, middle, apical thirds of root but there was no statistical differences.