Effects of simple cage enrichment and its removal on the behavior and welfare of American mink (Neogale vison).

Environmental enrichment may reduce stereotypies in fur-farmed mink. North American mink standards require manipulable enrichment objects within cages. However, mink can rapidly destroy objects inhibiting continuous enrichment presence, which may have negative welfare impacts. This experimental study determined the effects of removing simple cage manipulable enrichments (plastic chains and dumbbells), either short-term or longer-term, on the behavioral expression of welfare in fur-farmed mink. Locomotor stereotypies, normal activity, sub-types of inactivity related to boredom, and tail fur-chewing were recorded across four treatment groups with either (1) no enrichment, (2) continuous enrichment, (3) short (temporary), or (4) long-term enrichment removal. Contrary to predictions, locomotor stereotypies, and scrabbling were not reduced by the enrichments, nor affected by the enrichment removal. Observations at the beginning of the trial showed the non-enriched mink spent the least amount of time lying with their eyes open (i.e., the least bored). The lack of enrichment may have increased fur-chewing on the tail, but larger sample sizes would be needed for statistical confirmation. This research contributes to the literature on evaluating simple, practical enrichments for improving fur-farmed mink welfare.

Comparative Analysis of Tissue Copper Levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) Patients.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a recognized potentially malignant oral condition linked to the consumption of areca nut. Chewing areca nut has been shown to elevate soluble copper levels in mouth fluids. Materials and Methods: Participants: The study included a panel of 30 patients with OSMF from Rama Dental College, Kanpur, India, and 30 nonareca chewing individuals serving as controls. Tissue Sample Collection and Analysis: Buccal mucosal biopsies were obtained from both OSMF patients and controls. The tissue copper concentrations were quantified using mass absorption spectrometry (MAS). Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) was employed to identify the presence and distribution of copper in the tissue. Statistical Analysis: Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate methods, with a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: MAS analysis revealed that the mean tissue copper level was 6.2 ± 3.1 micrograms per gram (µg/g) in OSMF specimens (n = 30), slightly higher than the 4.5 ± 2.0 µg/g in the nonareca chewing controls (n = 30) (P = 0.1). EDX analysis showed distinct copper peaks in both the epithelium (22/23) and connective tissue (18/23) of OSMF specimens compared to control biopsies. These findings were corroborated by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in a subset of samples. Conclusion: The study revealed higher copper concentrations in buccal mucosal tissue of OSMF patients from Rama Dental College, Kanpur, suggesting a potential connection between copper and the initiation of OSMF.

Development of cooking method for senior-friendly food using fruits suitable for older adults with masticatory dysfunction.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish a fruit-cooking method suitable for older adults with masticatory dysfunction. MATERIALS/METHODS: Five types of fruits were selected to make fruit jelly and puree: apple, sweet persimmon, mandarin, Korean melon, and watermelon. Recipes were selected based on the Korean Industrial Standard (KS) for senior-friendly foods (KS H 4897), which classifies foods into 3 levels (L1-L3) based on their hardness and viscosity. RESULTS: In South Korea, senior-friendly foods are classified into 3 stages based on their hardness. Stage 1 is for foods that are able to eat with teeth (hardness greater than 50,000 N and less than 500,000 N), Stage 2 is for foods that are able to eat with gums (hardness greater than 20,000 N and less than 50,000 N), and Stage 3 is for foods that are able to eat with the tongue (hardness less than 20,000 N). As a result of measuring the hardness by varying the shape of the fruit, it was found that nearly all fruits could be eaten fresh by chewing with the teeth (L1) but did not meet the KS for mastication using the gums (L2) or tongue (L3), so the cooking method was selected as fruit jelly and fruit puree. Only sweet persimmon, which had a hardness of 61,624-496,393 N, was not suitable for consumption in fresh fruit, unprocessed form. Based on their hardness measurements, fruit jellies (27,869 to 36,343 N) and fruit purees (315 to 1,156 N) met the L2 and L3 requirements, respectively. The viscosity results of all fruit purees met the L3 requirement. CONCLUSION: These results offer a simple cooking method to prepare texture-modified fruits suitable for safe consumption by older adults living with masticatory difficulties in general households and nursing facilities.

Effect of chewing gum in reducing postoperative ileus after gastroduodenal perforation peritonitis surgery: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Chewing gum reduces the duration of postoperative ileus and early recovery of bowel function following elective abdominal surgery. However, its role has not been studied in cases of gastroduodenal perforation peritonitis, prompting us to conduct this study. Patients were randomised into two groups, 39 patients received chewing gum (study group) and 43 patients were in the control group. Sensation of hunger, appearance of first bowel sound, and passages of flatus and faeces were significantly early in the study group; their hospital stay was also shorter. Chewing gum reduces the duration of postoperative ileus in cases of gastroduodenal perforation peritonitis.Registration number: IEC/2020-23/3359 dated 13 December 2020, Institutional Ethics Committee, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, India.

Factors Related to Masticatory Rhythm in Patients with Oral Tumors.

Background: Older adults who have undergone surgery for oral tumors are at increased risk of impaired masticatory rhythm. This study investigated the correlations between masticatory rhythm, objective masticatory performance, and subjective masticatory performance as well as factors related to masticatory rhythm. Methods: The participants were 44 adults (24 men, 20 women; age range 42~90 years old) who had undergone maxillectomy, mandibulectomy, or glossectomy and were rehabilitated with a maxillofacial prosthesis. The number of functional contact teeth pairs was confirmed by intraoral examination. Chewing rate, cycle duration, coefficient of variation (CV) for cycle duration (reflecting the stability of masticatory rhythm), and mixing ability were measured simultaneously using a mastication movement rhythm tracking device during gum chewing. Maximum occlusal force was measured using the dental prescale system. Patients' perception of chewing ability was rated using a questionnaire. Results: The Spearman's rank correlation test revealed that mixing ability, patient-rated masticatory scores, cycle duration, CV for cycle duration, and maximum occlusal force showed significant correlations with chewing rate. Multiple linear regression analysis identified mixing ability and the CV for cycle duration as significant predictors of masticatory rhythm. Conclusions: Factors associated with a faster chewing rate were higher mixing ability and masticatory scores, greater maximum occlusal force, shorter cycle duration, and smaller CV for cycle duration. Stable masticatory rhythm and mixing ability are significant predictors of chewing rate. Poor masticatory performance and unstable masticatory rhythm can result in slower chewing and thus a higher risk of inadequate dietary intake.

Accuracy of newly developed color determination application for masticatory performance: Evaluating color-changeable chewing gum.

PURPOSE: Color-changeable chewing gums are used to evaluate masticatory performance, as measured by a colorimeter or visually based on a color scale. Although anyone can use a color scale, the evaluation accuracy depends on the evaluator. We develop an application that can determine the degree of color change in chewing gum using smartphone images, making color evaluation accurate and easy to measure. METHODS: For the application, 60 chewed gum samples were prepared. Two shots were captured using two smartphone models. To create the application algorithm, a formula was developed to approximately map the color value from the smartphone images to the true value using a colorimeter. A basic validation was performed on 60 new samples covering a range of colors, followed by a field validation on 100 healthy dentate participants aged 20-39 years. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient for two repeated shots had a high value ≥ 0.97 in the basic and field validations, confirming reliability. No significant differences were observed in the paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a significant and strong correlation (correlation coefficient ≥ 0.92) was observed between the evaluation values using the colorimeter and the basic and field validations. Bland-Altman plots further confirmed the validity of the application. CONCLUSIONS: A software application was developed to enable easy, quick, and accurate determination of the masticatory performance of a chewing gum from images taken using a smartphone with highly reliable and validated results.

Defense strategies and associated phytohormonal regulation in Brassica plants in response to chewing and sap-sucking insects.

Plants have evolved distinct defense strategies in response to a diverse range of chewing and sucking insect herbivory. While chewing insect herbivores, exemplified by caterpillars and beetles, cause visible tissue damage and induce jasmonic acid (JA)-mediated defense responses, sucking insects, such as aphids and whiteflies, delicately tap into the phloem sap and elicit salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense responses. This review aims to highlight the specificity of defense strategies in Brassica plants and associated underlying molecular mechanisms when challenged by herbivorous insects from different feeding guilds (i.e., chewing and sucking insects). To establish such an understanding in Brassica plants, the typical defense responses were categorized into physical, chemical, and metabolic adjustments. Further, the impact of contrasting feeding patterns on Brassica is discussed in context to unique biochemical and molecular modus operandi that governs the resistance against chewing and sucking insect pests. Grasping these interactions is crucial to developing innovative and targeted pest management approaches to ensure ecosystem sustainability and Brassica productivity.

Effect of gum-chewing exercise on maintaining and improving oral function in older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background/purpose: Gum chewing has been found to improve oral function. Nevertheless, few randomized controlled trials have investigated the effects of gum-chewing exercises on oral function in older adults. This study aimed to examine the effect of gum-chewing exercises on oral function in older adults. Materials and methods: This was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial, conducted from November 2021 to January 2022. A total of 130 participants were divided randomly into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group was told to chew experimental gums for one month, while the control group was instructed to chew experimental tablets for one month. Maximum bite force, occlusal contact areas, oral dryness, tongue pressure, tongue and lip functions (number of times each of the following syllables is pronounced per second:/pa/,/ta/, and/ka/), masticatory function, subjective masticatory function, and gum-chewing time were measured at baseline and one month following intervention to assess outcomes. Results: One month following the intervention, tongue pressure was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.027). In the within-group comparisons, maximum bite force (P < 0.001), unstimulated saliva flow (P < 0.001), tongue and lip functions (/pa/: P < 0.001;/ta/: P < 0.001;/ka/: P < 0.001), color scale value (P = 0.019), and ΔE value (P = 0.024) were significantly increased in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results suggest that gum-chewing exercises can improve oral functions in older adults, although additional increases in masticatory load may be necessary to establish a more effective oral function training method using gum-chewing exercises in older adults.

Assessment of Oral Masticatory Muscle Activity With Different Chewing Gums: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Electromyogram Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Facial muscles, particularly those involved in mastication, play a pivotal role in the chewing process. Despite their influence on chewing, these muscles undergo alterations during mastication. Examining the relationship between chewed substances and muscle activity can provide insights into various pathological processes and aid in the development of therapeutic chewing techniques. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different commercially available chewing gums on the activity of key masticatory muscles. METHOD: Twenty-two participants were recruited for the study. They were instructed to chew four commercially available gums: group 1 comprised sugar gum with a strong flavor; group 2 included gum containing sorbitol; group 3 consisted of gum containing xylitol; and group 4 provided sugar gum with a mild flavor. Electromyogram (EMG) recordings were utilized to assess muscle activity. Various aspects of muscle activity, including chewing time, maximum muscle potential, and coordination between different muscles, were evaluated. Data tabulation and analysis were performed using IBM SPSS software version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULT: Analysis revealed that in terms of temporalis symmetry, group 2 exhibited the highest mean deviation, while for masseter symmetry, group 3 demonstrated the highest mean deviation. The total deviation for the temporalis and masseter muscles was 72.16% and 65.55%, respectively, indicating greater symmetry in the temporalis muscle. Additionally, group 3 displayed the highest mean deviation in both left and right-sided synergic activity of the muscles. The total deviation for the right and left sides was 64.34% and 65.67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that sugar-free chewing gums elicit increased muscle activity compared to sugar-containing chewing gums. Furthermore, the utilization of calorie-free chewing gums with a firm texture was associated with better-coordinated muscle activity. These results provide valuable insights into the effects of different chewing gums on masticatory muscle function and coordination, which may have implications for therapeutic interventions and oral health management.

Introduction of a model for the modification of masticatory activity to investigate induced neural and behavioral alterations in mice.

In the literature, there is consistent evidence related to the influence of chewing on brain functions, either from experimental models or in humans. In the case of humans, most results are restricted to functional tests, lacking cellular or molecular evidence. In the described method, the possibility of using experimental models is presented, as well as the mimicry of deprivation and rehabilitation of masticatory activity and without stress impact. By opting for the use of mash feed, instead of extracting or implanting an intraoral device, alternations between restriction and rehabilitation of mastication were imposed on murine models. The animals completed various temporal windows, with aging also representing a potential factor for translational dementia associations. Additionally, animals were segregated into environments characterized as either standard, simulating a sedentary lifestyle, or enriched, rich in sensorimotor and visuospatial stimulation. Thus, it was possible to study the influence of changes in masticatory activity, associated with aging and environmental enrichment, on cells from subregions of the hippocampus, as well as on performance in tests of learning and spatial memory.•Animal model for masticatory activity alteration;•Masticatory deprivation and rehabilitation, and•Models to study the interaction among masticatory activity, aging and enrichment environment.

Relationship between orofacial dysfunction and orofacial features, oral function, and eating performance among preschool children.

Background/purpose: Orofacial (OF) development is influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between OF dysfunction (OFD) and OF features, oral function, and eating performance among preschool children. Materials and methods: There were 243 preschool children and their parents who participated in this cross-sectional study. Participant demographic information and eating performance were obtained from questionnaires completed by their mothers. OF features and functions were assessed using oral examinations. OFD assessments were performed using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). Results: Approximately 80% of participants had at least one domain of NOT-S affected. The main OFD in a structured interview was chewing and swallowing (64.61%). Dysarthria (40.38%), weak bite force (53.85%), inability to effectively chew (45.19%), and taking longer than 30 min to eat meals (75.00%) were significantly more prevalent among participants with OFD than among those without OFD (all P < 0.05). Also, compared with participants born full-term, those born prematurely and who had OFD had higher rates of V-shaped dental arch (42.11%), high-arched palate (31.58%), small mouth opening capacity (7.89%), dysarthria (65.79%), preference to eating soft-textured food (42.11%), and weak cough strength (21.05%). Taking longer than 30 min to eat meals (adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 8.87, P < 0.001) and not effectively chewing food (AOR = 8.81, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with OFD. Conclusion: Chewing and swallowing and habits are common among preschool children and associated with OFD. OFD is associated with OF features, and presented in oral function and eating performance.

The effect of early childhood caries on chewing function and tolerated food texture levels in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: The early form of caries can affect solid food consumption. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of oral health status on chewing performance, and tolerated food texture among preschool children suffering from early childhood caries (ECC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 109 children aged between 3 and 6 years, who were allocated to three groups (severe-ECC (s-ECC), ECC and control) on the basis of their caries. Chewing function was evaluated by using the 'Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS)' and the Turkish version of the 'Mastication Observation and Evaluation instrument (T-MOE)', and the tolerated food texture was determined by the 'International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)'. Carious lesions, oral hygiene and gingival health status were evaluated by using the 'decayed, missing, filled tooth/surface indices (dmft/s)', 'plaque and gingival indices'; respectively. RESULTS: A total of 56 children (51.4%) had s-ECC, 39 (35.8%) had ECC and 14 (12.8%) had no caries (control group). KCPS showed that 26 (86.7%) children suffering from s-ECC were at level 1, and 11 (100%) children were at level 2. Seven (100%) children with s-ECC had IDDSI level-5. All children with healthy oral status had IDSSI level-7. Compared to the ECC and control groups, the s-ECC group had significantly lower scores from the T-MOE total and subscale scores (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of chewing performance during routine dental examinations of children with ECC (especially s-ECC) may considerably contribute to the early diagnosis of chewing problems and the provision of necessary oral rehabilitation.

Associations between measured masticatory function and cognitive status: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the most recent evidence on the association between measured masticatory function and cognitive status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature and manual searches were conducted using three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL). Observational studies published between 2011 and 2021 investigating the association between masticatory function, dementia and cognitive status in adult humans were abstracted and reviewed by three reviewers. Studies that assessed participants' masticatory function using objective and subjective measurements and that individually examined its association with cognitive function were included. The included studies were divided into cross-sectional and cohort studies, and the quality of each study was analysed using critical appraisal skills checklists. Additionally, the main conclusions and strength of the evidence were assessed for each article. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies (11 cross-sectional studies that objectively evaluated masticatory function, 9 cross-sectional studies that subjectively evaluated masticatory function and 1 prospective cohort study) were evaluated. The poorer masticatory function was associated with lower cognitive status even after adjusting for potential risk factors of dementia in four of 11 and six of nine cross-sectional studies where the masticatory function was respectively evaluated objectively and subjectively. One prospective cohort study also demonstrated that masticatory function, as evaluated based on measurements of occlusal force, predicted cognitive decline during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Several studies demonstrated a positive association between masticatory function and cognitive status. However, further studies, particularly longitudinal studies, are required to determine whether the association is causal.

Muscle and joint mechanics during maximum force biting following total temporomandibular joint replacement surgery.

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) surgery is the established treatment for severe temporomandibular joint disorders. While TMJR surgery is known to increase mouth-opening capacity, reduce pain and improve quality of life, little is known about post-surgical jaw function during activities of daily living such as biting and chewing. The aim of this study was to use subject-specific 3D bite force measurements to evaluate the magnitude and direction of joint loading in unilateral total TMJR patients and compare these data to those in healthy control subjects. An optoelectronic tracking system was used to measure jaw kinematics while biting a rubber sample for 5 unilateral total TMJR patients and 8 controls. Finite element simulations driven by the measured kinematics were employed to calculate the resultant bite force generated when compressing the rubber between teeth during biting tasks. Subject-specific musculoskeletal models were subsequently used to calculate muscle and TMJ loading. Unilateral total TMJR patients generated a bite force of 249.6 ± 24.4 N and 164.2 ± 62.3 N when biting on the contralateral and ipsilateral molars, respectively. In contrast, controls generated a bite force of 317.1 ± 206.6 N. Unilateral total TMJR patients biting on the contralateral molars had a significantly higher lateral TMJ force direction (median difference: 63.6°, p = 0.028) and a significantly lower ratio of working TMJ force to bite force (median difference: 0.17, p = 0.049) than controls. Results of this study may guide TMJ prosthesis design and evaluation of dental implants.

Chewing Well Modulates Pharyngeal Bolus Transit During Swallowing in Healthy Participants.

Mastication is controlled by central pattern generator in the brainstem and can be modulated by volition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chewing well on swallowing. Twenty-six healthy participants were instructed to eat 8, 12, and/or 16 g of steamed rice with barium sulphate under the following two conditions: chewing freely task (CF; chewing naturally in their usual manner) and chewing well task (CW; chewing the food with a request to "chew well"). We evaluated bolus transport and swallowing movement using videofluoroscopy and electromyography of the masseter, suprahyoid and thyrohyoid muscles. The chewing time and pharyngeal transit time (PTT) at the first swallow showed high reproducibility in both CF and CW. PTT for CW was significantly shorter and longer than CF in 12 and 16 g, respectively. In 12 g, CW increased the pharyngeal bolus velocity and decreased thyrohyoid EMG activity during swallowing compared with CF. In 16 g, the difference between CW and CF in the estimated swallowed bolus volume was positively correlated with that in upper esophageal sphincter transit duration. We speculate that CW modulates PTT during swallowing depending on the mouthful volume.

Chewing difficulties, oral health, and nutritional status in adults with intellectual disabilities: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chewing difficulty, poor oral health, inadequate and imbalanced nutrition are serious health problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The participants' chewing abilities, oral health and nutritional status were analysed in this study. METHODS: Forty-five adult participants with intellectual disabilities were included. Anthropometric measurements, oral health assessments, chewing ability evaluations and dietary intake analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A 56.8% of the participants were classified as overweight or obese. Teeth grinding was reported in 33.3% of the participants, while 40.0% experienced drooling. All participants with Down syndrome and 58.6% of the participants with developmental delay had chewing difficulties. Inadequate nutrient intake was observed and the fibre, vitamins B1, B3, B9, sodium, phosphorus and iron intakes were significantly lower than reference values in those with chewing difficulty (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Chewing difficulties were associated with lower intake of certain nutrients, highlighting the importance of addressing oral health and dietary counselling in this population.

Chewing Function with Efficiency Tests in Subjects Wearing Clear Aligners.

This study assessed the masticatory function of participants wearing clear aligners in order to determine whether these devices can be worn even when eating and therefore worn to extend treatment time and boost treatment effectiveness. An intercontrol test was conducted on 20 patients who received Invisalign® treatment. Each participant was instructed to chew two pieces of Hue-Check Gum® chewing gum (one pink and the other blue) in 5, 10, and 20 cycles both with and without aligners. After being removed from the oral cavity, the gum was dried and pressed using a 1 × 50 × 50 mm model that was 3D printed with a transparent layer in between. After being scanned on both sides with a flatbed scanner at 600 dpi, the samples were saved as jpg files and subjected to an optoelectronic examination using ViewGum software. To validate the procedure, a control group from a different institution (University of Bern) was used. A statistical analysis of the data was carried out. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm the normality of the samples. A one-way ANOVA test, a homogeneity of variance test, and a t-test did not reveal statistically significant differences between the two control groups, thus validating the methodology employed. In summary, clear aligners do not radically change the masticatory function while they are worn. As a result, clinicians can exploit the aligners for chewing to obtain a better fit of the plastic material to the dental surface and to attachments. Treatment times for patients could also be shorter.

Determination of Micromovements in Removable Prosthesis during Mastication: A Pilot Study with 3D Electromagnetic Articulography.

Edentulism can generate negative impacts on self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and oral functions. Removable prostheses are commonly used for tooth replacement, but they may cause discomfort due to micromovements during mastication. Objective and quantifiable methods are needed to evaluate these micromovements. A pilot study was conducted to determine the micromovements in removable prostheses during mastication using a 3D electromagnetic articulography (EMA-3D) system. One elderly participant wearing lower removable prostheses and an upper total well-fitting removable prosthesis was studied. The EMA-3D system was used to record movements in three spatial planes. Peanuts were given as test food, and the participant was instructed to chew normally while recordings were carried out until feeling the need to swallow. Analyses of the upper total prosthesis show micromovements ranging from 0.63 ± 0.11 to 1.02 ± 0.13 mm. During simultaneous analyses of the upper prosthesis and lower partial prosthesis, interference was not observed. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using the EMA-3D system to evaluate micromovements in removable prostheses during mastication. Further research is needed to evaluate a larger sample and assess the clinical implications of these micromovements.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora L. and Cistus × incanus L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of Cistus × incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. extracts exerts beneficial effects on oral health against gingivitis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the tolerability of a chewing gum and its efficacy on gingivitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Enrolled subjects (n = 60, 18-70 years) were randomized to receive two chewing gums or a placebo daily for 3 months. At baseline (t0) and monthly (t1, t2, and t3) timepoints, the Quantitative Gingival Bleeding Index (QGBI), the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and the Oral Health 15 items (OH-15)] were employed to assess potential improvements in gingivitis. Pain was self-quantified via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of illness (CGI-S) helped in evaluating the oral general conditions. This study is listed on the ISRCTN registry. At t3, the QGBI, MGI, OH-15, VAS, and CGI-S values decreased in the treated but not in the placebo group (ß = 0.6 ± 0.1, t176 = 3.680, p < 0.001; ß = 0.87 ± 0.21, t115 = 4.263, p < 0.001; ß = 5.3 ± 2.5, t172 = 2.086, p = 0.038; ß = 3.16 ± 0.51, t88 = 6.253, p < 0.001; and ß = 1.09 ± 0.32, t83 = 3.419, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant improvement in gingival health occurred after a 3-month intervention with the chewing gums containing S. lateriflora and C. incanus extracts.

Eutrichophilus cordiceps Mjöberg, 1910 (Ischnocera: Trichodectidae) in Spiny Tree Porcupines (Coendou villosus): New locality records and the first molecular evidence of association with Bartonella sp.

The chewing louse genus Eutrichophilus Mjöberg has 19 species only associated with porcupines (Rodentia: Erethizontidae). Of these species, E. cercolabes, E. cordiceps, E. emersoni, E. minor, E. moojeni, and E. paraguayensis have been recorded in Brazil. In the present study, we report E. cordiceps for the first time in the São Paulo State (Bauru Municipality) and for the second time in the Santa Catarina State (Lages Municipality), providing scanning electron images and light microscopy for the eggs, as well as the first molecular data (18S rRNA) for the genus. Additionally, Bartonella sp. was detected for the first time in this chewing lice species.