A cross-sectional survey of dental caries, oral hygiene, and Helicobacter pylori infection in adults.

We explored the epidemiological risk factors for dental caries to help explain differences in the prevalence of adult dental caries. We examined 841 people for the presence of Helicobacter pylori in their dental plaque and for dental caries. Of the 841 subjects, 574 (68.25%) were infected with H pylori, and 516 (61.36%) were diagnosed with dental caries. Among the 574 subjects with H pylori, the prevalence of dental caries was 73.52% (422/574), while the prevalence among the 267 cases without H pylori was 35.21% (94/267). A correlation existed between the presence of H pylori and the occurrence of dental caries (χ(2) = 112.8, P < .01, odds ratio = 5.110, 95% confidence interval = 3.740-6.982). The 574 persons with H pylori had a higher mean dental plaque index than those without. In conclusion, H pylori infection in the oral cavity is associated with dental caries and poor dental hygiene.

[Changes of osteocalcin in bone and bone marrow in tail suspended rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study osteocalcin [correction of osteocakin] (OC) changes in bone and marrow and calcium deposition in bone and cartilage under simulated weightlessness. METHOD: Twenty SD rats were randomly divided into 14 d and 28 d tail suspension group and 2 corresponding control groups. Histological samples were in situ hybridized and trichrome stained. RESULT: OC expression of bone and marrow of rats were lower in tail suspended rats than that in the control (P<0.05). OC expression in 14 d tail suspended rats were higher than that in 28 d tail suspended group (P<0.05). Mineralization was inhibited, and demineralization of femur [correction of furmer] and cartilage mineralized matrix was prominent. Demineralization was more prominent in 28 d group. CONCLUSION: OC levels in bone and marrow of rats were lower after tail suspension. Calcium deposition was inhibited in bone and cartilage. Demineralization was prominent after long term hindlimb unloading.