Evaluation of dental plaque reduction using microcurrent-emitting toothbrushes in orthodontic patients: a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of microcurrent-emitting toothbrushes (MCTs) and ordinary toothbrushes in reducing the dental plaque index (PI) and dental caries activity among orthodontic patients. The evaluation was performed using a crossover study design involving 22 orthodontic patients randomly assigned to the MCT or ordinary toothbrush groups. The participants used the designated toothbrush for 4 weeks and had a 1-week wash-out time before crossover to the other toothbrush. PI (Attin's index) and dental caries activity were measured at baseline and at the end of each 4-week period. Additionally, patients completed questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction for "freshness in mouth" and "cleansing degree." The results showed that the MCT group had a significant reduction in PI (p = 0.009), whereas the ordinary toothbrush group did not (p = 0.595). There was no significant difference in the dental caries activity between the two groups (p > 0.05). Patient satisfaction assessment revealed that 65% patients in the MCT group had more than "fair" experience of freshness, in contrast to 50% of patients in the ordinary toothbrush group. Satisfaction with cleansing degree was similar in both groups. Overall, these findings suggest that MCTs are more effective in reducing dental PI than ordinary toothbrushes.

Epigenetic Activation of Tensin 4 Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a complex disease influenced by multiple genetic and epigenetic factors. Chronic inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and dietary risk factors can result in the accumulation of aberrant DNA methylation in gastric mucosa, which promotes GC development. Tensin 4 (TNS4), a member of the Tensin family of proteins, is localized to focal adhesion sites, which connect the extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal network. We identified upregulation of TNS4 in GC using quantitative reverse transcription PCR with 174 paired samples of GC tumors and adjacent normal tissues. Transcriptional activation of TNS4 occurred even during the early stage of tumor development. TNS4 depletion in GC cell lines that expressed high to moderate levels of TNS4, i.e., SNU-601, KATO III, and MKN74, reduced cell proliferation and migration, whereas ectopic expression of TNS4 in those lines that expressed lower levels of TNS4, i.e., SNU-638, MKN1, and MKN45 increased colony formation and cell migration. The promoter region of TNS4 was hypomethylated in GC cell lines that showed upregulation of TNS4. We also found a significant negative correlation between TNS4 expression and CpG methylation in 250 GC tumors based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. This study elucidates the epigenetic mechanism of TNS4 activation and functional roles of TNS4 in GC development and progression and suggests a possible approach for future GC treatments.

Effectiveness of remote monitoring and feedback on objective compliance with a mandibular advancement device for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Compliance with a mandibular advancement device is important for the optimal treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Recent advances in information and communication technology-based monitoring and intervention for chronic diseases have enabled continuous monitoring and personalized management. Self-evaluation and self-regulation through objective monitoring and feedback may improve compliance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of information and communication technology-based remote monitoring and feedback services, using a smartphone application, on the objective compliance with a mandibular advancement device in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Forty individuals who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea by polysomnography were randomly assigned to groups A and B. During an initial 6-week evaluation period, the mandibular advancement device-wearing time was monitored with the smartphone application in group B, but not in group A. The two groups then switched the monitoring procedures during the second 6-week period (the smartphone application was then used by group B, but not by group A). If no input data were indicated on the cloud server of the smartphone application during the monitored period, push notifications were provided twice daily. Objective compliance, monitored by a micro-recorder within the mandibular advancement device, was noted and compared based on whether the monitoring service was provided. The number of mandibular advancement device-wearing days was significantly higher in the monitored period than in the unmonitored period. The mandibular advancement device-wearing time did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, information and communication technology-based remote monitoring and feedback services demonstrated a potential to increase the objective measures of compliance with mandibular advancement devices.

Simple oral exercise with chewing gum for improving oral function in older adults.

BACKGROUND: As general and oral health are closely interrelated, promoting oral health may extend a healthy life expectancy. AIMS: To evaluate the long-term effects of simple oral exercise (SOE) and chewing gum exercise on mastication, salivation, and swallowing function in adults aged ≥ 65 years. METHODS: Ninety-six participants were assigned to control, SOE, and GOE (chewing gum exercise with SOE) groups. The SOE comprised exercises to improve mastication, salivation, and swallowing function. Control group participants performed no exercises. The intervention period was 8 weeks, followed by a 3-week maintenance period. The Mixing Ability Index (MAI), occlusal force, unstimulated saliva, and repetitive saliva swallowing test were evaluated at baseline and 2, 5, 8, and 11 weeks later. Self-reported discomfort was re-evaluated after 8 weeks. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, mean MAI differences from baseline significantly increased in both groups; the increase in the GOE group was largest and four times higher than in the control group. Mean differences of occlusal force from baseline increased by 56 N (SOE group) and 60 N (GOE group). The increase of salivation was greater in the SOE (3.6-fold) and GOE (2.2-fold) groups than in the control group. Furthermore, 27% and 18% of SOE and GOE group participants, respectively, were re-categorized as having good swallowing function. Participants reported less discomfort as oral functions improved. DISCUSSION: These findings may facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines for optimal oral care in older adults. CONCLUSION: While both SOE and GOE may improve oral function in older adults, GOE is recommended for those with impaired mastication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0003305, retrospectively registered 31/10/2018.

Improvements in oral functions of elderly after simple oral exercise.

Purpose: Conventional oral exercises in previous studies are considered impractical for continuous use in the elderly because of the extended duration needed for effective outcomes. Therefore, in the present study, a simple oral exercise (SOE) was developed to reduce performance time, focusing on improvements in mastication, salivation, and swallowing functions. The aim of this study was to determine the short-term effects of the SOE with respect to improving mastication, salivation, and swallowing function in elderly subjects ≥65 years of age. Patients and methods: The study included 84 subjects, all of whom performed the SOE 2 times per day for 1 week. Masticatory performance was assessed using the mixing ability index (MAI). Unstimulated saliva and the degree of moisture of the tongue/buccal mucosa were evaluated, and the repetitive saliva swallowing test was performed. On the basis of each of these four measurements, subjects were dichotomized into two groups with high (good) and low (poor) conditions. The same evaluations were conducted before and immediately after intervention, as well as after 1 week of intervention. A subjective evaluation with questionnaires was performed after 1 week of intervention. The changes were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, Cochran's Q test, and McNemar's test. Results: The mean MAI increased by 6% immediately after the intervention, and by 16% in the poor-chewing group. Similarly, the amount of unstimulated saliva increased by 0.1 ml/min immediately after the SOE, and by 29% in the poor-salivation group. The degree of tongue moisture increased by 3% and was maintained. In the poor-swallowing group, 25% and 40% of the subjects were upgraded to the good-swallowing group immediately after intervention, as well as after 1 week of intervention, respectively. The subjects experienced less discomfort as their oral function improved. Conclusion: The SOE was effective in immediately improving oral functions, and improvement was maintained for 1 week.

Preparation and properties of collagen/modified hyaluronic acid hydrogel for biomedical application.

Hydrogels composed of collagen and hyaluronic acid are types of crosslinked water-swellable polymers and possess vast potential for applications in the medical industry. Collagen (Co) is the major structural protein of connective tissues such as skin, tendon and cartilage. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-immunogenic, non-adhesive glycosaminoglycan that has a high water absorption property and plays significant roles in several cellular processes. The purpose of this study is to prepare a collagen (Co)-modified hyaluronic acid (MHA) hydrogel and investigate its potential utility for biomedical products such as wound dressing materials. Collagen (Co, type I) was obtained from pig skin and mucopolysaccharide-HA was modified by a poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) crosslinker. Thermal stability, swelling behavior, and mechanical strength of Co-MHA hydrogel according to different mass ratios of Co and MHA in hydrogel networks were investigated. The physical properties of the hydrogel were measured by SEM, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravity Analysis (TGA), and a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The cell viability of Co-MHA hydrogel was also evaluated using an in vitro MTT assay.