The relationship between stroke and quality of life in Korean adults: based on the 2010 Korean community health survey

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of stroke in the Republic of Korea and its relationship with QOL based on standardized data. [Subjects and Methods] This study utilized raw data from the 2010 KCHS. In total, 229,229 individuals participated in the 2010 survey. The final analysis identified 4,604 individuals who had been diagnosed by a doctor with stroke. To identify the correlation between the aftereffect-related characteristics of stroke patients and QOL, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed. [Results] Participants experiencing aftereffects had a statistically significantly lower QOL than participants who had not experienced aftereffects. Regarding the types of aftereffects, participants experiencing palsy in the arms and legs, facial palsy, communication disabilities, swallowing or eating disabilities, and visual disabilities had a statistically significantly lower QOL than participants without aftereffects. The QOL of participants with one, two, three, four, or five aftereffects was statistically significantly less than that of participants without aftereffects [Conclusion] Stroke directly influences QOL and the number of types of aftereffects experienced by patients. Therefore, it is highly important that physical therapists seek to end the occurrence of one or more types of aftereffects in stroke patients.Key words: Stroke, Quality of life, Korean community healthy survey     

Evaluation of microvascular bone graft reconstruction of the head and neck with 3-D Tc-DPD SPECT scans

Objective: We conducted a prospective investigation to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computer-aided 3-dimensional (3-D) technetium 99m dicarboxypropane methylene diphosphonate (^99mTc-DPD) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reconstruction in the evaluation of microvascular bone flaps used for maxillofacial reconstruction. Study Design: Twenty patients who received 20 autogenous microvascular bone flaps for reconstruction of the mandible and maxilla were evaluated. Forty bone scans with subsequent computer-aided reconstruction were performed. Each graft could be assessed within 48 to 72 hours after surgery. The second bone scan was performed between 12 and 14 days after surgery. Results: Complications were observed in 5 grafts. SPECT investigation performed at the 2 time points after reconstruction showed a significantly higher tracer uptake in grafts with an uncomplicated further course than in those that developed complications. Conclusions: Computer-aided 3D ^99mTc-DPD SPECT reconstruction serves as a useful prognostic tool and helps in the very early recognition of complications. This technique adds significantly to the value of planar bone scintigraphy and conventional SPECT images. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:679-85)     

Effect of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on non‐melanoma skin cancer incidence in the SKICAP‐AK trial

Recent studies link the prostaglandin metabolic pathway to skin carcinogenesis expanding possibilities that cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors may be utilized in non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) chemoprevention. Using data from a study of the efficacy of retinol supplementation on incidence of NMSC, we sought to determine the role of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in NMSC development. Cox proportional hazards models describe the relationship between NSAID use and time to first squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or basal cell carcinoma (BCC) among participants categorized by use pattern: continuous users (use for length of study duration), new users (use for less than study duration), and non‐users. For SCC and BCC, there was a statistically significant protective effect for participants who reported use for less than the study duration (HR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.28–0.87 and HR = 0.43, 95%CI 0.25–0.73, respectively). Categorical examination of NSAIDs (aspirin (ASA) vs. non‐ASA NSAIDs) showed significant effects for BCC among those using non‐ASA NSAIDs for less than the study duration (HR = 0.33, 95%CI 0.13–0.80). For SCC and BCC, NSAID use of shorter duration and potentially more recent, was more protective than longer duration of use. These results are counter to the idea that longer duration of NSAID use is more protective. Additional investigations are needed into the role NSAIDs play in the chemoprevention of NMSC. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The relationship of the glenoid fossa to the functional occlusal plane

The geometric relationship of the functional occlusal plane to the center of the glenoid fossa, as seen in the sagittal view, is described for males and females from age 7 through 25 years. This relationship is fully described by the distance from the geometric center of the glenoid fossa perpendicular to the functional occlusal plane (L, in millimeters) and its angulation (theta, in degrees) relative to a constructed Frankfort horizontal (SN-7 degrees ). Regression formulas with 95% confidence levels are described for L and theta for both genders combined. The differences between genders were found to be statistically insignificant. No correlation was found between these dimensions relative to the presence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms. A statistically significant difference in both L and theta was found in males who exhibited a Class III relationship compared with males exhibiting a Class II relationship.     

Transforming growth factor-β in breast milk: A potential regulator of atopic disease at an early age

Background: According to data from animal and in vitro studies, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has a crucial effect on 2 essential parts of the mucosal immune system: IgA production and oral tolerance induction. Objective: We sought to ascertain whether TGF-β in breast milk is associated with specific IgA production and atopic disease in human subjects. Methods: Forty-seven infants with several atopic family members were followed during their first year of life. The concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in maternal colostrum, mature milk, and the infants’ sera were determined. The enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used to assess the infants’ specific IgA production in response to β-lactoglobulin, casein, gliadin, and ovalbumin. Results: At 12 months, atopic dermatitis was confirmed in 29 of 47 infants; in 11, atopic disease had begun during exclusive breast-feeding (preweaning onset), whereas in 18 the disease manifested itself after weaning (postweaning onset). The concentrations of both TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were higher in maternal colostrum, but not in mature milk and infants’ serum, in infants with postweaning-onset atopic disease compared with those with preweaning-onset disease (P = .0008 and P = .015, respectively). The concentration of TGF-β2 was, and that of TGF-β1 tended to be, higher in the colostrum of mothers whose infants had specific IgA-secreting cells at 3 months in response to at least one of the dietary antigens tested compared with those who did not have such cells (P = .048 and P = .076, respectively). Conclusion: TGF-β in colostrum may prevent the development of atopic disease during exclusive breast-feeding and promote specific IgA production in human subjects. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;1251-7.)     

An in vitro evaluation of a metal reinforced orthodontic ceramic bracket

The objectives of the present study were to measure and compare the bond strength and failure sites of a currently available ceramic bracket (Transcend 3M-Unitek) with the new metal reinforced ceramic bracket (Clarity 3M-Unitek) and to evaluate the amount of composite left on the tooth using the Adhesive Remnant Index in the teeth that were debonded with pliers recommended for this purpose. In addition, the presence or absence of enamel damage after debonding was also assessed. One hundred and twenty extracted premolar teeth were divided into 4 groups of 30 each. Two groups of 30 teeth had Transcend 6000 brackets bonded, and the other 2 groups had Clarity brackets bonded. Shear bond strength was carried out on 30 Transcend 6000 brackets and 30 Clarity brackets, whereas the other 2 groups of 30 teeth bonded with Transcend 6000 and Clarity brackets were debonded with debonding pliers recommended by the manufacturer of both ceramic brackets. The mean shear bond strength of the Clarity brackets was 13.27 MPa, whereas that of the Transcend 6000 was 21.19 MPa. Both brackets failed mostly at the bracket-adhesive interface (75%), indicating a possible reduction of the chances of enamel damage. Six of the premolars, bonded with Transcend 6000 brackets and debonded with the plier, showed an increase in the number or length of enamel cracks as evaluated by an optical microscope (Micro-Vu); one premolar, bonded with Clarity brackets and debonded with the pliers, showed an increased enamel crack length. Gross enamel damage, assessed by enamel dislodgment, was not evident in any specimen. Results of this study suggest that the new metal reinforced ceramic bracket (Clarity) may be recommended for clinical use because of its acceptable shear bond strength and possible reduced chances of enamel damage during bracket removal.