Associations between saliva and plasma cytokines in cognitively normal, older adults.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory responses play key roles in the development and progression of many pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. Accurate quantification of inflammatory factors in saliva would be highly advantageous, given its convenience and non-invasive nature, especially in elderly populations. METHODS: In this study, we measured levels of 10 cytokines, and the pro-inflammatory factor, YKL-40, in plasma and saliva samples from a cohort of nondemented older adults (n = 71; 62% female; 70.3 ± 6.4 years) using sensitive electrochemiluminescence-based immunoassays. RESULTS: We found that the mean levels of all cytokines were higher in saliva compared to plasma and that strong sex differences were observed for both saliva and plasma cytokines in this population. Comparing each cytokine between the two biofluids, we found that levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in blood were significantly correlated with their respective levels in saliva. We further observed that levels of these cytokines in blood were significantly correlated with additional cytokines in saliva, including IL-1ß, IL-10, IL-8, IL12p70 and IL-13. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that inflammatory markers in saliva are associated with those found in circulation, suggesting shared inflammatory mechanisms between these two fluids. The higher levels of cytokines measured in saliva suggest that it might represent a better peripheral fluid to gauge inflammatory processes. Finally, our findings of robust sex differences in several salivary cytokines could have important implications for their potential use as disease biomarkers in the elderly and might be related to sex differences in the prevalence of age-related conditions.

Effects of PMMA and Cross-Linked Dextran Filler for Soft Tissue Augmentation in Rats.

This study was conducted for evaluation of the ability to maintain efficacy and biocompatibility of cross-linked dextran in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (DiHM) and cross-linked dextran mixed with PMMA in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (PDiHM), compared with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. Saline and HA solution was administered in the negative and positive control groups, and DiHM and PDiHM were administered in the test groups (n = 10 in each group). The site of cranial subcutaneous injection was the mid-point of the interpupillary line, and the site of intraoral submucosal injection was the ridge crest 2 mm below the cervical line of the mandibular left incisor. Before and immediately after filler injection, intraoral photos and lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken for analysis and comparison of the effect of the filler on the injection sites. The filler injected areas were converted into sequential size changes (%) of the baseline. Histomorphologic examination was performed after 12 weeks. The smallest value in the filler injected area was observed during the experimental period in the normal saline group (p < 0.001), which was almost absorbed at 4 weeks (7.19% ± 12.72%). The HA group exhibited a steady decrease in sequential size and showed a lower value than the DiHM and PDiHM groups (saline < HA < DHiM, PDHiM, p < 0.001). DiHM and PDiHM tended to increase for the first 4 weeks and later decreased until 12 weeks. In this study on DiHM and PDiHM, there was no histological abnormality in cranial skin and oral mucosa. DiHM and PDiHM filler materials with injection system provide an excellent alternative surgical method for use in oral and craniofacial fields.

Oral health status of the disabled compared with that of the non-disabled in Korea: A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are many types of disabilities, and each type has a variety related to socioeconomic factors. Such factors affect to many health problems of the disabled. However, surveys of the oral health status of the disabled in Korea are rare. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate oral health disparity through comparing oral health status of the disabled to the non-disabled, adjusted for the net effect of the disability on oral health status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the disabled in urban and suburban areas in Korea from June to September 2016. People with physical, mental, and multiple disabilities took part in this survey. The clinical examinations were carried out by trained dentists. Statistical analysis was performed to quantify the association between oral health and socioeconomic status after restricting the analysis using a propensity score matching method. RESULTS: The disabled had more DMFT, DT, and MT, fewer FT, and fewer teeth than the non-disabled based on entire groups (P<0.01). No difference in the ratio of periodontitis was observed. The subjects with mental disabilities (MD) scored 3.09 (95% CI, 1.07-8.97), and those with multiple disabilities scored 4.37 (95% CI, 1.16-16.37) for edentulous status. The MD had an odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.03-1.74), and those with multiple disabilities had an odds ratio of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.11-2.76) for the DMFT index. CONCLUSIONS: These results represent poor oral health status of the disabled compared to the non-disabled. Consequentially, we can verify that not only the existence of disability but also the type of disability has a decisive effect on oral health condition. This comparison is necessary to widen our approach to evaluate the actual status condition of the disabled.

Effect of Double Screw on Abutment Screw Loosening in Single-Implant Prostheses.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the effect of using a double screw on the prevention of abutment screw loosening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Internal connected abutment with a single screw (IS), internal connected abutment with a double screw (ID), external connected abutment with a single screw (ES), and external connected abutment with a double screw (ED) groups were prepared (n = 10 in each group). After 50,000 loading cycles, postload removal torque loss (RTL) percentage was measured. RESULTS: Postload RTL of ID and ED were smaller than those of IS and ES (P = .000 and P = .039, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed that a double screw was more effective in prevention of screw loosening.

Attitudes toward and beliefs about the use of a dental diagnostic terminology: A survey of dental care providers in a dental practice.

BACKGROUND: Attitudes and views are critical to the adoption of innovation. Although there have been broadening calls for a standardized dental diagnostic terminology, little is known about the views of private practice dental team members regarding the adoption of such a terminology. METHODS: The authors developed a survey by using validated questions identified through literature review. Domain experts' input allowed for further modifications. The authors administered the final survey electronically to 814 team members at a multioffice practice based in the US Pacific Northwest. RESULTS: Response proportion was 92%. The survey had excellent reliability (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.87). Results suggested that participants showed, in general, positive attitudes and beliefs about using a standardized diagnostic terminology in their practices. Additional written comments by participants highlighted the potential for improved communication with use of the terminology. CONCLUSIONS: Dental care providers and staff in 1 multioffice practice showed positive attitudes about the use of a diagnostic terminology; specifically, they believed it would improve communication between the dentist and patient, as well as among providers, while expressing some concerns about whether using standardized dental diagnostic terms helps clinicians to deliver better dental care. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: As the dental profession is advancing toward the use of standardized diagnostic terminology, successful implementation will require that dental team leaders prepare their teams by gauging their attitude about the use of such a terminology.