Activities of the dorsolateral and medial prefrontal cortices during oral function training with cognitive training elements: a NIRS study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive function plays a crucial role in human life, and its maintenance and improvement are essential in both young and older adults. Since cognitive decline can be associated with oral function decline, preventing the decline in both cognitive and oral functions is an urgent social issue. Several training methods to improve each function have been proposed. Previous studies have indicated that greater brain activity during training is associated with increased benefits for cognitive function. Although adding cognitive function elements to oral function training may promote the activation of brain activity during oral function training, the effects have not been validated. The main purpose of this study is to develop a novel training program that combines oral function training with cognitive training, which is expected to activate key brain regions involved in oral and cognitive functions, such as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and right medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). METHODS: Four types of training programs combining oral and cognitive training: PaTaKaRa × calculation, lip exercise × N-back, tongue exercise × inhibition, and tongue exercise × memory, were developed. Each program had seven levels of difficulty [level 0 (no cognitive load) and level 6 (maximum difficulty)]. Twelve healthy young adults participated in the study and were instructed to perform all four programs. Brain activity in the left DLPFC and right mPFC were measured during each training session using two-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). RESULTS: No significant brain activity was observed during training at level 0. Brain activity in the left DLPFC was significantly increased at levels 1 and 2 and in the left DLPFC and right mPFC at level 6 during PaTaKaRa × calculation training. Brain activity in the left DLPFC was significantly increased at level 6 during tongue exercise × inhibition training. Brain activity in the left DLPFC and right mPFC was significantly increased at level 6 during lip exercise × N-back training. CONCLUSION: Oral function training did not significantly increase brain activity; nevertheless, oral function with cognitive training stimulated brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR. ID: UMIN000039678. date: 06/03/2020.

Difference in the Electromyographic Behavior of the Masticatory and Swallowing Muscles During Cued Versus Spontaneous Swallowing.

The risk of dysphagia and/or aspiration is determined using screening tests, such as the repeated saliva swallowing test and modified water swallowing test, which evaluate cued swallowing. However, humans masticate and swallow foods with various consistencies, forms, and amounts, without conscious awareness. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the difference in the behavior of masticatory and swallowing muscles during spontaneous versus cued swallowing through a series of mastication and swallowing processes by evaluating surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals. The effect of the consistency and amount of food on the behavior of these muscles was also investigated. The sEMG recordings of the masseter muscles and anterior belly of the digastric muscle for 12 subjects, and genioglossus muscle for 5 subjects were obtained. The genioglossus activity was recorded using custom-made ball electrodes. The test foods were cookies and tofu, in amounts of 2 g and 4 g. The normalized muscle activity (integrated EMG), duration of the muscle activity, initial activation timepoint of each muscle, and total duration of swallowing were compared among four conditions. The activity of each muscle was significantly higher during the swallowing of cookies than tofu, for 4 g vs 2 g, and for cued versus spontaneous swallowing. The duration of each muscle activity, initial activation timepoint, and total duration of swallowing were significantly longer for cookies versus tofu, for 4 g vs 2 g, and for spontaneous versus cued swallowing. These results suggest that the behavior of the masticatory and swallowing muscles is affected by cued swallowing and by the consistency and amount of food.

Sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia rehabilitation: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common disorder following a cerebrovascular accident. It can cause detrimental effects on patient's quality of life and nutrition intake, especially in older adults. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been one of the management strategies for acceleration of the recovery. This review summarises the current evidence on sensory threshold stimulation of the procedure. METHOD: This review compiled data from the Internet database PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus using combination of MeSH thesaurus: 'Sensory threshold', 'electrical stimulation', 'neuromuscular stimulation', 'Deglutition', 'Dysphagia'. Eleven studies were intergraded into the review. RESULTS: Most of the studies show significant improvement to the outcomes of sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment. In many cases, the results of the treatment are comparable or superior to motor threshold stimulation and conventional therapy. However, the study design and parameters of the procedure varied greatly without conclusive standardised guidelines. CONCLUSION: The sensory neuromuscular electrical stimulation (SNMES) is a viable treatment option for treating oropharyngeal dysphagia. The most suggested application parameters are an intensity at sensory threshold, a frequency of 80 Hz, an impulse time of 700 µs, a combined total duration of 20 h of stimulation in a 2-week period, and placing the electrodes in the submental area of the neck. However, further research is necessary to construct a definitive guideline for clinicians.

Development of a method for preparing cyclic nigerosylnigerose syrup and investigation of its value as a dietary fiber.

Cyclic nigerosylnigerose (CNN) syrup, containing 76% water-soluble dietary fiber, was prepared from starch on an industrial scale, using isoamylase, 6-α-glucosyltransferase, 3-α-isomaltosyltransferase, and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase. CNN syrup has a unique linkage pattern, consisting mainly of α-1,3 and α-1,6 glucoside linkages, and is characterized by its low weight average molecular weight (807) and moderate sweetness (relative sweetness = 25), unlike in well-known dietary fiber materials. The glass transition temperature of CNN is higher than that of the straight chain structures, maltotetraose and maltosyltrehalose. Even when 40% of normally added sucrose was replaced with CNN syrup, sponge cake puffed up sufficiently. The no observed adverse effect level for a single dose of CNN syrup was 0.88 and 0.89 g dry solid/kg body weight for men and women, respectively. The increase in blood glucose and insulin concentrations during consumption of CNN syrup was lower than that of glucose.

Application of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Fiber Tractography for Human Masseter Muscle.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to indicate the direction of nerve and muscle fibers by using the characteristics that water molecules preferentially diffuse along the fibrous structure. However, DTI fiber tractography for multipennate muscles, such as the masseter muscle, is challenging due to a lack of data regarding the imaging parameters. This study aimed to determine the optimal DTI parameters for masseter muscle fiber tractography. A 27-year-old healthy man voluntarily underwent DTI and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the right masseter muscle. Four imaging parameter settings were created by combining the following parameters that particularly affect the signal-to-noise ratio: b-value, number of excitations (NEX), and number of motion probing gradient (MPG) directions. DTI fiber tractography was performed using specific software for each parameter setting. The length and orientation of the muscle fibers in each layer were calculated. As a result, the masseter muscle fibers of each layer were identified on DTI. Although the detected fiber length was affected significantly by the imaging parameters, the fiber orientation was insignificantly affected. The appropriate combination of the b-value, NEX, and the number of MPG directions for masseter muscle fiber tractography could be determined based on previously reported anatomical data of the masseter muscle fibers. DTI may enable the non-invasive evaluation of masseter muscle fiber length and orientation. Elucidation of the details of masseter muscle fiber orientation is useful in evaluating stomatognathic biomechanics and muscle disorders.

Morphological comparison of masseter muscle fibres in the mandibular rest and open positions using diffusion tensor imaging.

BACKGROUND: The masseter muscle has a complicated multipennate internal structure and exhibits functional differentiation when performing various stomatognathic functions. It is important to understand the internal structural changes of the muscle during functioning to elucidate characteristic muscle disorders such as local myalgia. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be useful for investigating the internal structural features of muscle. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the features of masseter muscle fibres in human participants using DTI fibre tractography, and to elucidate the structural differences in the masseter muscle between the mandibular rest and open positions. METHODS: Five healthy men (age 31 ± 7 years) underwent DTI and T1-weighted MRI of the right masseter muscle in the mandibular rest and open positions. MR images were used as a reference for muscle layer segmentation (superficial, intermediate, and deep). DTI fibre tractography of the masseter muscle was performed and the orientation of the DTI fibres was analysed in each layer using coordinates based on the Frankfurt horizontal plane. RESULTS: The DTI fibre orientation of the deep layer significantly changed between the mandibular rest and open positions in the frontal plane (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon rank sum test). However, no significant change was found in the superficial and intermediate layers. CONCLUSION: DTI fibre tractography confirmed regional differences in the orientation change of the masseter muscle fibres between different mandibular positions. The results may support the existence of functional partitioning inside the masseter muscle and suggest that DTI may be useful for the evaluation of muscle fibres in multipennate muscles.

Resonance frequency analysis for evaluation of the connecting condition between fixed prostheses and their abutment teeth: An in vitro and finite element analysis study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Loss of retention is a clinical complication for fixed partial dentures (FPDs). However, a method sensitive enough to measure the early retention loss of FPDs is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro and finite element analysis (FEA) study was to determine whether resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with a newly developed system can detect lack of FPD retention caused by cement loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two evaluation methods were used: RFA of an in vitro model of a 3-unit FPD from the second premolar to the second molar and FEA by using a simplified model. The in vitro model was used to evaluate 4 connecting conditions: both crowns cemented, only the premolar crown cemented, only the molar crown cemented, and both crowns uncemented. Tapping stimulation (16 impulsive forces, 4 Hz) was directly applied to the buccal side of the second molar or the second premolar, and an attached 3D accelerometer sensor was used to record the resonance frequency (RF) of the tapped tooth. The amplitude, frequency, Q-value, and total area under the curve (AUC) of the RF values in the buccolingual direction were compared between connecting conditions. The FEA was done by using a simplified model of a 3-unit FPD with similar connecting conditions as the in vitro model study, and the RF amplitude and frequency of each tooth were calculated. Statistical evaluation included 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey HSD test to compare the differences among each connecting condition under each parameter for measurement sites on the molar and the premolar, respectively (α=.05). RESULTS: For both the molar and premolar measurements in both the in vitro and FEA models, when the measurement site was on the uncemented tooth, the amplitude of RF-1 increased, the Q-value of RF-2 decreased, and the area under the curve increased (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The same 3 trends found between the measurement sites of the in vitro study and FEA indicated that RFA may be useful for detecting an FPD with loosening caused by cement loss, even partial cement loss.

Osteogenic effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and whole-body vibration on peri-implant bone. An experimental in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were (i) to compare the osteogenic impact of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and low-magnitude high-frequency (LMHF) loading achieved with whole-body vibration (WBV) on peri-implant bone healing and implant osseointegration in rat tibiae, and (ii) to examine their combined effect on these processes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Titanium implants were inserted in the bilateral tibiae of 28 Wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: LIPUS + WBV, LIPUS, WBV, and control. LIPUS was applied to the implant placement site for 20 min/day on 5 days/week (1.5 MHz and 30 mW/cm2 ). WBV was applied for 15 min/day on 5 days/week (50 Hz and 0.5 g). In the LIPUS + WBV group, both stimuli were applied under the same stimulation conditions as in the LIPUS and WBV groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, peri-implant bone healing and implant osseointegration were assessed using removal torque (RT) tests, micro-CT analyses of relative gray (RG) value, and histomorphometrical analyses of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and peri-implant bone formation (BV/TV). RESULTS: The LIPUS + WBV group had significantly greater BIC than the WBV and control groups. Although there were no significant intergroup differences in RT, RG value, and BV/TV, these variables tended to be greater in the LIPUS + WBV group than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of LIPUS and LMHF loading may promote osteogenic activity around the implant. However, further study of the stimulation conditions of LIPUS and LMHF loading is necessary to better understand the osteogenic effects and the relationship between the two stimuli.

Morphologic Diversity of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown origin. We performed a retrospective histologic review of primary cutaneous MCCs diagnosed from 1997 to 2018 in several clinical institutions and literature review to determine the frequency of various unusual morphologic appearances of MCC. Of the 136 primary MCCs identified, intraepidermal carcinoma or epidermotropism was noted in 11/136 (8%) cases. An association with pilar cyst in 1/136 (0.7%) case, with actinic keratosis in 2/136 (1.5%) cases, with either invasive or in situ squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 14/136 (10%) cases, with poroma in 1/136 (0.7%), and with basal cell carcinoma in 1/136 (0.7%) case was noted. Trabecular pattern and rosettes were noted in 7/136 (5%) and 3/136 (2%) cases, respectively. There was one case of metastatic MCC in a lymph node with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and one rare case of metastatic MCC and SCC in a lymph node. Although uncommon, differentiation toward other cell lineage can be observed in both primary and metastatic MCCs. The tumor can assume a variety of histologic appearances including association with SCC, basal cell carcinoma, melanocytic neoplasm, and follicular cyst; as well as exhibit glandular, sarcomatous, and mesenchymal differentiation. This diversity of morphologic appearance of MCC reflects the complexity of its underlying pathogenesis.

Effects of polyphenols on doxorubicin-induced oral keratinocyte cytotoxicity and anticancer potency against oral cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Normal human oral keratinocytes are highly sensitive to anticancer drugs including doxorubicin. Resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and tannic acid are polyphenolic compounds that were reported to have cardioprotective effect when combined with doxorubicin. However, it is unknown whether these polyphenols could protect normal human oral keratinocytes against doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity without weakening its cytotoxic potential against oral cancer cells. Here, we examined the effects of the 3 polyphenolic compounds on doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in normal human oral keratinocytes and also investigated their effects on doxorubicin potency in HSC-2 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. METHODS: Cell viability was evaluated, followed by the analysis of apoptosis and necrosis. The changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species at the early stage after treatment were also examined. RESULTS: The results revealed that resveratrol in combination with doxorubicin additively augmented doxorubicin cytotoxicity in both types of cells. However, epigallocatechin gallate and tannic acid at a certain concentration mitigated the doxorubicin-induced keratinocyte toxicity mainly due to reduced doxorubicin-induced necrosis in normal human oral keratinocytes without weaken doxorubicin anticancer efficacy. The exact mechanism is still unknown but intracellular reactive oxygen species might be not the sole factor. CONCLUSIONS: This study for the first time reported the effects of resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and tannic acid on doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in normal oral keratinocytes and oral cancer cells. The combined use of epigallocatechin gallate or tannic acid with doxorubicin at a certain concentration could mitigate doxorubicin-induced keratinocyte cytotoxicity without weakening doxorubicin anticancer efficacy.

Reorganization of motor unit activity at different sites within the human masseter muscle during experimental masseter pain.

The aims were to test the hypotheses that experimental masseter muscle pain leads to recruitment and/or derecruitment of motor units at different sites within the masseter and that the patterns of change in motor unit activity differ between sites. Single motor unit (SMU) activity was recorded at two sites within the right masseter [superior/anterior, inferior/posterior (IP)] during isometric biting tasks (ramp, step level) on an intraoral force transducer in 17 participants during three experimental blocks comprising no infusion (baseline), 5% hypertonic saline infusion (pain), or isotonic saline infusion (control). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score pain intensity. The VAS scores were statistically significantly greater during infusion of hypertonic saline than during infusion of isotonic saline. No significant differences in force levels and rates of force change were found between experimental blocks. In comparison with isotonic saline infusion, SMUs could be recruited and derecruited at both sites during hypertonic saline infusion. The frequency of recruitment or derecruitment, in comparison with no change, was statistically significantly greater at the IP site than at the superior/anterior site. Experimental noxious masseter stimulation results in a reorganization of motor unit activity throughout the muscle, and the pattern of reorganization may be different in different regions of the muscle.

Evaluation of implant screw loosening by resonance frequency analysis with triaxial piezoelectric pick-up: in vitro model and in vivo animal study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate implant screw loosening using resonance frequency (RF) analysis with triaxial piezoelectric pick-up in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: For the in vitro experiment, a titanium implant was inserted into a mandibular model. The abutment screws were tightened to 10 N torque and loosened from 0 to 90° for RF measurement using 13 different screw conditions. In the in vivo experiment, three titanium implants were installed in each tibia of a New Zealand white rabbit, and the RF values were recorded after 8 weeks. For the RF analyses, a small 3D accelerometer was mounted rigidly onto the implant abutment, and impulsive vibration was directly applied to the abutment to vibrate the implant in a direction perpendicular to the tibia and implant (x-axis). The y-axis was defined as parallel to the tibia. The RF values of the x- and y-axis directions (RF-X and RF-Y) were used for evaluation. RESULTS: The RF values significantly decreased according to the degree of screw loosening (p < 0.05, ANOVA). In the in vitro model, RF-Y with x- and y-axis vibrations (RF-Yx and RF-Yy) significantly differed from the initial value at 10 and 15°, respectively (p < 0.05, Dunnett's test). In the in vivo experiment, the RF-Yy significantly differed from the initial value between 5 and 20° (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that RF analysis with triaxial piezoelectric pick-up can be used to detect implant screw loosening. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RF analysis with the triaxial piezoelectric pick-up can be used to detect screw loosening after mounting the superstructure.

Effect of bite openings and mandibular protrusion on genioglossus muscle activity in healthy adults with oral appliance.

Oral appliance (OA) can effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea; however, numerous types of oral appliances and designs are variable and the precise mechanisms behind differences in treatment outcomes are uncertain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different degrees of mandibular position [4° of bite openings (BO): 2, 4, 8 and 12 mm; and protrusion (P): 0, 50%, MAX], for both the upright and supine positions: BO2 mm_P0%, BO4 mm_P0%, BO4 mm_P50%, BO4 mm_PMAX, BO8 mm_P0%, BO12 mm_P0%; with an OA on the: (1) activity of the genioglossus (GG) muscle by electromyogram, (2) inspiration by airflow sensor, and (3) recording mandibular movements (incisor and mandibular condyle point) in each position. Nine healthy male adults (age 27.5 ± 1.30 years) were recruited. The results show that GG muscle activity increased significantly from BO 4 mm_P0% to BO12 mm_P0% during the supine position, and the strongest signal was found in BO4 mm_PMAX, compared to all of the other positions, and GG muscle activity in BO4 mm_P0% tended to be lower. From supine to upright position the inspiration increased significantly but GG muscle activity did not. These results might be a stimulus to augment a compensatory mechanism of GG muscle induced by OA, however, mainly in protrusion position. The increase of BO (2-12 mm) and even maximum protrusion might not negatively affect the temporomandibular joint.

Na18F accumulates on the compressive side of peri-implant bone under immediate loading.

This study aimed to examine the dynamic change in bone metabolism by immediate loading in several sites around implants using high-resolution Na18F-PET scan. Two titanium implants (Ø 1.2 mm) were inserted parallel to each other in the right tibiae of Wistar rats (n = 4). The left tibia was set as control side. One day after insertion, closed coil springs of 4.0 N were attached to the expose superior portions of the implants to apply a continuous mechanical stress. The rats with fluorine-18 (18F) ion (5 mCi/rat) intravenously injected were scanned by PET scanner at 4, 7, 14, 28 days after load application. Round region of interests (ROIs) were set around the distal implant of the right tibia (loaded side) and same site (control) of the left tibia. Furthermore, four rectangular ROIs were set at the superior and inferior parts of traction side (mesial) and opposite side (distal) of the distal implant. Longitudinal dynamic changes in bone metabolism were evaluated by examination of the accumulation count of 18F ion at each ROI. The uptake values of ROIs (loaded side) initially increased until 7 days, and they gradually decreased from the peak level to the pre-loading level despite a static force being applied to the implants. In cancellous bone, the uptake values at the superior part of traction side and inferior part of opposite side showed significantly high value compared with those at other parts. In conclusion, immediate loading to the implant initially enhanced bone metabolism around it, especially at the part with compressive stress. Peri-implant bone metabolism varies according to different loading conditions.

Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma is usually associated with hair follicles, not acantholytic actinic keratosis, and is not "high risk": Diagnosis, management, and clinical outcomes in a series of 115 cases.

BACKGROUND: Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma (aSCC) is regarded as a high-risk variant of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Acantholytic actinic keratosis (aAK) has been regarded as a precursor risk factor for aSCC. However, supporting evidence is limited. OBJECTIVE: We sought to document clinical features, histologic features, management, and outcomes in a series of aSCC cases. METHODS: Definitions of aSCC, aAK, and aSCC arising in association with aAK were applied to a consecutive series of aSCC cases. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Of 115 aSCC cases (103 patients, mean age 71.8 years), actinic keratosis was present in 23% (27/115) but only 7.8% (9/115) exhibited associated aAK. Ten cases (10/115, 9%) fulfilled strict histologic criteria for follicular SCC as previously defined, but 50 of 115 (43%) of our aSCC cases exhibited predominant involvement of follicular epithelium rather than epidermis. Clinical outcome (median follow-up, 36 months) was available in 106 of 115 (92%). One patient experienced regional extension (parotid), and 1 patient experienced a local recurrence (nose). No disease-related metastases or deaths were documented. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-institution retrospective study from the United States. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of acantholysis in cutaneous SCC does not specifically confer aggressive behavior, a finding that may inform clinical practice guidelines.

Psoriasis or not? Review of 51 clinically confirmed cases reveals an expanded histopathologic spectrum of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is usually diagnosed clinically, so only non-classic or refractory cases tend to be biopsied. Diagnostic uncertainty persists when dermatopathologists encounter features regarded as non-classic for psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: Define and document classic and non-classic histologic features in skin biopsies from patients with clinically confirmed psoriasis. METHODS: Minimal clinical diagnostic criteria were informally validated and applied to a consecutive series of biopsies histologically consistent with psoriasis. Clinical confirmation required 2 of the following criteria: (1) classic morphology, (2) classic distribution, (3) nail pitting, and (4) family history, with #1 and/or #2 as 1 criterion in every case RESULTS: Fifty-one biopsies from 46 patients were examined. Classic features of psoriasis included hypogranulosis (96%), club-shaped rete ridges (96%), dermal papilla capillary ectasia (90%), Munro microabscess (78%), suprapapillary plate thinning (63%), spongiform pustules (53%), and regular acanthosis (14%). Non-classic features included irregular acanthosis (84%), junctional vacuolar alteration (76%), spongiosis (76%), dermal neutrophils (69%), necrotic keratinocytes (67%), hypergranulosis (65%), neutrophilic spongiosis (61%), dermal eosinophils (49%), compact orthokeratosis (37%), papillary dermal fibrosis (35%), lichenoid infiltrate (25%), plasma cells (16%), and eosinophilic spongiosis (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis exhibits a broader histopathologic spectrum. The presence of some non-classic features does not necessarily exclude the possibility of psoriasis.

Evaluation of peri-implant bone metabolism under immediate loading using high-resolution Na18F-PET.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the influence of immediate loading on the dynamic changes of bone metabolism around dental implants using a high-resolution semiconductor sodium 18F-fluoride (Na18F)-PET. METHODS: Tibiae of 12 adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: immediate loading (IL), no loading (NL), bone defect (BD), and control (CTR). For the IL group, a 4.0-N load was applied continuously by two closed-coil springs attached between two implants in tibia. Each rat received an intravenous injection of Na18F and was scanned by high-resolution Na18F-PET at day 1 and then at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 after surgery. Bone metabolism around the implant was evaluated by standardized uptake value (SUV), which indicates the outcome of Na18F accumulation. CT scanning was also performed, and PET and CT images were superposed to determine the anatomical orientation in PET images. RESULTS: Bone metabolism peaked at 7 days after surgery and then gradually decreased in all three test groups (IL, NL, and BD). SUVs of all three test groups were significantly higher than the baseline at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after surgery, with SUVs in the IL group returning to baseline levels earlier than those in the NL and BD groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorine integrates preferentially with the initial low-calcified bone; thus, our results suggest that immediate loading promotes the calcification of the bone tissue in the early stage on peri-implant bone formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Na18F-PET allows for an estimate of bone metabolism change around the implant.

Comparisons of Aluminum and Silica Elution from Various Glass Vials.

To understand the risk of particle formation in glass vials, we investigated the correlation between vial surface condition and alminum (Al) or silicon (Si) elution using various suppliers' vials with or without surface treatment. The elution of Si, which can also be an indicator of Al elution, consists of two phases; the first phase is influenced by roughness of the glass surface at the time of filling, and the second phase is dependent on the fundamental elution rate from the glass tube. When vials were filled with citrate buffer at pH 7, vials with varied surface conditions showed the most obvious differences in Al and Si elution. Sulfur-treated vials showed slightly lower Al and Si elution than the non-treated vials. It is considered that this effect of the sulfur treatment on elution is due to the surface being smoothed during heat treatment after the washing process. Different from the sulfur treatment, silicon dioxide (SiO2)-coated vials hardly showed any Al elution as long as the surface was fully coated with the SiO2 layer. It was found that the protective effect of the SiO2 layer against Al elution is more effective in a vial filled with a solution having a lower pH, due to the lower Si dissolving rate occurring at a lower pH. As shown above, pre-measuring the Si and Al present in a citrate buffer at pH 7 placed within a glass container can be a useful tool for selecting the appropriate container for liquid drugs.

Effects of Food Texture on Three-Dimensional Loads on Implants During Mastication Based on In Vivo Measurements.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanisms by which the loads exerted on implants that support prostheses are modulated during mastication remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of food texture on 3-dimensional loads measured at a single implant using a piezoelectric transducer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two subjects participated in this study. The transducer and the experimental superstructure, which had been adjusted to the subject's occlusal scheme, were attached to the implant with a titanium screw. The foods tested were chewing gum and peanuts. RESULTS: The mean maximum load on the implant in each chewing cycle was significantly higher during peanut chewing than during gum chewing. The direction of maximum load was significantly more widely dispersed during peanut chewing than during gum chewing. The range of changes in load direction during the force-increasing phase of each chewing cycle was significantly wider during peanut chewing than during gum chewing. CONCLUSIONS: The load on the implant was affected by food texture in both subjects. This measurement method can be useful to investigate the mechanisms of load modulation on implants during mastication.

Effect of insertion torque on titanium implant osseointegration: an animal experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of implant insertion torque on the peri-implant bone healing and implant osseointegration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bilaterally in the tibia of five adult New Zealand white rabbits, 20 implants were installed, subdivided into four groups, corresponding to two insertion torque conditions (low, < 10 Ncm vs. high > 50 Ncm) and 2 experimental periods (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks of healing). The implant insertion torque was determined by the surgical drill diameter relative to the implant diameter. Implant osseointegration was evaluated by quantitative histology (bone-to-implant contact with host bone [BIC-host], with neoformed bone [BIC-de novo], with both bone types [BIC-total], and peri-implant bone [BA/TA]). Every response was modelled over time using GEE (general estimation equation) with an unstructured variance-covariance matrix to correct for dependency between the measurements from one animal. The statistical significance level of α = 0.05 was applied. RESULTS: Significantly, more BIC-host and BIC-total were recorded for H implants compared with L implants after 2 week of healing (P = 0.010 and P = 0.0001, respectively). However, this result was no longer found for the extended healing period. Furthermore, BIC-total significantly increased over time for L implants (P < 0.00001). In contrast, the significant increase in BA/TA over time was found for H implants (P < 0.01). Finally, H insertion torque led to an increased BA/TA after 4 week of healing (P < 0.02) compared with the L insertion protocol. CONCLUSION: L insertion torque implants installed in the rabbit tibial bone osseointegrate with considerable de novo bone formation. This bone neoformation enables L implants to catch up, already during the early osseointegration stage, the initial inferior amount BIC contact compared with that of H implants. A negative impact of the created strain environment accompanying H insertion torque implant installation on the biological process of osseointegration could not be observed, at least not at tissue level.