LAPTM4α is targeted from the Golgi to late endosomes/lysosomes in a manner dependent on the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-1 and ESCRT proteins.

Lysosome-associated protein transmembrane 4α (LAPTM4α) is a four transmembrane-spanning protein primarily localized in endosomes and lysosomes and has several putative lysosomal targeting signals at its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, including tyrosine-based motifs (YxxΦ) and PY motifs (L/PxxY). LAPTM4α has been previously shown to be ubiquitinated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-1 through binding to its PY motifs and sorted to lysosomes, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the localization of LAPTM4α to endosomes/lysosomes have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, we show that LAPTM4α binds Nedd4-1 in a manner dependent on PY motifs, while the PY motifs and Nedd4-1 are not necessarily required for LAPTM4α ubiquitination. The binding of LAPTM4α with Nedd4-1, however, is necessary for an effective sorting of LAPTM4α from the Golgi to late endosomes/lysosomes. An unexpected finding is that LAPTM4α is localized in the lumen, but not in the limiting membrane, of late endosomes, and degraded in lysosomes over time. Interestingly, we further found that siRNA knockdown of endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) components that mediate sorting of ubiquitinated membrane proteins into intralumenal vesicles (ILVs) of endosomes selectively blocks the transport of LAPTM4α to endosomes. Collectively, these results suggest that trafficking of LAPTM4α from the Golgi to endosomes is promoted by the interaction with Nedd4-1, which further requires ESCRT components. Furthermore, our findings highlight a novel function for ESCRT proteins in mediating protein and/or vesicle trafficking from the Golgi to endosomes/lysosomes.

Lysosomal integral membrane protein LGP85 (LIMP-2) is ubiquitinated at the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain.

LGP85/LIMP-2 is a type III transmembrane glycoprotein of lysosomes, which traverses the membrane twice with an N-terminal uncleaved signal sequence and C-terminal hydrophobic domain. In addition to functioning as a receptor for a lysosomal enzyme ß-glucocerebrosidase and for several enteroviruses, LGP85 plays a key role in the biogenesis and maintenance of endosomal/lysosomal compartments (ELCs). Our previous studies have demonstrated that overexpression of rat LGP85 into COS cells results in the enlarged ELCs, from where membrane trafficking is impaired. We show here that rat LGP85 is polyubiquitinated at the N-terminal short cytoplasmic domain that comprises of only three amino acid residues, alanine, arginine, and cysteine. Replacement of either arginine or cysteine with alanine within the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain did not influence the ubiquitination of LGP85, thereby indicating that ubiquitin (Ub) is conjugated to the α-NH2 group of the N-terminal alanine residue. Furthermore, we were able to define a domain necessary for ubiquitination in a region ranging from the amino acids 156 to 255 within the lumenal domain of LGP85. This is the first report showing that the integral lysosomal membrane protein LGP85 is ubiquitinated.

Investigation of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Localization of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 with Systematic Deletion Mutants.

UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) plays an important role in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds. UGT is a type I membrane protein, and has a dilysine motif (KKXX/KXKXX) in its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Although a dilysine motif is defined as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrieval signal, it remains a matter of debate whether this motif functions in the ER localization of UGT. To address this issue, we generated systematic deletion mutants of UGT2B7, a major human isoform, and compared their subcellular localizations with that of an ER marker protein calnexin (CNX), using subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescent microscopy. We found that although the dilysine motif functioned as the ER retention signal in a chimera that replaced the cytoplasmic domain of CD4 with that of UGT2B7, UGT2B7 truncated mutants lacking this motif extensively colocalized with CNX, indicating dilysine motif-independent ER retention of UGT2B7. Moreover, deletion of the C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains did not affect ER localization of UGT2B7, suggesting that the signal necessary for ER retention of UGT2B7 is present in its luminal domain. Serial deletions of the luminal domain, however, did not affect the ER retention of the mutants. Further, a cytoplasmic and transmembrane domain-deleted mutant of UGT2B7 was localized to the ER without being secreted. These results suggest that UGT2B7 could localize to the ER without any retention signal, and lead to the conclusion that the static localization of UGT results from lack of a signal for export from the ER.

Social rank-dependent expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormones and kisspeptin in the medaka brain.

Social interactions regulate the expression of several neuropeptides that have a central role in the reproductive system of mammals. Nonmammalian vertebrates also have these neuropeptides or paralogs, however, studies on the social regulation of reproductive physiology in nonmammalian species are limited. In this study, we examined whether the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) and kisspeptin (Kiss1) is affected by social hierarchy resulting from the outcomes of male-male competition in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes). Four males were introduced to each other in an experimental tank, and classified as the most aggressive dominant or the most submissive subordinate fish, based on the frequency of their aggressive acts during a short-term competition. Dominant and subordinate males maintained their social rank during a long-term competition. Immediately after short-term competition, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-3 (GnRH3) level in the olfactory bulb was significantly higher in subordinate males than in dominant males. After long-term competition, dominant males had high level of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH1) in the preoptic area, whereas subordinate males had lower Kiss1 level in the nucleus ventral tuberis. On the other hand, the levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-2 (GnRH2) in the nucleus lateralis valvulae and Kiss1 in the nucleus posterioris periventricularis, and plasma 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) concentration did not differ between subordinate and dominant males after the short- and long-term competitions. These results suggest that social hierarchy regulates the expression of GnRH1, GnRH3, and Kiss1 without affecting 11-KT level in male medaka.

The validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale.

OBJECTIVE: The Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale was developed in Japan for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy, and its validity and reliability have been reported. The purpose of the study was to test the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale. METHODS: The questionnaire was filled out by 199 cancer patients, who were currently undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis with Promax Rotation to determine the factor construct validity. The reliability of the Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale was investigated by Cronbach's alpha and the Spearman Brown coefficient. RESULTS: Four factors were obtained and the overall structure was similar to that of the Japanese version; reorganization of daily life, self-existence, disease progress, and social and economic concerns. Cronbach's alpha for the total scale was 0.91 and the Spearman Brown coefficient was 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the Korean version of the Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale could be clinically useful. It could provide health-care providers with information useful to understand the psychological state of patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy.

Intracellular Dynamics and Fate of a Humanized Anti-Interleukin-6 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody, Tocilizumab.

Tocilizumab (TCZ), a humanized anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor (IL-6R) monoclonal antibody, abrogates signal transducer protein gp130-mediated IL-6 signaling by competitively inhibiting the binding of IL-6 to the receptor, and shows clinical efficacy in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Despite accumulating evidence for therapeutic efficacy, the behavior and fate of TCZ at the cellular level remain largely unknown. To address this, we evaluated the endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of IL-6R in HeLa cells. The results of our study provide evidence that IL-6R is constitutively internalized from the cell surface by ligand or TCZ binding and the expression of gp130 in an independent manner and is targeted via endosomes without being significantly directed to the recycling pathway to, and degraded in, lysosomes. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic tail of IL-6R is required for constitutive endocytosis of the receptor, which is mediated by the clathrin and AP-2 complex. We further demonstrate that FcRn, whose function is to regulate the serum persistence of IgG, is confined primarily to early/recycling endosomes and rapidly transits between these compartments and late endosomes/lysosomes without being degraded. Importantly, the expression of FcRn induces the segregation of TCZ from IL-6R, resulting in extensive colocalization of TCZ and FcRn in IL-6R-depleted endosomal compartments. Collectively, our results suggest that FcRn can accelerate the retrieval of the internalized TCZ, not only from endosomes but also from lysosomes. Our findings provide new insight into the mechanism by which the antibody internalized into cells is rescued from lysosomal degradation and into how its serum levels are maintained.

[Anesthesia in a Patient with McArdle Disease].

McArdle disease, known as type V glycogen storage disease, is a rare skeletal muscle disorder. Patients with McArdle disease lack skeletal muscle specific glycogen phosphorylase, and myophosphorylase. This subsequently leads to an elevation in serum creatine kinase levels, and results in suffering from exercise intolerance. They have such anesthesiological problems as follows; rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, acute renal failure, and a higher risk of developing malignant hyperthermia. We report a case of general anesthesia for a patient with McArdle disease. The patient was a 38-year-old woman who underwent dilation and curettage. Anesthesia was induced by intravenous administrations of fentanyl and propofol. For maintenance of anesthesia, we used total intravenous anesthesia with propofol. We avoided the use of neuromuscular blockades throughout the operation. There were no signs of rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, worsening muscle weakness, or occurrence of malignant hyperthermia in the perioperative period, and the patient recovered uneventfully.

Age-related disruption of autophagy in dermal fibroblasts modulates extracellular matrix components.

Autophagy is an intracellular degradative system that is believed to be involved in the aging process. The contribution of autophagy to age-related changes in the human skin is unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between autophagy and skin aging. Transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy analyses of skin tissue and cultured dermal fibroblasts derived from women of different ages revealed an increase in the number of nascent double-membrane autophagosomes with age. Western blot analysis showed that the amount of LC3-II, a form associated with autophagic vacuolar membranes, was significantly increased in aged dermal fibroblasts compared with that in young dermal fibroblasts. Aged dermal fibroblasts were minimally affected by inhibition of autophagic activity. Although lipofuscin autofluorescence was elevated in aged dermal fibroblasts, the expression of Beclin-1 and Atg5-genes essential for autophagosome formation-was similar between young and aged dermal fibroblasts, suggesting that the increase of autophagosomes in aged dermal fibroblasts was due to impaired autophagic flux rather than an increase in autophagosome formation. Treatment of young dermal fibroblasts with lysosomal protease inhibitors, which mimic the condition of aged dermal fibroblasts with reduced autophagic activity, altered the fibroblast content of type I procollagen, hyaluronan and elastin, and caused a breakdown of collagen fibrils. Collectively, these findings suggest that the autophagy pathway is impaired in aged dermal fibroblasts, which leads to deterioration of dermal integrity and skin fragility.

[Effect of concentration on counting numbers on pain induced by injection of propofol].

BACKGROUND: One of the concerns in the use of propofol is the pain on injection of the drug. Many attempts were made to prevent such pain, none of which has been reasonably successful. We hypothesized that the pain is attenuated when the patient is directed to concentrate on counting numbers while propofol is injected. METHODS: Ninety-one patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to counting or non-counting group. Patients in counting group were instructed to verbally count numbers backwards starting 100 when propofol was injected, while patients in non-counting group were injected propofol without any instructions. The size of the i.v. cannula, the temperature of the drug, and speed by which the drug was injected were controlled. No premedication was given. We interviewed the patients after the surgery and scored the pain on propofol injection, the pain on the placement of the iv cannula, and the anxiety level on entering the operating room. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of pain on injection of propofol (34% and 33% in the counting and the non-counting group, respectively). A multiple logistic-regression analysis revealed that the significant factors to cause pain on the injection of propofol were age and the degree of pain on inserting intravenous line. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive counting did not reduce the incidence of pain on injection of propofol. Age and the degree of pain on inserting intravenous cannula can be a useful predictor for an intolerable pain on injection of propofol.

[A case of delayed arousal after anesthesia due to aberrant epidural catheter placement in a blood vessel].

A 71-year-old man underwent a total gastrectomy. An epidural catheter was inserted before the induction of general anesthesia. Blood was withdrawn from an epidural catheter inserted at T8-9 interspace with a median approach. The epidural catheter was then reinserted in T8-9 interspace with a paramedian approach and neither blood nor cerebrospinal fluid was withdrawn with careful aspiration. The catheter placement was confirmed with 1% lidocaine 3 ml. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, propofol, and rocuronium, and was maintained with sevoflurane, oxygen, air, fentanyl, and epidural analgesia. Total of 0.375% ropivacaine 15 ml was administered through the epidural catheter in about 1 hr. All anesthetics but continuous epidural analgesia with 0.2% ropivacaine at a speed of 4 ml x hr(-1) were terminated when the operation was completed; however, the patient was not arousable for 2 hours thereafter. When we carefully aspirated the epidural catheter, fresh blood was withdrawn from the catheter. We confirmed that the delayed arousal was due to the administration of ropivacaine into the blood by aberrant epidural catheter placement in a blood vessel. Unaccountable tachycardia and mild hypertension observed persistently during the operation would have been the warning to the toxicity of local anesthetics during general anesthesia.

[Continuous hemodiafiltration during graft repair for a ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was useful in a patient with chronic renal failure].

A 74-year-old man with ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was scheduled for open surgical repair under partial cardiopulmonary bypass. He had a history of diabetes mellitus and a concomitant renal dysfunction, requiring regular intermittent hemodialysis. To maintain electrolytes, acid base as well as water balance within adequate ranges, we planned to use continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) during the surgery because there was a high incidence of bolus transfusion to deal with massive bleeding in these surgeries. We increased fluid removal speed of ultrafiltration when blood components had to be infused rapidly. With these considerations, the patient did not develop fluid overload, hyperkalemia, or aggravation of acidosis. We did not administer anticoagulants into CHDF circuit because activated coagulation time was prolonged probably due to massive bleeding prior to the surgery. Heparin was administered just before the partial car diopulmonary bypass. There was no evidence for thromboembolic complications due to CHDF use. In conclusion, we successfully managed electrolytes as well as acid base balance, and hydration of a patient with chronic renal failure by using CHDF during open graft repair of ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Effect of denture adhesives on masticatory performance: Multicenter randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of denture adhesives on masticatory performance via a 10-center, parallel, randomized, controlled trial of complete denture wearers in Japan. METHODS: The trial was conducted between September 2013 and October 2016. The inclusion criteria were complete edentulism, willingness to undergo new complete denture treatment, and willingness to return for recall treatment. The exclusion criteria were age 90 years or older, presence of severe systemic illness, inability to understand the questionnaires, wearing metal base complete dentures, denture adhesive user, wearing prosthetics for maxillofacial defects, wearing complete dentures with tissue conditioners, and severe xerostomia. Randomization of the powder-type denture adhesive (powder), cream-type denture adhesive (cream), and control (saline) groups was performed using a sealed envelope system. Masticatory performance was measured using color-changeable chewing gum. Intervention blinding was not feasible. RESULTS: Sixty-seven control, 69 powder, and 64 cream participants are analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. The participants in all groups show significantly improved masticatory performance at post-intervention (paired t-test with Bonferroni correction P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference in masticatory performance is detected among the three groups (one-way analysis of variance). A significant negative correlation between pre- and post-changes in masticatory performance and intraoral condition scores is observed (Pearson's correlation coefficient, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although denture adhesives improved the masticatory performance of complete denture wearers, their clinical effects are comparable to those of saline solution. The use of denture adhesives is more effective in complete denture wearers with unsatisfactory intraoral conditions.

[Safe induction of anesthesia in 3 patients with severe tracheal stenosis caused by thyroid cancer].

Anesthetic induction in a patient with a giant thyroid cancer is challenging for anesthetists. Tracheostomy under local anesthesia is usually impossible in these cases because the tumor mass occupies the anterior mediastinum and interferes with the approach to the trachea. The tumor may further cause tracheal stenosis and laryngeal malformation, leading to airway complications including difficult ventilation, difficult intubation, airway hemorrhage or swelling, and suffocation in the patient. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is reported to be a useful tool for safe induction in these patients; however, each of them alone would leave a possibility of inadequate oxygenation. We successfully managed anesthesia using both ECMO and HFJV in 3 patients with imminent danger of airway obstruction due to an extra-large thyroid cancer. A combination of ECMO and HFJV may be a useful tool for safe induction of anesthesia in patients with severe tracheal stenosis.

Experiences of Adolescent Daughters in Beginning to Live With Their Mothers' Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

This study reveals the experiences of adolescent daughters who are beginning to live with their mothers' cancer diagnosis. Participants were 14 adolescent daughters who were either junior or senior high school students when their mothers were diagnosed with breast cancer. We analyzed semi-structured interviews using content analysis. Using interview data, four categories were created from 23 subcategories and 183 codes: (1) using trial and error to attempt to steady their minds against upset and anxiety; (2) minimizing the effect on their own school life and future; (3) moving forward with the help and support of those around them; and (4) advancing together with their family to protect and take care of their mother. As supporters, we must understand adolescent daughters' experiences in living with their mothers' cancer. Open communication with an important outside individual is essential in promoting adolescent daughters' ability to obtain support and live with their mothers' cancer.

Can Measurement of Ultrasonic Echo Intensity Predict Physical Frailty in Older Adults?

Echo intensity (EI) of the tongue in ultrasonography is an easy and quantitative assessment of tongue function. Elucidating the relationship between EI and frailty, is expected to aid in the early detection of frailty and oral hypofunction in older adults. We assessed tongue function and frailty in older outpatients visiting a hospital. The subjects were 101 individuals aged 65 or older (35 men and 66 women, mean age 76.4 ± 7.0 years). Tongue pressure and EI were measured as assessments of tongue function and grip strength, and Kihon Checklist (KCL) scores were measured as assessments of frailty. In women, a significant correlation was not found between the mean EI and grip strength, whereas a significant correlation was noted between each score of the KCL and the mean EI; the scores increased as the mean EI increased. A significant positive correlation was found between tongue pressure and grip strength, but no significant correlation was observed between tongue pressure and the KCL scores. In men, no significant correlation was found between tongue assessments and frailty, except for a significant positive correlation between tongue pressure and grip strength. The results of this study suggest that EI of the tongue is positively associated with physical frailty in women and may be useful for early detection of physical frailty status.

Effective use of an extraoral vacuum in preventing the dispersal of particulate matter from metal dental materials.

OBJECTIVES: When dentists adjust prostheses at the dental chairside, particulate matter (PM) from the dental material is dispersed. Little is known about the effective use of an extraoral vacuum (EOV) in preventing PM dispersal. This study aimed to evaluate the effective use of an EOV in preventing the dispersal of metal PM in dental offices. METHODS: The following experimental conditions were planned: the distance from the EOV to the metallic materials (50, 100, 150, and 200 mm), the horizontal angle between the long axis of the micromotor handpiece and EOV (0°, 45°, and 90°), and the operating time of the EOV (during grinding, during grinding and 1 min thereafter, during grinding and the preceding 1 min, 1 min before and after grinding, and during grinding). Carborundum and silicone points were used for grinding and PM dispersal. Diameters (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 µm) were measured using a laser particle counter. RESULTS: Depending on the instrument used to grind, there were undetectable PMs of different diameters (Carborundum point: 0.3 and 0.5 µm, Silicone point: 0.3 µm). PMNs were reduced as the distance from the EOV to metal materials decreased. Operating the EOV before grinding along the long axis of the micromotor handpiece was effective in reducing the PMNs. CONCLUSION: PMNs dispersed when grinding metals were effectively reduced by positioning the EOV closer to the grinding surface (within 150 mm) along the long axis of the micromotor handpiece and operating the EOV before grinding.

Efficacy of an Algorithm-Based Nursing Intervention to Promote a Balance Between Cancer Patients' Social Roles and Outpatient Treatment: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients undergoing treatment are often unable to balance treatment and work because of the time required for care at the hospital and a desire to avoid problems at work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy of an algorithm-based nursing intervention (ANI) to promote balance between social roles and outpatient treatment in cancer patients. METHODS: Participants were outpatients receiving cancer therapy and randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group, the latter to receive ANI for 2 months. The outcomes were assessed using the Distress and Impact Thermometer and changes in employment status. Data from 54 evaluable participants in each group were analyzed. RESULTS: Distress and Impact Thermometer scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < .001). In addition, 2 months later, 20 participants had resigned from their employment or were on leave in the control group (37.0%); this was twice the number in the intervention group, a significant difference ( χ2 = 4.573, P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio in the control group was 3.6 times that of the intervention group of having resigned. CONCLUSION: The ANI appears to have reduced distress and impact scores associated with the course of treatment and to have reduced the likelihood of resignations at 2 months after implementation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The intervention appears to be effective and may be a new tool for use by outpatient oncology nurses.

Randomized clinical trial quantifying the effectiveness of a self-monitoring intervention in cancer patients with peripheral neuropathy: A quantitative study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of a self-monitoring intervention for the management of persistent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 65 outpatients receiving taxane or platinum-based anticancer drugs. Participants were assigned to the control group (CG; n â€‹= â€‹32) or the self-monitoring group (SMG; n â€‹= â€‹33) and followed for 6 weeks. Non-interveners were blinded. Participants in the intervention group self-monitored and recorded. The researchers provided feedback on the recorded symptoms and coping strategies once every 3 weeks. The efficacy of the 6-week self-monitoring intervention was assessed, using various measures, at baseline (T0), 3 weeks (T1), and 6 weeks (T2). Scores of CIPN, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity, Distress and Impact Thermometer, Self-Efficacy Scale for Advanced Cancer, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General of both groups were compared. Safety behavior in daily life was also compared. The study was conducted from August 9, 2017 to March 30, 2020 in outpatient clinics at three hospitals. Analysis was conducted using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, and two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (two-way RMANOVA). Results: No significant differences were noted between the two groups in the CIPN score, the Distress and Impact Thermometer score, and in safety behavior in daily life. The mean Self-Efficacy Scale for Advanced Cancer score at T1 differed between the two groups (CG mean â€‹± â€‹SD: 358.44 â€‹± â€‹109.90; SMG mean â€‹± â€‹SD: 421.21 â€‹± â€‹85.54), which was significantly higher in the SMG (P â€‹= â€‹0.012). Two-way RMANOVA revealed an interaction between the CG and SMG (F â€‹= â€‹5.689, P â€‹= â€‹0.004). Quality of life scores were higher in the SMG than in the CG at T0, T1, and T2. Two-way RMANOVA analysis showed an effect of the intervention (F â€‹= â€‹7.914, P â€‹= â€‹0.007). Conclusions: The self-monitoring intervention maintained the participants' quality of life. This finding suggests its effectiveness in patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Effects of denture adhesives on denture retention and occlusal forces in complete denture wearers: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effects of denture adhesives on denture retention and occlusal force in complete denture wearers in a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. METHODS: Two hundred edentulous patients wearing complete dentures were allocated to three groups: powder-type denture adhesive, cream-type denture adhesive, and control (saline solution). Denture adhesives and saline solution were applied to the dentures for 4 days. The retentive force of the dentures and occlusal force were measured using a force transducer occlusal force meter at baseline and after 4 days of intervention. In addition to between-group comparisons, subgroup analyses of denture retention and occlusal force were performed based on the level of difficulty of the edentulism treatment. The levels were ranked as I (easy), II, III, and IV (difficult). RESULTS: Cream-type denture adhesives significantly improved the retentive force of the dentures (P<0.01) and occlusal force (P<0.05), with no significant differences between baseline and post-intervention forces in the powder-type denture adhesive and control groups. In within-group comparisons, cream-type denture adhesives improved both the retentive and occlusal forces at Level II (P<0.05), and powder-type denture adhesives improved the occlusal force at Level II (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Application of cream-type denture adhesives effectively improves the denture retention and occlusal force in complete denture wearers with a moderate degree of difficulty during edentulism treatment.

Measurement of ultrasonic echo intensity predicts the mass and strength of the tongue muscles in the elderly.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the echo intensity (EI) on ultrasound images of the tongue, tongue thickness, and tongue pressure to examine the effectiveness of EI measurement for assessing the tongue function. METHODS: A total of 100 elderly outpatients were enrolled. Tongue thickness and EI were measured using ultrasonography. The distance from mylohyoid muscle surface to dorsal surface of the tongue was measured for tongue thickness. Subsequently, this area was vertically divided into four areas: top of tongue dorsal side (DT), bottom of tongue dorsal side (DB), top of basal tongue side (BT), and bottom of basal tongue side (BB), and the EI was measured in each area. RESULTS: The mean EIs of DT and DB were lower than those of BT and BB. In the three areas apart from BB, the EI decreased with an increase in tongue thickness. In particular, a significant correlation between the EI in DB and tongue thickness was found. In all areas, the EI decreased with an increase in tongue pressure. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that the measurement of EI could be an important indicator for assessing the tongue function in the elderly.