Oral function and vertical jump height among healthy older people in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Vertical jump height and oral function affect the general muscle condition. This study aimed to evaluate the association between vertical jump height and oral function among healthy older individuals. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytic study. PARTICIPANTS: 231 independent older people (mean age, 74.4 ± 5.6 years) who participated in the Kyoto Elders Physical Fitness Measurement Research Project. Individuals with partial or complete edentulousness who did not use a prosthetic device or complained of oral/maxillofacial pain were excluded from the study. INTERVENTIONS: Grip strength was measured using a Smedley Hand Dynamometer. To measure masticatory performance, the participants were instructed to chew a gummy jelly on their habitual chewing side (left or right) for 20 s. Occlusal force, contact area, and pressure were also assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome variable was vertical jump height. The predictor variables were physical status (age, body mass index, and grip strength), oral status (number of present teeth and denture use), and oral function (masticatory performance, occlusal force, occlusal contact area, occlusal pressure, and tongue pressure). These relationships were evaluated with univariate analysis, and then multiple regression analysis was performed with age as the covariate for each male and female participant. RESULTS: Vertical jump height was significantly associated with grip strength in both men and women. Moreover, in women, it was associated with masticatory performance, occlusal force, and occlusal contact area. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical jump height was closely associated with oral function among healthy older women.

Hepatitis B surface antigen reduction by switching from long-term nucleoside/nucleotide analogue administration to pegylated interferon.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction during nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA) therapy is slow and an alternative strategy for patients receiving ongoing NA to facilitate HBsAg reduction is required. We investigated whether switching to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) after long-term NA administration enhances HBsAg reduction. Forty-nine patients who switched from long-term NA to 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a were studied. The mean duration of previous NA was 48 months (sequential group). A total of 147 patients who continued NA and matched for baseline characteristics were analysed for comparison (NA continuation group). The treatment response was defined as HBsAg reduction ≥1.0 logIU/mL at the end of PEG-IFN. HBsAg reduction at week 48 was 0.81±1.1 logIU/mL in the sequential group, which was significantly higher than that in the NA continuation group (0.11±0.3 logIU/mL, P < .001). The treatment response was achieved in 29% and 2% of the sequential group and NA continuation group (P < .001), and the odds ratio of sequential therapy for the treatment response was 19 compared with the NA continuation (P < .001). In patients tested positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBeAg seroconversion was higher in the sequential group (44% vs 8%, P < .001). In HBeAg-negative patients, only patients in the sequential group achieved HBsAg loss. No patient needed to resume NA administration because of HBV DNA increase accompanied by alanine aminotransferase flares. In summary, sequential therapy with PEG-IFN after long-term NA enhances the reduction of HBsAg and may represent a treatment option to promote HBsAg loss.

Gender difference in tooth autotransplantation with complete root formation: a retrospective survey.

Gender-related risk factors in the survival of transplanted teeth with complete root formation have not yet been identified. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in tooth autotransplantation at dental clinics. We asked participating dentists to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 1931 December 2010. The data were screened to exclude patients who underwent more than one transplantation, smokers or those whose smoking habits were unknown, patients under 30 or who were 70 years old and over, cases where the transplanted teeth had incomplete root formation or multiple roots and those with fewer than 20 present teeth post-operation. We analysed 73 teeth of 73 males (mean age, 47.2 years) and 106 teeth of 106 females (mean age, 45.3 years) in this study. The cumulative survival rate and mean survival time were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative survival rate for males was 88.3% at the 5-year mark, 64.8% at 10 years and 48.6% at 15 years; for females, it was 97.2% at the 5-year mark, 85.9% at 10 years and 85.9% at 15 years. A log-rank test indicated the difference between males and females to be significant (P = 0.011). There was also a significant difference in the main causes for the loss of transplanted teeth: males lost more transplanted teeth due to attachment loss than females (P < 0.05). These results indicate that males require more attention during the autotransplantation process, particularly at the stage of pre-operation evaluation and that of follow-up maintenance.

Influence of age on tooth autotransplantation with complete root formation.

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors with age in the long-term prognosis of autotransplantation of teeth with complete root formation at dental clinics. Participating dentists were asked to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. The data were screened to exclude patients who were under 25 or 70 years of age and over, those who were smokers or whose smoking habits were unknown, those whose transplanted teeth had incomplete root formation or multiple roots and those with fewer than 25 present teeth post-operation. The participants in this study were 71 men (74 teeth) and 100 women (107 teeth) ranging from 25 to 69 years of age. Third molars were used as donor teeth in 89·0% of the cases. The participants were divided into three age groups of 25-39, 40-54 and 55-69. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a log-rank test revealed that there were no significant differences in age groups for men or women. Cox regression analysis indicated that the survival of transplanted teeth was not influenced by age. However, although not statistically significant, the clinical success rate was lower in the 55-69-year-old group than that in the younger groups. These results indicate that if suitable donor teeth are available and the conditions are right, autotransplantation is a viable treatment for missing teeth regardless of the age of the patient.

Comparison of prognosis of separated and non-separated tooth autotransplantation.

The aim of this study was to compare the prognosis of separated and non-separated tooth autotransplantation of the upper first and second molars with complete root formation undertaken at dental clinics. The participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. This study analysed 35 separated teeth and 22 non-separated teeth of 47 participants ranging from 27 to 76 years of age (mean age: 55·0 years) after data screening and elimination. The cumulative post-transplantation survival rate at 10 years was 77·1% for separated teeth and 63·6% for non-separated teeth as calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. There were no significant differences between separated teeth and non-separated teeth in a log rank test (P = 0·687). Separated-tooth autotransplantation can help fill narrow recipient sites and increase occlusal supporting zones, but the clinical success rate was only 48·6%. Although transplantation of teeth with complete root formation has limited prognosis, transplantation of upper first and second molars, whether separated or non-separated, is a viable option to replace missing teeth.

Comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in patients with tongue cancer undergoing a total/subtotal glossectomy or extended hemiglossectomy and free flap transfer: a prospective evaluation.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life and psychological distress of patients with tongue cancer undergoing total/subtotal glossectomy (TG) or extended hemiglossectomy (HG) and free flap transfer. Differences between the two groups were compared using the Short Form 8-Item Health Survey (SF-8) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 43 patients with tongue cancer, 24 (56%) underwent TG and 19 (44%) underwent HG. The general health and social functioning scores in the SF-8 and depression in the HADS were significantly worse in the TG group than in the HG group at 12 months after surgery, indicating that patients in the TG group may experience social isolation and psychological distress, and have difficulty in employability even 12 months after surgery. In contrast, all items of the SF-8 in the HG group were nearly equal to those in the general population. Due to the extensive psychological impact on patients with tongue cancer who are planned for an extended resection, curative surgery with free flap transfer and multidisciplinary psychiatric support are essential to improve quality of life and manage psychological distress.

A retrospective survey of autotransplantation of teeth in dental clinics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the usage of tooth autotransplantation in dental clinics which offer the treatment and evaluate its practicality. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. A total of 614 teeth from 552 patients (37 dentists) ranging in age from 17 to 79 (mean age: 44·1) were examined. Cumulative survival rate and mean survival time were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and log rank test was used for analysis of factors. The mean number of autotransplantation patients per clinic per year was 1·4. Upper third molars constituted 36·8% of donor teeth, while 37·1% were lower third molars. The lower first molar region was the most common recipient site at 32·6%, followed by the lower second molar region (28·0%). Prosthodontic treatment of transplanted teeth involved coverage with a single crown (72·5%) and abutment of bridge (18·9%). A total of 102 transplanted teeth were lost owing to complications such as attachment loss (54·9%) and root resorption (25·7%). The cumulative survival rate in cases where donor teeth had complete root formation was 90·1% at 5 years, 70·5% at 10 years and 55·6% at 15 years. The mean survival time was 165·6 months. Older age was a significant risk factor (P < 0·05) for survival. In cases where suitable donor teeth are available, autotransplantation of teeth may be a plausible treatment option for dealing with missing teeth in dental clinics.

Risk factors affecting third molar autotransplantation in males: a retrospective survey in dental clinics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting long-term prognosis of autotransplantation of third molars with complete root formation in males at dental clinics. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. After data screening and elimination, participants of this study consisted of 183 teeth of 171 males ranging from 20 to 72 years of age (mean age, 44·8 years). The cumulative survival rate was 86·0% at the 5-year mark, 59·1% at 10 years and 28·0% at 15 years. The mean survival time was 134·5 months, as calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Single factor analysis using the log-rank test showed that the following factors had significant influence (P < 0·05) on survival of transplanted teeth: periodontal disease as the reason for recipient site tooth extraction, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index Groups B1 to C. Cox regression analysis examined five factors: age, smoking habit, recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index. This analysis showed that two of these factors were significant: fewer than 25 present teeth was 2·63 (95% CI, 1·03-6·69) and recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease was 3·80 (95% CI, 1·61-9·01). The results of this study suggest that long-term survival of transplanted teeth in males is influenced not only by oral bacterium but also by occlusal status.

Oral medicine psychiatric liaison clinic: study of 1202 patients attending over an 18-year period.

Patients with orofacial pain and discomfort often suffer from psychiatric disorders. However, few studies involving a large sample have examined the diagnostic results of patients with orofacial pain or discomfort in relation to psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to summarize and clarify the characteristics and demographic data of 1202 patients attending the psychiatric liaison clinic at Aichi Gakuin University Hospital. Psychiatric diagnosis was performed by psychiatrists for all patients, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. Among the 1202 patients, 992 (82.5%) were female. The average age of the patients was 57.2±15.0years. The predominant broad categories of orofacial pain and discomfort seen were burning mouth syndrome (n=484, 40.3%), persistent idiopathic facial pain (n=258, 21.5%), and oral dysesthesia (n=215, 17.9%). The predominant broad categories of psychiatric diagnoses seen were somatic symptoms and related disorders (n=934, 77.7%) and depressive disorders (n=76, 6.3%). Among the 934 patients with somatic symptoms and related disorders, 678 had a somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain. The results confirmed that most patients with orofacial pain and discomfort were middle-aged and elderly women suffering from a somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain.

Comparison of two isozymes of carbonic anhydrase in the rat anterior pituitary gland and pituitary tumors.

Two isozymes of carbonic anhydrase (EC 4.2.1.1.) were compared in the anterior pituitary gland of non-tumor-bearing rats and in the hormone-secreting pituitary tumors. In contrast to the pituitary gland, which contained 60 to 70% of the total carbonic anhydrase in the particulate subcellular fraction, three hormone-secreting pituitary tumors were devoid of the particulate (Triton X-100-solubilized)enzyme activity. Another pituitary tumor, 7315a, contained particulate carbonic anhydrase, but the activity was only 45% of the activity of normal pituitary gland. During the development of the rat brain, the particulate (Triton X-100-solubilized) carbonic anhydrase activity was undetectable in prepartions up to 21 days of age (body weight, 47 g). After that age, the carbonic anhydrase activity in the particulate fraction increased rapidly and reached the adult level at 37 days (body weight, 120 g), while the activity in the soluble fraction increased gradually after birth and then reached a plateau at 30 days (body weight, 81 g). These data show that the isozyme pattern of carbonic anhydrase in pituitary tumor tissue resembles the pattern in fetal cells more than the pattern in adult tissue.

Mersalyl, a sulfhydryl reagent, alters the solubility of myosin and cytoskeletal proteins of human platelets.

We have examined the effect of a mercurial sulfhydryl reagent, mersalyl, on the protein composition of cytoskeletons by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after treatment of human platelets with Triton X-100 (Triton) containing mersalyl and Ca2+, and have found that mersalyl alters the protein composition of cytoskeletons in a Ca2+-dependent manner. At 1 X 10(-7) M Ca2+, 0.2 mM mersalyl, which represents approximately the equivalent amount of sulfhydryl of platelet suspensions that we used, specifically made myosin insoluble. The amount of myosin in Triton-mersalyl residues was increased by increasing the Ca2+ concentration of Triton lysis buffer. Actin-binding protein, 235 kDa polypeptide and alpha-actinin-like protein were decreased in Triton residues by mersalyl at Ca2+ concentrations less than 1 X 10(-7) M, while these polypeptides in Triton residues were increased by mersalyl in the presence of more than 2 X 10(-7) M Ca2+. Electron microscopic study revealed the presence of thick filaments with an appearance similar to that of the thick filaments of platelet myosin. Thus, the modification with mersalyl of sulfhydryls of platelet polypeptides along with changes in Ca2+ concentrations within a physiological range leads to changes in solubility of, and filament formation of, myosin, actin and other cytoskeletal proteins.

Effect of calcium on protein composition of human platelet cytoskeletons.

Triton X-100 residues (cytoskeletons) of human platelets were prepared in the presence of various concentrations of free calcium (Ca2+), and the polypeptide composition and ATPase activity were examined. Triton residues prepared in the presence of Ca2+ concentrations below 2 X 10(-7) M were composed primarily of polypeptides with an apparent molecular mass of 43 (actin), 105 (alpha-actinin-like protein) and 250 (actin-binding protein) kDa and showed low K+-EDTA-ATPase activity. When Triton residues were prepared at Ca2+ above 5 X 10(-7) M, a 200 kDa polypeptide (myosin heavy chain) and K+-EDTA-ATPase activity increased markedly, but actin-binding protein and alpha-actinin-like protein decreased. When N-(N-(L-3-trans-carboxyoxirane-2-carbonyl)-L-leucyl)agmatine, an inhibitor for Ca2+-dependent proteinase, was added to Triton lysis buffer containing high Ca2+, polypeptides of 250, 235 and 105 kDa remained associated with the residues. Under electron microscopic analysis, the treatment of platelets with Triton X-100 at low Ca2+ showed a network of microfilaments. When platelets were treated with high Ca2+, the microfilaments were disrupted and a few thick filaments and many granules appeared. However, when the inhibitor for Ca2+-proteinase was included in Triton lysis buffer, the microfilaments remained intact. These results suggested that an increase in Ca2+ concentration to more than 5 X 10(-7) M not only makes myosin associate with cytoskeletons but also regulates the organization of filamentous structures.

Properties of guanylate cyclase in adult rat liver and several Morris hepatomas.

Guanylate cyclase (GTP pyrophyosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.2) activity was examined in preparations from normal rat liver and a series of Morris hepatomas. Homogenate gyanylate cyclase activites were 3.2, 1.6 and 1.2 nmol cyclic GMP formed per min/g tissue ihe non-substrate analogs of IMP were weak inhibitors of this enzyme, GMP and four of its analogs had Ki values ranging from 30 to 80 muM. The GMP analogs (8-azaGMP, 7-deaza-8-azaGMP, 2'-dGMP and beta-D-arabinosylGMP) and GMP were competitive inhibitors with respect to GTP.

Importance of Fe2+-ADP and the relative unimportance of OH in the mechanism of mitomycin C-induced lipid peroxidation.

The mechanism of mitomycin C-induced lipid peroxidation has been studied at pH 7.5, using systems containing phospholipid membranes (liposomes) and an Fe3+-ADP complex with purified NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. Both O2- and H2O2 are generated during the aerobic enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the presence of mitomycin C. Hydroxyl radical is formed in the reaction by the reduction of H2O2. This is catalyzed by the Fe2+-ADP complex in a phosphate buffer or to a lesser extent when in a Tris-HCl buffer. The reduction of Fe3+-ADP to Fe2+-ADP is mainly achieved by O2-. The resulting Fe2+-ADP in the presence of O2 forms a perferryl ion complex which is a powerful stimulator of lipid peroxidation. However, the formation of such an iron-oxygen complex is strongly inhibited by phosphate ions, which do not interfere with the generation of OH radicals. These findings suggest that, since lipid peroxidation occurs in a Tris-HCl buffer (but not in a phosphate buffer), the OH radical is unlikely to be involved in the observed lipid peroxidation process.

Biodegradable scleral plugs for vitreoretinal drug delivery.

Intraocular controlled drug release is one way to facilitate drug efficacy and decrease side effects that occur with systemic administration. Vitreoretinal drug delivery with the biodegradable scleral plug has been investigated. The scleral plug, which is made of biodegradable polymers and drugs, can be implanted at the pars plana using a simple procedure, and it gradually releases effective doses of drugs with polymer biodegradation for several months. The release profiles of the drugs were dependent on the kind of polymers used, their molecular weights, and the amount of drug in the plug. The plugs are effective for treating vitreoretinal diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The implantation site was replaced with connective tissue. Electroretinography and histologic studies revealed little retinal toxicity. This implantable scleral plug was supposed to be advantageous for diseases such as cytomegalovirus retinitis that respond to repeated intravitreal injections and for vitreoretinal disorders that require vitrectomy.

Drug targeting to choroidal neovascularization.

Subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) causes significant visual loss, especially in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several pharmaceutical treatments that use anti-angiogenic agents have been tried to inhibit the activity of CNV experimentally and clinically. In general, however, systemically administered drugs may reach not only targeted tissues but also other tissues, resulting in unwanted side effects. Also, to maintain therapeutic levels of the drugs in targeted tissues, frequent administration for an extended period of time is required. To solve these problems, drug delivery systems targeted to the CNV are being developed. Anatomic characteristics of CNV tissues resemble those of tumor vasculature, exhibiting enhanced permeability and retention effect. Drug targeting to CNV may be feasible in the same manner as it is to tumors. In this review, we describe two approaches of drug targeting to CNV: passive targeting and active targeting.

Immunoassay with stable polystyrene latex particles.

Three variations of a new immunoassay which used physicochemically stable latex particles (LP) are described. New features include (1) separation of free and agglutinated LP by centrifugation after the addition of sucrose, and (2) combined use of two or three types of LP. Assay results for anti-rabbit IgG (anti-RG), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), C3 components and insulin indicated excellence of these methods in sensitivity, reproducibility and preservability of reagents.

Distribution of H type 1 and of H type 2 antigens of ABO blood group in different cells of human submandibular gland.

We have examined the immunohistochemical distribution of H Type 1 and of H Type 2 substances of the ABO blood group system in human submandibular gland using either of the two anti-H monoclonal antibodies MAb 1E3 and MAb 3A5. MAb 3A5 was specific for H Type 2, and MAb 1E3 reacted with each of H Type 1-H Type 4 artificial antigens. We have developed a competitive inhibition method against H Type 2 and have obtained MAb 1E3, which is fairly specific for H Type 1 under certain conditions. Mucous cells from secretors were strongly stained by 1E3 and weakly by 3A5, whereas those from nonsecretors showed no reaction with 1E3 and 3A5. Serous cells from both secretors and nonsecretors were stained neither by 1E3 nor by 3A5. Striated and interlobular duct cells were strongly stained by 1E3 and by 3A5, regardless of the secretor status. These results indicated that the expressions of the H Type 1 and H Type 2 in different cell types of the submandibular gland were controlled by different genes. In addition, we have determined the acceptor specificity of two alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferases (H and Se enzymes) after transient expressions of the FUT1 and FUT2 in COS7 cells, and found that the H enzyme activity was similar for both Type 1 and Type 2 precursors, and that Se enzyme activity with the Type 1 precursor was higher than that with the Type 2 precursor. Expression of the H Type 1 antigen in mucous cells was found to be dependent on the Se gene, whereas expressions of the H Type 1 and H Type 2 antigens in striated and interlobular duct cells were dependent on the H gene. (J Histochem Cytochem 46:69-76, 1998)

Clinical manifestations of primary herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in a closed community.

The clinical features and the molecular epidemiology of primary herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection among children younger than 3 years of age were investigated in day-care nursery. Serial sera were assayed for anti-HSV-1 glycoprotein B antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serologic examinations revealed 55 cases of primary HSV infection during the observation period. Fifty-one of them (93%) had typical herpetic gingivostomatitis, showing a high rate of clinically overt infection. Four outbreaks of herpetic gingivostomatitis were observed during the observation period. Forty-one children were infected with HSV-1 in the outbreaks. The rates of infection in the susceptible children were 81%, 73%, 78%, and 100%, respectively, in the four outbreaks. Restriction endonuclease analysis of DNA of isolated HSV revealed that only one strain of HSV-1 had been transmitted among children for a long period.

Targeted delivery of anti-angiogenic agent TNP-470 using water-soluble polymer in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: The conjugation of drugs with water-soluble polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) tends to prolong the half-life of drugs and facilitate the accumulation of drugs in tissues involving neovascularization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of TNP-470-PVA conjugate on the proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro and on experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in vivo. METHODS: TNP-470 was conjugated in PVA by a dimethylaminopyridine-catalyzed reaction. The effects of TNP-470-PVA and free TNP-470 on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells (BRPECs) were evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (XTT assay). Experimental CNV was induced by subretinal injection of gelatin microspheres containing basic fibroblast growth factor, into rabbits. Thirty rabbits were intravenously treated either with TNP-470-PVA (n = 8), free TNP470 (n = 5), free PVA (n = 5), or saline (n = 12) daily for 3 days, 2 weeks after implantation of gelatin microspheres. Fluorescein angiography was performed to detect the area with CNV, and the evaluation was made by computerized measurement of digital images. These eyes were also examined histologically. To observe the accumulation of conjugate, 3 rabbits with CNV received rhodamine B isothiocyanate-binding PVA (RITC-PVA), and the lesion was studied 24 hours later by fluorescein microscopy. RESULTS: The TNP-470-PVA inhibited the growth of HUVECs, similar to that of free TNP-470. The BRPECs were less sensitive to TNP-470-PVA than were the HUVECs. TNP-470-PVA significantly inhibited the progression of CNV in rabbits (P = 0.001). Histologic studies at 4 weeks after treatment demonstrated that the degree of vascular formation and the number of vascular endothelial cells in the subretinal membrane of the eyes treated with TNP-470-PVA were less than those of the control eyes. RITC-PVA remained in the area with CNV 24 hours after administration. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TNP-470-PVA inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs more sensitively than that of BRPECs, and the targeted delivery of TNP-470-PVA may have potential as a treatment modality for CNV.