Utility of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) in Evaluating Self-Reported Dysphagia Associated with Oral Frailty in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older People.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to verify the associations between dysphagia as screened by the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and indicators in the 100-mL water swallowing test (WST) or medical history among community-dwelling older people. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study participants were 202 community-dwelling older Japanese adults aged ≥65 years. MEASUREMENTS: We investigated the participants' basic attributes, including age, sex, body mass index, medical history (cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], and history of pneumonia within the previous year), and number of prescribed medications. Dysphagia assessment was performed using the EAT-10 and the 100-mL WST as subjective and objective examinations, respectively. The 100-mL WST used four indicators (SC: swallowing capacity, VS: volume per swallow, TS: time per swallow, and choking signs). Patients with and without dysphagia according to the EAT-10 were divided into two groups according to a cutoff score of 3, and the two groups were then compared in terms of their characteristics including medical history and 100-mL WST indicators. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine whether the indicators of the 100-mL WST or medical history were independently associated with dysphagia in the EAT-10. RESULTS: The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that dysphagia in the EAT-10 was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98-7.90), COPD (OR = 14.68; 95% CI = 3.14-68.85), and VS and TS in the 100-mL WST (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.80-0.90 and OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.78-5.16, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that the EAT-10 was independently associated with the 100-mL WST and respiratory disease. We propose that swallowing rehabilitation incorporating respiratory training could be effective for older people screened using the EAT-10.

h-BN nanosheets as simple and effective additives to largely enhance the activity of Au/TiO2 plasmonic photocatalysts.

The activity of Au nanoparticle-loaded P25 TiO2 (Au/P25) plasmonic photocatalysts, evaluated by the oxidative decomposition of formic acid in water under visible light irradiation, was enhanced up to 3 times by simply mixing Au/P25 with photocatalytically inactive h-BN nanosheets as a result of electron transfer from photoexcited Au/TiO2 to the h-BN nanosheets and retardation of the charge recombination.

The population demography of Betula maximowicziana, a cool-temperate tree species in Japan, in relation to the last glacial period: its admixture-like genetic structure is the result of simple population splitting not admixing.

Conservation of the local genetic variation and evolutionary integrity of economically and ecologically important trees is a key aspect of studies involving forest genetics, and a population demographic history of the target species provides valuable information for this purpose. Here, the genetic structure of 48 populations of Betula maximowicziana was assessed using 12 expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers. Genetic diversity was lower in northern populations than southern ones and structure analysis revealed three groups: northern and southern clusters and an admixed group. Eleven more genomic-SSR loci were added and the demographic history of these three groups was inferred by approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). The ABC revealed that a simple split scenario was much more likely than isolation with admixture, suggesting that the admixture-like structure detected in this species was due to ancestral polymorphisms. The ABC analysis suggested that the population growth and divergence of the three groups occurred 96 800 (95% CI, 20 500-599 000) and 28 300 (95% CI, 8700-98 400) years ago, respectively. We need to be aware of several sources of uncertainty in the inference such as assumptions about the generation time, overlapping of generations, confidence intervals of the estimated parameters and the assumed model in the ABC. However, the results of the ABC together with the model-based maps of reconstructed past species distribution and palaeoecological data suggested that the modern genetic structure of B. maximowicziana originated prior to the last glacial maximum (LGM) and that some populations survived in the northern range even during the LGM.

Heterogeneity in soil water and light environments and dispersal limitation: what facilitates tree species coexistence in a temperate forest?

In the present study, we analysed the habitat association of tree species in an old-growth temperate forest across all life stages to test theories on the coexistence of tree species in forest communities. An inventory for trees was implemented at a 6-ha plot in Ogawa Forest Reserve for adults, juveniles, saplings and seedlings. Volumetric soil water content (SMC) and light levels were measured in 10-m grids. Relationships between the actual number of stems and environmental variables were determined for 35 major tree species, and the spatial correlations within and among species were analysed. The light level had no statistically significant effect on distribution of saplings and seedlings of any species. In contrast, most species had specific optimal values along the SMC gradient. The optimal values were almost identical in earlier life stages, but were more variable in later life stages among species. However, no effective niche partitioning among the species was apparent even at the adult stage. Furthermore, results of spatial analyses suggest that dispersal limitation was not sufficient to mitigate competition between species. This might result from well-scattered seed distribution via wind and bird dispersal, as well as conspecific density-dependent mortality of seeds and seedlings. Thus, both niche partitioning and dispersal limitation appeared less important for facilitating coexistence of species within this forest than expected in tropical forests. The tree species assembly in this temperate forest might be controlled through a neutral process at the spatial scale tested in this study.

Cell dynamics in Hertwig's epithelial root sheath and surrounding mesenchyme in mice irradiated to the head.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms that cause damage to root formation as a result of irradiation to the mouse head, morphological changes in molar dental roots and cell dynamics in Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS), and surrounding mesenchymal tissue were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To perform the experiments, 5-day-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (0 Gy) and irradiated groups (10 and 20 Gy). Micro-CT analysis, HE staining, immunohistochemistry analysis, and TUNEL assay were then performed. RESULTS: Roots in irradiated mice were dose-dependently shorter than those of control mice. Cells located outside the root dentin, with abnormal morphology in irradiated mice, were positive for an odontoblast marker. HERS fragmentation occurred earlier in irradiated mice than in control mice, and HERS was trapped by the calcified apical tissue. A dose-dependent reduction in the number of proliferating cells within the apical dental pulp and periapical periodontal ligament surrounding HERS was observed in irradiated mice. Apoptotic cells in the dental pulp and periodontal ligament surrounding HERS were hardly seen. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the early disappearance of HERS and the proliferative suppression of the surrounding mesenchymal cells, which was induced by irradiation, caused dental root malformation.

Extraordinary effects of an argon atmosphere on TiO2 photocatalysis.

When used as a photocatalyst under solar light, TiO2 tends to show a low photocatalytic activity. We report here that even TiO2 exhibits a high photocatalytic activity toward the decomposition (mineralization) of aqueous organic contaminants under simulated solar light when used under an Ar atmosphere (Ar flow). The photocatalytic decomposition rate of a cationic dye, crystal violet, and the CO2 evolution rate over TiO2 (P25, mainly composed of anatase and rutile) under Ar flow were substantially higher than those obtained in air and under air, O2, N2 and CO2 flows. Similar positive effects of Ar flow on photocatalytic reactions were observed when another cationic dye, basic violet 4, and TiO2 (anatase) were used, suggesting the versatility of Ar flow for improving photocatalytic activities.

Identification of a distinct lineage of Cacopsylla chinensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Japan on the basis of two mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Psyllids are a menacing pests of pears (Pyrus spp.) grown in temperate and subtropical regions of the world, including Taiwan and China. Pear psyllids belong to the large genus Cacopsylla (Psyllidae: Psyllinae). Among the 28 psyllid species that infest pear trees, Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang and Li, 1981) is considered the most harmful. Two psyllid outbreaks involving exotic species affected Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia variety culta) orchards in the Saga Prefecture in July and November 2011. The psyllids were morphologically identical to the summer and winter forms of C. chinensis. In this study, we performed DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I-leucine tRNA-cytochrome oxidase II (COI-tRNA(Leu)-COII) and 16S rDNA regions to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among 82 summer-form psyllids, five winter-form psyllids from several orchards in Japan, and those reported from Taiwan and China. The sequences of the COI-tRNA(LEU)-COII and 16S rDNA regions were identical among all 87 psyllids from Japan, regardless of summer/winter forms or orchards in Saga, Japan. Comparison of nucleotide sequences and phylogenetic analysis differentiated Japanese psyllids from the Taiwanese and Chinese C. chinensis isolates, with approximately 8 and 7% nucleotide difference in the COI-tRNA(LEU)-COII and 16S rDNA regions, respectively. The results suggest that C. chinensis possess a high level of genetic variability and that the psyllids responsible for the outbreak in Saga, Japan belong to a distinct lineage of C. chinensis.

Volume measurement of crowns in mandibular primary central incisors by micro-computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine sex differences in the tissue proportions of crowns of mandibular primary central incisors in Chinese children and to quantify the volume of crown components in three dimensions using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens used in this study were 41 mandibular first deciduous incisor teeth with intact crowns (21 males and 20 females) obtained from patients between 5-6 years of age. Each specimen was scanned using micro-CT at a resolution of 0.05 mm and 3D-rendered images were created. The volume of each component of the crown was measured and examined for differences in different sex and ages. RESULTS: The pulp chamber volume decreased with age and the volume ratio of the pulp chamber to the whole crown was significantly smaller in 6-year-olds than in 5-year-olds (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Males had significantly larger tooth crown volumes and dentin volumes than females did (p < 0.001), while the volume of enamel showed no sexual dimorphism.

[Intraoperative direct angiography for the diminutive central pulmonary artery in a patient with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries].

It can be difficult to judge the degree of arborization of diminutive central pulmonary arteries (cPA) in patients with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA). Even through preoperative cardiac catheterization may not give adequate information. We introduce intra-operative direct angiography of diminutive cPA for patients with MAPCA. This would be one of the good options to judge the degree of arborization of the diminutive cPA, and to decide an initial surgical treatment. In this case, unifocalization of MAPCA without patch augmentation of pulmonary arteries, and an aortopulmonary shunt were performed at the 1st procedure. As enough growth of the cPA was obtained, this patient did not require additional patch augmentation of the pulmonary artery at the time of complete repair.

Outcome of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether elderly patients with colorectal cancer benefit from laparoscopic colon surgery (LAC) in comparison to open colon surgery (OC). METHODS: Patients with colon cancer were divided into four groups; >75 years (CC(>75) ) [LAC(>75) (n=36), OC(>75) (n=15)] and ≤75 years [LAC(≤75) (n=90), OC(≤75) (n=26)]. Differences in postoperative short-term outcomes were analyzed among the age and procedure groups. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the LAC(>75) group (68 ± 168 ml) than in the OC(>75) group (118 ± 130 ml, P=0.040). The C-reactive protein of patients in the OC(>75) group (5.4 ± 2.2 mg/dl) tended to be less than that of the LAC(>75) group (6.1 ± 2.8 mg/dl, P=0.080) on postoperative day 1. The time to the first passage of flatus was significantly shorter in the LAC(>75) group (2.0 ± 0.7 days) than in the OC(>75) group (2.7 ± 0.8 days, P=0.003). Postoperative hospital stays were also shorter in the LAC(>75) group (14.2 ± 9.4 days) than in the OC(>75) group (18.0 ± 8.3 days, P=0.038). No mortality was registered in the LAC(>75) group, while one patient in the OC(>75) group died during the postoperative course. The rate of postoperative morbidity was similar between the LAC(>75) and OC(>75) groups [13.9% (5/36) versus 20.0% (3/15), P=0.679]. CONCLUSION: LAC provides some advantages over OC in patients with colon cancer aged >75 years as well as in those aged ≤75 years. LAC can be safely performed in very elderly patients with colon cancer.

Effect of mechanical stretching on expressions of muscle specific transcription factors MyoD, Myf-5, myogenin and MRF4 in proliferated myoblasts.

We examined expression of four important members of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) in the myoblasts both at mRNA and protein levels, which were subjected to mechanical stretching in in vitro condition. Our results showed that MyoD expression existed both in the stretch and in the control group at all time periods of the mechanical stimulus. Myf-5 expressed only at early stage of the stretch group. Although mRNA and protein expressions of myogenin and MRF4 were detected both in the stretch and in the control group at 12 h after the stretching, their expressions were only shown in the stretch group at 24 h after the mechanical stimulus. However, at 36 and 48 h, none of the MRFs examined except MyoD appeared in both groups. Our results suggest that the MRFs are up-regulated upon mechanical stimulus and each member plays a different major role for either proliferation or differentiation of the myoblasts.

Age estimation based on three-dimensional measurement of mandibular central incisors in Japanese.

The purpose of this study was to investigate an age estimation method that considers gender as well as three-dimensional measurement of the components, specifically enamel and dentin. A total of 155 mandibular central incisors aged 12-79 years old which was chosen from the collection stored at the Department of Anatomy in Tokyo Dental College and had no opened apex, caries or restorative treatment, were examined. Samples were scanned using micro-CT HMX225 ACTIS4. Based on the sliced image data, three-dimensional structures were obtained and the volumes of enamel, dentin, and pulp cavity were measured. Regression equations for age estimation were then determined. The accuracy of age estimation equations for each region, volume ratio, and sex was assessed using the determination coefficient R(2) as well as the standard errors of estimated values. The root region alone had a comparable accuracy to that of the whole tooth and the crown region had a relatively lower accuracy. In the whole tooth and the crown region, slightly higher correlations were observed for pulp/tooth volume ratios in which enamel was excluded. Females tended to have higher accuracy compared to males. The estimated age was higher in males compared to females for the same volume ratio of the pulp cavity. The highest correlation in both genders with age was observed for the volume ratio of the pulp cavity to the whole tooth excluding the enamel (males, R(2)=0.67; females, R(2)=0.76). The 95% confidence intervals for the population regression showed different distributions for each sex. In the 95% prediction intervals for age estimation, females tended to have narrower intervals and higher accuracy compared to males. Therefore, the use of gender-specific equations is recommended for age estimation.

Development of microsatellite markers for Euchresta japonica and E. formosana (Leguminosae).

We isolated 13 microsatellite loci from Euchresta japonica, an endangered shrub species that grows in warm-temperate forests in East Asia. Of these 13 loci, only one was codominant and polymorphic with five alleles. Cross-species amplification in a related species, E. formosana, detected nine of these loci, all of which were codominant and polymorphic with 2 to 9 alleles. These markers will facilitate further studies on the genetic characteristics of these two Euchresta species.

Changes in the myosin heavy chain 2a and 2b isoforms of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle before and after weaning in mice.

During the process of growth and development, the digastric muscle is subjected to marked functional changes, including the change from suckling to mastication. In particular, because the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, which is one of the suprahyoid muscles, plays an important role in mastication. Therefore, this muscle seems to undergo a marked functional change before and after weaning. However, the details remain unknown. Here, to clarify the changes in the muscle fibre characteristics of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle before and after weaning, we examined myosin heavy chain isoforms at the protein (immunohistochemistry) and mRNA (transcription) levels. As a control, the changes in the muscle fibre characteristics of the sternohyoid muscle, which is anatomically aligned in the same direction as the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, were analyzed. The results showed that, in the anterior belly of the digastric muscle that is involved in mandibular movements in mice, the ratio of a fast-contraction isoform with strong contractile force increased after weaning. We believe that this occurred in response to a functional change from suckling to mastication. On the other hand, there was little change in the composition of sternohyoid muscle.

Activation of caspase 3, 9, 12, and Bax in masseter muscle of mdx mice during necrosis.

The mdx mouse, a model of muscular dystrophy, lacks dystrophin, a cell membrane protein. It is known that the lack of dystrophin causes muscle fiber necrosis from 2 weeks after birth, and the majority of necrotic muscle fibers are replaced by regenerated muscle fibers by 4 weeks after birth. A recent study indicated the possibility that mitochondria-mediated intracellular stress, a phenomenon similar to apoptosis, may be produced during muscle fiber necrosis, but did not analyze endoplasmic reticulum-mediated intracellular stress. Therefore, we examined the expression of the caspase-12 gene involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and the Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 genes involved in the mitochondrial stress pathway in the mdx masseter muscle. We found over-expression of caspase-12 in cells at 2-3 weeks after birth when muscle fiber necrosis was not prominent. This suggests that stress occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum to maintain cell morphology in the absence of dystrophin. In addition, Bax was abundantly expressed in the mdx masseter muscle at 3 weeks after birth, and the expression of caspase-9 and -3 was prominent at 3-4 weeks after birth when necrosis and regeneration were marked. These results indicate that endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stresses are produced during necrosis of the mdx masseter muscle, and suggest that these events are a phenomenon similar to apoptosis.

Changes in the muscle fibre properties of the mouse temporal muscle after weaning.

To clarify changes in the muscle fibre properties of the temporal muscle related to the start of masticatory movement, we immunohistochemically investigated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform protein expression using pre-weaning and post-weaning mice. In addition, we examined the expression of a gene coding for those MyHC proteins. Immediately after weaning, isoforms with fast and potent contractility were frequent. This suggests that the temporal muscle plays an important role in a marked functional change in the oral cavity from lactation to mastication, contributing to oral function in cooperation with other masticatory muscles.

Estrogen-receptor-alpha-positive extramammary Paget's disease treated with hormonal therapy.

The patient was an 80-year-old man with scrotal and penile extramammary Paget's disease and prostate cancer. Both diseases were in advanced stages. Tumor cells of extramammary Paget's disease strongly expressed estrogen receptor alpha. The patient was concurrently treated with two kinds of hormonal therapy: the anti-estrogen tamoxifen (20 mg/day orally) for extramammary Paget's disease and the anti-androgen bicalutamide (80 mg/day orally) for prostate cancer. The toxicity of the therapy was mild. All of the metastatic lesions remained stable for 2 months after initiation of dual hormonal therapy. During a follow-up period of 22 months, performance status was well maintained for 17 months. Hormonal therapy may be an alternative for selected cases of advanced extramammary Paget's disease.

Sensory system-predominant distribution of leukotriene A4 hydrolase and its colocalization with calretinin in the mouse nervous system.

Leukotriene B4 is a potent lipid mediator, which has been identified as a potent proinflammatory and immunomodulatory compound. Although there has been robust evidence indicating that leukotriene B4 is synthesized in the normal brain, detailed distribution and its functions in the nervous system have been unclear. To obtain insight into the possible neural function of leukotriene B4, we examined the immunohistochemical distribution of leukotriene A4 hydrolase, an enzyme catalyzing the final and committed step in leukotriene B4 biosynthesis, in the mouse nervous system. Immunoreactivity for leukotriene A4 hydrolase showed widespread distribution with preference to the sensory-associated structures; i.e. neurons in the olfactory epithelium and vomeronasal organ, olfactory glomeruli, possibly amacrine cells, neurons in the ganglion cell layer and three bands in the inner plexiform layer of the retina, axons in the optic nerve and tract up to the superior colliculus, inner and outer hair cells and the spiral ganglion cells in the cochlea, vestibulocochlear nerve bundle, spinal trigeminal tract, and lamina II of the spinal cord. Double immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that most of the leukotriene A4-hydrolase-immunopositive neurons coexpressed calretinin, a calcium-binding protein in neurons. The ubiquitous distribution of leukotriene A4 hydrolase was in sharp contrast with the distribution of leukotriene C4 synthase [Shimada A, Satoh M, Chiba Y, Saitoh Y, Kawamura N, Keino H, Hosokawa M, Shimizu T (2005) Highly selective localization of leukotriene C4 synthase in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic vasopressin systems of mouse brain. Neuroscience 131:683-689] which was confined to the hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic vasopressinergic neurons. These results suggest that leukotriene B4 may exert some neuromodulatory function mainly in the sensory nervous system, in concert with calretinin.

Three-dimensional analysis of pulp chambers in maxillary second deciduous molars.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the positional relationship between the crown contour and the pulp chamber using micro-CT system for restorations of maxillary second deciduous molar. METHODS: Five maxillary second deciduous molar teeth each from the deciduous dentition and the mixed dentition periods were used. The positional relationship between the crown contour and pulp chamber was three-dimensionally observed by micro-CT. In addition, the thickness of the dentin at each of the pulp horns and the volume ratio of the pulp chamber against the whole crown were measured. RESULTS: In relationship to the crown contour and the pulp chamber, the pulp horn of the mesiobuccal cusp showed greatest protrusion and eminent swelling of its mesial wall in both the deciduous dentition and the mixed dentition periods. Furthermore, the pulp chamber was shifted to the mesial side. The volume ratio of the pulp chamber to the whole crown, the ratio in the mixed dentition period showed to be significantly smaller than in the deciduous dentition period. The dentin thickness at the mesiobuccal pulp horn was the thinest. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in preparation of cavities in maxillary second deciduous molars, care is necessary not to expose of the mesiobuccal pulp horn. Especially, the mesial wall of the mesiobuccal pulp horn should be noted.

Wide-range analysis of genetic structure of Betula maximowicziana, a long-lived pioneer tree species and noble hardwood in the cool temperate zone of Japan.

Betula maximowicziana is a long-lived pioneer tree species in Japanese cool temperate forests that plays an important role in maintenance of the forest ecosystem and has high economic value. Here we assess the wide-range genetic structure of 23 natural populations of B. maximowicziana using 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Genetic diversity within populations was relatively low in all populations (mean H(E), 0.361; mean allelic richness, 2.80; mean rare allelic richness, 1.02). The population differentiation was also relatively low (F(ST), 0.062). Genetic distance-based and Bayesian clustering analysis revealed that the populations examined here could be divided into a southern group and a northern group. Analysis of rare allelic richness and Bayesian clustering revealed evidence for both southern and northern refugia during the last glacial period. Furthermore, a comparison of regional genetic diversity revealed significant clines in allelic richness. In spatial genetic structure evaluation, significant isolation by distance (IBD) was detected among the 23 populations, but not within regions. Moreover, significant population bottlenecks were found in all populations under infinite allele model (IAM) assumptions. These unusual, significant bottlenecks might be because of the processes of postglacial colonization and the species' characters and/or life history as a long-lived pioneer tree species. The wide-range, regional genetic structure found in this study provides an important baseline for conservation and forest management, including the identification of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) and/or management units (MUs) of B. maximowicziana.