Novel Carboxylation Method for Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Surface Modification Using Friedel-Crafts Acylation.

Recently, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has shown promising dental applications. Surface treatment is essential for dental applications owing to its poor surface energy and wettability; however, no consensus on an effective treatment method has been achieved. In this study, we attempted to carboxylate PEEK sample surfaces via Friedel-Crafts acylation using succinic anhydride and AlBr3. The possibility of further chemical modifications using carboxyl groups was examined. The samples were subjected to dehydration-condensation reactions with 1H,1H-pentadecafluorooctylamine and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Furthermore, the sample's surface properties at each reaction stage were evaluated. An absorption band in the 3300-3500 cm-1 wavenumber region was observed. Additionally, peak suggestive of COOH was observed in the sample spectra. Secondary modification diminished the absorption band in 3300-3500 cm-1 and a clear F1s signal was observed. Thus, Friedel-Crafts acylation with succinic anhydride produced carboxyl groups on the PEEK sample surfaces. Further chemical modification of the carboxyl groups by dehydration-condensation reactions is also possible. Thus, a series of reactions can be employed to impart desired chemical structures to PEEK surfaces.

A nerve-goblet cell association promotes allergic conjunctivitis through rapid antigen passage.

The penetration of allergens through the epithelial layer is the initial step in the development of allergic conjunctivitis. Although pollinosis patients manifest symptoms within minutes after pollen exposure, the mechanisms of the rapid transport of the allergens remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the instillation of pollen shells rapidly induces a large number of goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs) in the conjunctiva. Antigen acquisition by stromal cells, including macrophages and CD11b+ dendritic cells, correlated with surface GAP formation. Furthermore, a substantial amount of antigen was transported to the stroma during the first 10 minutes of pollen exposure, which was sufficient for the full induction of an allergic conjunctivitis mouse model. This inducible, rapid GAP formation and antigen acquisition were suppressed by topical lidocaine or trigeminal nerve ablation, indicating that the sensory nervous system plays an essential role. Interestingly, pollen shell-stimulated GAP formation was not suppressed by topical atropine, suggesting that the conjunctival GAPs and intestinal GAPs are differentially regulated. These results identify pollen shell-induced GAP as a therapeutic target for allergic conjunctivitis.

Differentiation of Active Ulcerative Colitis vs Noninflammatory Bowel Disease Proctitis by Transperineal Superb Microvascular Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Transabdominal ultrasonography and transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) appear correspond to colonoscopy (CS) for evaluating ulcerative colitis (UC) activity, but their utility in UC diagnosis remains unclear. This research compared the accuracy of TPUS and CS for assessing rectal activity and differentiating noninflammatory bowel disease proctitis from UC in pediatric cases. METHODS: The study is a blinded, prospective, and controlled trial. Prospectively, values of fecal calprotectin (FCP) and findings of the TPUS and CS were compared between child cases of UC and non-IBD proctitis. Findings of rectal wall thickening (RWT), rectal wall flow (RWF) on power Doppler, and microvascular signal at wall circumference (MSWC) on monochrome superb microvascular imaging assessed using TPUS were compared with the CS. RESULTS: Thirty patients with Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) 0 to 1 UC, 57 with MES 2 to 3 UC, and 44 with proctitis were registered. Fecal calprotectin, RWF, and MSWC indicated significant differences among the groups (P < .05). Rectal wall thickening showed no significant difference between MES 0-1 and proctitis (P = .76). Rectal wall thickening and MSWC were independent predictors of endoscopic activity of UC, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for RWT ≥4.5 mm and positive MSWC. Fecal calprotectin and RWF were independent predictors for differentiating MES 0 to 1 and proctitis, and FCP and RWT were independent predictors for differentiating MES 2 to 3 and proctitis. Sensitivity and specificity were 77.2% and 80.9%, respectively, for FCP >242.5 µg/g and RWF negative; and they were both 100% for RWT >4.1 mm and MSWC positive. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal ultrasonography with mSMI may enable the evaluation of rectal activity and differentiation of UC from non-IBD proctitis with accuracy comparable to endoscopy.

Transperineal ultrasonography with superb microvascular imaging can differentiate ulcerative colitis from noninflammatory bowel disease proctitis and is therefore useful in distinguishing whether diarrhea and bloody stool during the treatments of ulcerative colitis are due to recurrence or infection.

A case of neonatal thrombocytopenia due to maternal Helicobacter pylori-associated immune thrombocytopenia.

Many studies in adults have suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In adults with ITP and H. pylori infection, eradicating H. pylori is recommended as the first-line therapy. However, the association between ITP and H. pylori in children remains controversial. Diagnosing thrombocytopenia in pregnant women is challenging but crucial because maternal ITP causes neonatal ITP through transplacental transfer of immunoglobulin G, also known as passive ITP. Herein, we report a case of neonatal passive ITP due to maternal H. pylori-associated ITP. A boy was born at term with neonatal thrombocytopenia to a mother tentatively diagnosed with gestational thrombocytopenia. However, further examination suggested that maternal thrombocytopenia was associated with H. pylori, and neonatal thrombocytopenia was diagnosed as ITP due to maternal ITP. The newborn received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, and the thrombocytopenia did not recur. The mother was examined using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and her rapid urease test using gastric mucosa tissue samples was positive. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with H. pylori infection and received H. pylori eradication therapy, after which her platelet count remained normal. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of neonatal passive ITP secondary to maternal H. pylori-associated ITP. This case suggests that maternal H. pylori infection can lead to the production of platelet autoantibodies, which can destroy antibody-sensitized platelets in the mother and neonate. To summarize, H. pylori infection can also cause ITP in children. Therefore, pregnant women diagnosed with H. pylori-associated ITP should receive H. pylori eradication therapy to prevent their neonates from developing passive ITP.

An Isolated Intestinal Juvenile Polyp Diagnosed by Abdominal Ultrasonography and Resected by Double-Balloon Endoscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Juvenile polyps, typically localized in the rectum and sigmoid colon, are a common cause of pediatric bloody stool. An isolated small intestinal juvenile polyp is uncommon and generally difficult to diagnose. The first case of an isolated juvenile polyp diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography before acute abdomen had developed and resected by double-balloon endoscopy is presented along with a review of previous reports including this case. A two-year-old Japanese boy was referred to our institute for further evaluation of anemia persisting from one year of age. Laboratory findings showed mild iron deficiency anemia and elevated fecal human hemoglobin (Hb) and fecal calprotectin values. Upper and lower endoscopic findings showed no abnormalities. Because the abdominal ultrasonography performed one year later demonstrated a 15 mm jejunal polyp, combined with a similar finding on small intestinal capsule endoscopy, this was diagnosed as an isolated lesion. The lesion was resected by cautery with double-balloon endoscopy and diagnosed as a juvenile polyp pathologically. All clinical symptoms disappeared, and all laboratory data improved after treatment, without recurrence for more than one year after the procedure. Abdominal ultrasonographic screening and the fecal calprotectin value led to the diagnosis and non-surgical invasive treatment of an isolated small intestinal juvenile polyp.

Impact of Anti-TNFα Treatment on the Humoral Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

The efficacy of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, including the third vaccination in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) patients is not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the humoral immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine and the changes in durability until 20-28 weeks after the initial vaccine series in PIBD patients on immunosuppressive drugs. The safety of the initial vaccine series and the booster effect of the third vaccination were also evaluated. A single-center, prospective cohort study was conducted, and 63 participants (anti-TNFα: 11; non-anti-TNFα: 31; 5-ASA: 21), with a mean age of 15.2 (range 9.6-17.9) years, were enrolled. All PIBD patients were seroconverted, with no serious short-term AEs. PIBD patients on anti-TNFα had significantly lower antibody titers than those on other medications at all measurement points. Furthermore, antibody titers waned over time with anti-TNFα and were significantly lower at 20-28 weeks than at 3-9 weeks after a two-vaccine series. In all 10 patients (anti-TNFα: 5; non-anti-TNFα including 5-ASA: 5), the third vaccination led to antibody concentrations significantly higher than those at the same time point after the second vaccination. PIBD patients on anti-TNFα need to remain vigilant about COVID-19 even after two vaccinations, and a third vaccination may be considered.

Clinical features of very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease in Japan: a retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD), defined as IBD diagnosed in patients younger than 6 years, is a challenge for pediatric gastroenterologists. Although there have been reports regarding VEO-IBD in Western countries, those in Asia are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of Japanese VEO-IBD patients. METHODS: Patients with VEO-IBD diagnosed between 2006 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The disease phenotypes were classified into ulcerative colitis type (UC-type) and Crohn's disease type (CD-type), and the clinical features and courses were compared between the phenotypes. RESULTS: Overall, 54 VEO-IBD patients (19 patients with UC-type and 35 patients with CD-type) were evaluated. The median age at onset was 18 months. One patient had severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), and 9 patients had monogenic IBD. Monogenic IBD was more prevalent in the CD-type patients with perianal disease (CD-type (PD)). The age at onset was significantly lower in the CD-type group (P<0.05). The most common initial symptom was bloody stools (70%), followed by diarrhea (63%), weight loss (24%), fever (20%), and perianal disease (20%). Excluding patients with SCID and monogenic IBD, 23 out of 44 patients (52%) required biologics. The biologics were switched in 11 out of 44 patients (25%), and the majority of these patients (82%) were in the CD-type group. Overall, 9 patients (20%) required intestinal resection or ostomy placement. CONCLUSIONS: CD-type tends to occur at an earlier age, and monogenic IBD occurs significantly more frequently in CD-type (PD). Disease severity and treatment should be individualized, owing to the disease heterogeneity.

Novel pediatric granulomatosis with polyangiitis with a marked bloody pericardial effusion and bloody stool: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a syndrome of refractory vasculitis involving the upper respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys, and systemic small and medium-sized arteries that affects all age groups. No pediatric case with a bloody pericardial effusion resulting in cardiac tamponade and co-existing hematochezia has been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old boy was referred for evaluation of prolonged fever, chest pain, and intermittent hematochezia. Diagnostic imaging showed a prominent pericardial effusion. Immediately after admission, his systolic blood pressure decreased. Emergent pericardiocentesis resulted in aspiration of a massive amount of bloody pericardial fluid. This was diagnosed as cardiac tamponade because his blood pressure recovered immediately after the drainage. The patient had an elevated serine proteinase 3-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA) level on serological examination. Head MRI showed thickening of nasal and sinusoidal mucosa and a cystic mass in the left sphenoid sinus. After ruling out malignancy based on the cytology of the effusion, chest MRI, and gallium scintigraphy, total colonoscopy showed multiple irregular-shaped aphthae from the right transverse colon to the cecum on the contralateral side of the mesenteric attachments. Biopsy specimens of aphthous lesions confirmed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. A diagnosis of GPA was made based on these findings, and oral prednisolone (PSL) and azathioprine were started. The hematochezia disappeared rapidly, and no recurrence of pericardial effusion was seen after PSL tapering was completed. The PR3-ANCA level decreased into the normal range immediately after the initial therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Pericarditis is a common cardiac complication of GPA, but there have been no reports of resultant cardiac tamponade. This is the first case of pediatric GPA with cardiac and gastrointestinal complications preceding the common symptoms such as respiratory or renal symptoms. A case of pediatric GPA with hematochezia is also extremely rare. In conclusion, serial measurement of ANCA levels is important in patients with persistent fever and bloody stool, such as in inflammatory bowel disease, to make the diagnosis of a vasculitic syndrome.

Effect of jaw clenching on head acceleration during a predictable load impact.

BACKGROUND: Jaw clenching is considered to reduce head acceleration while receiving a strong impact on the body during sport activities. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to clarify the effect of jaw clenching on reduction of head acceleration during a predictable load impact to the body. METHODS: Seven healthy participants were exposed to a predictable load impact with and without jaw clenching. We recorded the electromyographic activity of the masseter (MA) and digastricus (DIG) muscles, occlusal pressure and head acceleration throughout the experiment. RESULTS: When participants were not instructed to clench their jaws, they naturally positioned their jaws without occlusal contact at the time of pendulum impact by co-contracting the jaw opener and closer muscles. When participants were instructed to clench their jaws, neither the activity of the jaw opener muscle nor the head acceleration differed at the time of pendulum impact when compared with when participants were not instructed to clench their jaws. CONCLUSIONS: A slightly distanced jaw position (co-contracting the jaw opener and closer muscles without occlusal contact) might serve inherently safety for reduction of head acceleration during predictable body impact, while jaw clenching does not contribute to reduction of head acceleration in response to pendulum impact more than the distanced jaw position does. Notably, DIG activation to minimise the head acceleration in response to pendulum impact was similar in clenching and no clenching positions. This suggests that DIG may play a crucial role in the reduction of head acceleration, regardless of MA muscle activity.

Effects of soft occlusal appliance therapy for patients with masticatory muscle pain.

BACKGROUND: The options for stabilization appliance therapy for masticatory muscle pain include soft occlusal and hard stabilization appliances. A previous study suggested that hard stabilization appliance therapy was effective for patients with local myalgia who developed long facets on their occlusal appliances. The objective of this study was to identify patients in whom a soft occlusal appliance should be used to treat masticatory muscle pain by analyzing the type of muscle pain present and patient factors that influenced the effectiveness of this treatment. METHODS: The study included 42 patients diagnosed with local myalgia or myofascial pain according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Diagnostic Decision Tree. The analysis of patient factors included variables believed to be associated with temporomandibular disorders. First, a temporary screening appliance was used for 2 weeks to assess each patient for bruxism during sleep. Soft appliance therapy was then started. For each patient, the effectiveness of the appliance was evaluated according to the intensity of tenderness during muscle palpation and the treatment satisfaction score at one month after starting treatment. RESULTS: Data from 37 of the 42 patients were available for analysis. Twenty-five patients reported satisfaction with the appliance. In logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for reduction of facet length was 1.998. Nineteen patients showed at least a 30% improvement in the visual analog scale score. The odds ratio for local myalgia was 18.148. CONCLUSION: Soft appliance therapy may be used in patients with local myalgia. Moreover, patients who develop short facets on the appliance surface are likely to be satisfied with soft appliance therapy. Soft appliance therapy may be appropriate for patients with local myalgia who develop short facets on their occlusal appliance.

Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy on Platelet Recovery in Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Case Series and a Systematic Review.

Evidence relating to the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (cITP) in childhood is inadequate. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy for platelet response in pediatric patients with cITP in our hospital, and to perform a systematic review of previous reports about pediatric patients with cITP who were positive for H. pylori infection and were treated with H. pylori eradication therapy. Analysis of the data of pediatric patients with cITP in our hospital and a systematic review of digital literature databases of studies in pediatric patients with cITP were performed. Data of 33 pediatric patients with cITP from our hospital records showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the rate of response to platelet therapy were 15% and 33.3%, respectively. Data of 706 pediatric patients from 18 previous reports showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection and rate of platelet response were 23% and 43.8%, respectively. Eradication therapy for H. pylori infection in pediatric cITP patients can be expected to result in a response equivalent to that in the adult population, with fewer adverse effects than other treatments for cITP.

A novel segmental absence of intestinal musculature with small intestinal stenosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Segmental absence of intestinal musculature (SAIM) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction and perforation due to partial or complete defects in the intestinal muscularis propria in neonates and is occasionally observed in adulthood. CASE PRESENTATION: The first case of small intestinal stenosis derived from SAIM, which was difficult to differentiate from Crohn's disease (CD), is reported. A 4-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain, anemia, and a positive fecal occult blood test. She was initially diagnosed with CD and started on treatment. Because her gastrointestinal symptoms persisted, her previous pediatricians tried to carry out capsule endoscopy, but it was not possible because the patency capsule was retained. Therefore, she was referred to our institute and re-evaluated. The patency capsule examination was repeated to re-evaluate small intestinal passage, but it stagnated again. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a poorly deformable intestinal tract that narrowed rapidly from the dilated segment and had a thin wall with an irregular laminar structure. In addition, unlike the typical ultrasonic CD findings, the power Doppler signal enhancement at the intestinal wall and "creeping fat sign" were not found. The patient was referred for laparoscopic observation to pediatric surgeons, who confirmed a prominently dilated intestinal tract 40 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve, which was resected. Histopathological findings showed longitudinal muscle hypoplasia of the resected, dilated intestinal tract and fat replacement of the muscle layer. At the stenosis site, the muscle layer was fibrotic and showed incomplete muscle arrangement. Because of these findings, she was diagnosed with SAIM. After the surgical treatment, no gastrointestinal symptoms relapsed, and the fecal occult blood test has remained negative for 2 years. Moreover, 8 months after surgery, double-balloon endoscopy showed no abnormalities, such as a longitudinal ulcer and cobblestone appearance. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, SAIM involved not only intestinal ileus and perforation, but also small intestinal stenosis. Although no other reports have demonstrated the usefulness of abdominal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of SAIM, the present report suggests that ultrasonography may be useful for differentiating SAIM from CD by close observation of the area around the small intestinal stenosis.

Relationship Between the Number of Occlusal Supporting and Medical Cost: Analysis Using Large Claims Database from Employee Health Care Insurance in Japan.

BACKGROUND: There are several previous reports suggesting that the number of remaining teeth is related to increase of total medical expenditure. However, the measurements of oral healthcare conditions used in the previous studies were the number of remaining teeth, and occlusal support was not assessed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between occlusal support and healthcare resource utilization. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study using a claims database. Measurements of occlusal support were defined by the Eichner and Miyachi classification systems based on dental formula information. Medical healthcare resource usage was measured by medical visit rate and 12-month medical expenditure. RESULTS: Of the total population in the claims database, 1 288 713 patients were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients who had at least one medical visit and annual medical expenditure in the best condition classes in each classification measure (i.e. A1 for Eichner classification and Area I for Miyachi classification in both endpoints) were 58.2% and 61.1%, and JPY34 597 (US$314.52 at JPY110/US$) and JPY43 129 (US$392.08), respectively. Those in the poorest condition classes in each classification measure (i.e. B3 for Eichner classification and Area IV for Miyachi classification in the medical visit rate, and C1 for Eichner classification and Area III for Miyachi classification in medical expenditure) were 75.3% and 75.1%, and JPY149 339 (US$1357.63) and JPY120 925 (US$1099.32), respectively. We found a positive correlation with the outcomes by regression analysis adjusting for deterioration of occlusal support with age and gender. CONCLUSION: We found significant relationships between occlusal support conditions and healthcare resource utilization. The maintenance of oral health or dental treatment may positively impact overall health, and active dental intervention may reduce the total medical expenditure.

Different Proteins Mediate Step-Wise Chromosome Architectures in Thermoplasma acidophilum and Pyrobaculum calidifontis.

Archaeal species encode a variety of distinct lineage-specific chromosomal proteins. We have previously shown that in Thermococcus kodakarensis, histone, Alba, and TrmBL2 play distinct roles in chromosome organization. Although our understanding of individual archaeal chromosomal proteins has been advancing, how archaeal chromosomes are folded into higher-order structures and how they are regulated are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the primary and higher-order structures of archaeal chromosomes from different archaeal lineages. Atomic force microscopy of chromosome spreads out of Thermoplasma acidophilum and Pyrobaculum calidifontis cells revealed 10-nm fibers and 30-40-nm globular structures, suggesting the occurrence of higher-order chromosomal folding. Our results also indicated that chromosome compaction occurs toward the stationary phase. Micrococcal nuclease digestion indicated that fundamental structural units of the chromosome exist in T. acidophilum and T. kodakarensis but not in P. calidifontis or Sulfolobus solfataricus. In vitro reconstitution showed that, in T. acidophilum, the bacterial HU protein homolog HTa formed a 6-nm fiber by wrapping DNA, and that Alba was responsible for the formation of the 10-nm fiber by binding along the DNA without wrapping. Remarkably, Alba could form different higher-order complexes with histone or HTa on DNA in vitro. Mass spectrometry detected HTa and Rad50 in the T. acidophilum chromosome but not in other species. A putative transcriptional regulator of the AsnC/Lrp family (Pcal_1183) was detected on the P. calidifontis chromosome, but not on that of other species studied. Putative membrane-associated proteins were detected in the chromosomes of the three archaeal species studied, including T. acidophilum, P. calidifontis, and T. kodakarensis. Collectively, our data show that Archaea use different combinations of proteins to achieve chromosomal architecture and functional regulation.

Decontamination of Titanium Surface Using Different Methods: An In Vitro Study.

Contamination of implants is inevitable during different steps of production as well as during the clinical use. We devised a new implant cleaning strategy to restore the bioactivities on dental implant surfaces. We evaluated the efficiency of the Finevo cleaning system, and Ultraviolet and Plasma treatments to decontaminate hydrocarbon-contaminated titanium disks. The surfaces of the contaminated titanium disks cleaned using the Finevo cleaning system were similar to those of the uncontaminated titanium disks in scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, but no obvious change in the roughness was observed in the scanning probe microscopy analysis. The rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMMSCs) cultured on the treated titanium disks attached to and covered the surfaces of disks cleaned with the Finevo cleaning system. The alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and osteogenesis-related gene expression in rBMMSCs on disks cleaned using the Finevo cleaning system were higher compared to those in the ultraviolet and plasma treatments, displaying better cell functionality. Thus, the Finevo cleaning system can enhance the attachment, differentiation, and mineralization of rBMMSCs on treated titanium disk surfaces. This research provides a new strategy for cleaning the surface of contaminated titanium dental implants and for restoration of their biological functions.

The effectiveness of stabilization appliance therapy among patients with myalgia.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of stabilization appliance therapy for masticatory muscle pain is debated. Therefore, there are currently no clear usage standards. We analyzed patient factors influencing its efficacy and characterized masticatory muscle pain subtypes to determine appropriate therapy candidates. METHODS: This case series study recruited patients diagnosed with local myalgia or myofascial pain and used variables related to temporomandibular disorders in the analysis. We used temporary appliance to screen patients for sleep bruxism for 2 weeks. Afterwards, we initiated therapy with stabilization appliances. Efficacy was evaluated via tenderness intensity during muscle palpation and the treatment satisfaction score after 2 months of treatment. RESULTS: We analyzed 62 (91%) patients. Tenderness upon muscle palpation was mitigated in 27 patients. Mitigated tenderness odds ratios were 0.035 for myofascial pain, 0.804 for 15-item Patient Health Questionnaire scores, and 1.915 for facet length. Thirty-nine patients expressed satisfaction; satisfaction odds ratios were 0.855 for 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire scores, 1.606 for facet length, and 4.023 for awake bruxism awareness. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilization appliance therapy is most effective for patients with awake bruxism awareness, local myalgia, long facets, and no psychosocial risk factors.

Nitric Oxide Donor Modulates a Multispecies Oral Bacterial Community-An In Vitro Study.

The deterioration of human oral microbiota is known to not only cause oral diseases but also to affect systemic health. Various environmental factors are thought to influence the disruption and restoration of the oral ecosystem. In this study, we focused on the effect of nitric oxide (NO) produced by denitrification and NO synthase enzymes on dental plaque microbiota. Interdental plaques collected from 10 subjects were exposed to NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and then cultured in a specialized growth medium. Depending on the concentration of exposed SNP, a decrease in α-diversity and a continuous change in ß-diversity in the dental plaque community were shown by sequencing bacterial 16S rRNA genes. We also identified eight operational taxonomic units that were significantly altered by NO exposure. Among them, the exposure of NO donors to Fusobacterium nucleatum cells showed a decrease in survival rate consistent with the results of microbiota analysis. Meanwhile, in addition to NO tolerance, an increase in the tetrazolium salt-reducing activity of Campylobacter concisus cells was confirmed by exposure to SNP. This study provides an overview of how oral plaque microbiota shifts with exposure to NO and may contribute to the development of a method for adjusting the balance of the oral microbiome.

Prognostic factor of mandibular condylar movement exercise for patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint on initial presentation: preliminary report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the factors, which predict the effect of mandibular condylar movement exercise (MCME). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the efficiency of MCME and the significant difference in average age and the mean duration length of closed lock symptoms prior to the initial consultation in both success cases and failure cases in initial visiting. Seventy-four women aged between 19 and 75 (mean: 41.4) years were included in this study. RESULTS: On the initial visiting day, the success cases were 50 cases (67.6%) and the failures were 24 cases (23.4%). The average age of success cases is 38.0 years, and failure cases are 48.4 years. Duration of the lock in success cases is 35.3 days, and failure cases are 87.6 days. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that lower improvement rates thus correlated with increasing age with exercise. MCME is effective mouth-opening exercise in patients with a history of short duration of locking. In conclusion, age and duration of locking, it must become the important factor predict an effect MCME.