The association between trypsin-like protease activity in the oral cavity and kidney function in Japanese workers.

AIM: To evaluate the association between trypsin-like protease (TLP) activity in the oral cavity as an indicator of periodontal health status and kidney function in Japanese workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1117 Japanese workers (mean age = 43.8 years). Tongue-swab TLP activity was quantified as a* value (the redness intensity of the matrix disc of the TLP activity assessment kit; a larger value indicates more intense enzymatic activity in the samples and poorer periodontal health status). Kidney function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; a lower value indicates poorer kidney function). We performed ordinal logistic regression analyses to assess the association of the a* value with three eGFR categories: ≥90, 60-89 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . RESULTS: The prevalence for each eGFR category was as follows: ≥90 (31.6%), 60-89 (63.8%) and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (4.6%). After adjusting for potential confounders, the a* value was found to be significantly associated with reduced kidney function. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for reduced kidney function was 1.12 (1.02-1.22) per unit increase in the a* value. CONCLUSIONS: Higher TLP activity was associated with reduced kidney function in Japanese workers.

Effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

AIM: This study aimed to elucidate the impact of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and various baseline blood glucose levels using a large-scale claims database from Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the JMDC Claims Database, we identified individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent health check-ups in the fiscal years 2018 or 2019 and were followed up until the next year's health check-up. We conducted a weighted cohort analysis using stabilized inverse probability weights for treatment and censoring to estimate the effect of periodontal therapy on changes in haemoglobin A1c levels within a year. Analysis was done for different baseline haemoglobin A1c categories: 6.5%-6.9%, 7.0%-7.9% and ≥8.0%. RESULTS: Of the 4279 insured persons included in the study, 957 received periodontal therapy. Overall, there was a tendency towards improved glycaemic control among those who received periodontal therapy. Participants with baseline haemoglobin A1c levels of 7.0%-7.9% who received periodontal therapy exhibited significantly better glycaemic control compared with those without dental visits (difference; -0.094 [95% confidence interval: -0.181 to -0.007]). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal therapy may improve glycaemic control in individuals with diabetes, especially in those with haemoglobin A1c levels ≥7.0%.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEDIUM-SIZED MACULAR HOLE SURGERY WITH INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL PEELING.

PURPOSE: To investigate surgical results for medium-sized (251-400 µ m) macular holes (MHs). METHODS: This retrospective observational study involved 266 eyes of 262 consecutive patients who underwent internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (147 eyes in the ILM peeling group) or inverted ILM flap cover technique (119 eyes in the inverted flap group) for primary medium-sized full-thickness MHs. Macular hole associated with retinal detachment, recurrent MH, and traumatic MH were excluded. RESULTS: The primary closure rate for overall medium-sized MHs was 100% (119 of 119 eyes) in the inverted flap group, which was significantly higher than that (94.6% [139/147 eyes]; P = 0.010) in the ILM peeling group. Notably, even after adjusting for the minimum MH diameter, presence of high myopia, or preexisting posterior vitreous detachment, the primary closure rate was significantly better in the inverted flap group than in the ILM peeling group (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, overall adjusted P = 0.006, 0.009, 0.005, respectively). The preoperative and postoperative restoration of the outer retinal layers and visual acuity were comparable between the inverted ILM flap and ILM peeling techniques. CONCLUSION: Primary closure for medium-sized MHs was significantly superior in the inverted flap group than in the ILM peeling group.

Association of oral frailty with medical expenditure in older Japanese adults: The study of late-stage older adults in Tottori (START Tottori).

OBJECTS: This study aimed to determine the association between annual medical expenses and oral frailty in later-stage older adults (aged ≥ 75 years). No studies have investigated the association between medical costs and oral frailty, which would elucidate the association between oral frailty and the deterioration of mental and overall physical function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2190 adults (860 men and 1330 women aged 75-94 years) covered by the Medical System for the Elderly and residing in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, between April 2016 and March 2019, were included. Participants were classified into three groups: healthy, pre-orally frail or orally frail, based on dental health screening findings. The medical and dental expenses over the years, number of days of consultations and comorbidities were obtained from the Japanese Health Insurance Claims Database. RESULTS: The number of days of medical and dental consultations and annual medical expenses for outpatient care differed among the three study groups. A significant association was observed between oral frailty and high annual expenses for outpatient medical and dental care. Oral frailty was associated with higher medical expenses in participants with poor masticatory function. Higher and lower dental expenses were associated with subjective poor masticatory function and subjective impairment of swallowing function respectively. CONCLUSION: Medical and dental expenses for orally frail older adults are high, indicating that oral frailty may be related to the occurrence and severity of diseases other than oral health issues. Future studies should examine the mechanism by which oral weakness affects physical and mental functions.

Association between dry eye and periodontal disease in community-dwelling Japanese adults: data from the Uonoma cohort study.

BACKGROUND: While research has explored the risk of periodontal disease in various eye conditions, the link between dry eye and periodontal disease remains underexplored, especially in Japanese adults. This study aims to investigate the association between dry eye and periodontal disease in community-dwelling Japanese adults. METHODS: This study is a subset of the Uonuma cohort study, which includes Japanese adults aged 40 years and older residing in the Uonuma area of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Participants completed a self-administered, paper-based questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including the chi-square test, independent t test, ANOVA test, and logistic regressions, were employed to assess the association of periodontal disease with independent variables. RESULTS: Among 36,488 participants (average age 63.3 years, 47.4% men), 39.3% had a history of periodontal disease, and gender differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Significant associations were found between periodontal disease and dry eye diagnosis or symptoms. Univariable logistic regression revealed links between periodontal disease and age, gender, living status, alcohol consumption, remaining teeth, bite molar availability, and history of dry eye disease or symptoms. Multiple-adjusted regression found that doctor-diagnosed dry eye was associated with a higher likelihood of periodontal disease (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.22). Participants who never experienced dryness or foreign body sensation had lower ORs of periodontal disease than those who always experienced such symptoms across all models. CONCLUSION: A significant correlation was found between dry eye and periodontal disease in Japanese adults. Regular check-ups, early detection, and effective management of both conditions are strongly recommended.

A cross-sectional study of the association between periodontitis and physical activity in the Japanese population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether physical activity (PA) is associated with periodontitis in the Japanese population. BACKGROUND: The potential association between PA and periodontitis has not been thoroughly investigated in the Japanese population. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study for the Next-Generation Oral Health Study. Periodontitis was determined by a full-mouth periodontal examination. PA was assessed using a validated questionnaire. We performed multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses to assess the association of total PA (the first quintile was set as the reference category) with periodontitis (three categories: no/mild, moderate, and severe), stratified by sex. The associations of periodontitis with domain- and intensity-specific PA were also studied in separate logistic regression models. RESULTS: This study included 2160 Japanese adults [1414 women and 746 men; mean (standard deviation) age 58.1 (9.6) years]. After adjusting for potential confounders, total PA was inversely associated with the presence and severity of periodontitis in women. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for periodontitis in the second to fifth quintiles (compared with the first quintile) of total PA were 0.81 (0.59-1.12), 0.74 (0.53-1.02), 0.77 (0.55-1.06), and 0.64 (0.46-0.89), respectively (p for trend = .01). We did not find different results when we further investigated the associations of periodontitis with domain- and intensity-specific PA. By contrast, PA was not associated with periodontitis in men. CONCLUSION: Total PA had an inverse, linear association with the presence and severity of periodontitis in Japanese women but not in Japanese men. Further prospective studies are required to determine the association between PA and periodontitis.

Serum levels of vitamin D and periodontal inflammation in community-dwelling older Japanese adults: The Otassha Study.

AIM: To evaluate the association between vitamin D status and periodontal inflammation as determined by the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) in community-dwelling older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 467 Japanese adults (mean age = 73.1 years) who underwent full-mouth periodontal examinations and measurements of serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). We used linear regression and restricted cubic spline models to analyse the association between exposure (serum 25(OH)D) and outcome (PISA). RESULTS: The linear regression model showed that, after adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the lowest quartile of serum 25(OH)D had 41.0 mm2 more PISA (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6-77.5) than the reference group (the highest quartile of serum 25(OH)D). The spline model showed that the association between serum 25(OH)D and PISA was non-linear and restricted to the low 25(OH)D range. PISA initially sharply decreased as serum 25(OH)D increased, and then the decreasing trend slowed and plateaued. The inflection point with the minimum PISA value was a serum 25(OH)D level of 27.1 ng/mL, above which there was no decreasing trend in PISA with increasing serum 25(OH)D levels. CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D status had an L-shaped association with periodontal inflammation in this cohort of Japanese adults.

Periodontal status is associated with oral function in community-dwelling older adults, independent of dentition status.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether periodontal status is associated with oral function, including masticatory performance and occlusal force, among community-dwelling older adults. BACKGROUND: Although a potential association between periodontal status and oral function has been reported, variations in the root surface area (RSA) of each tooth have not been considered. METHODS: We used data from a population-based study involving community-dwelling older adults. The RSA with periodontal ligament (RSA-PL), which quantifies the RSA attached to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, was calculated based on full-mouth periodontal examination. Masticatory performance was assessed using spectrophotometric measurement of the color (a* value) of color-changing chewing gum. The bilateral maximal occlusal force (MOF) was measured using a pressure-sensitive sheet and dedicated software. The associations of the RSA-PL, a quantitative marker of periodontal tissue support, with the a* value and MOF were assessed using linear regression models. RESULTS: The analyses included data from 250 adults [60.8% women; age, mean (standard deviation) 82.5 (5.0) years]. On average, the study participants had an RSA-PL of 26.3 cm2 , a* value of 25.0, and an MOF value of 555.1 N. After adjustments for potential confounders, including dentition status, age, sex, dental visit regularity, smoking status, physical activity level, depressive symptoms, a history of stroke or diabetes mellitus, and body mass index, the RSA-PL was found to be associated with the a* value [coefficient (per 1 cm2 increase): 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.22)] and MOF (coefficient: 9.2, 95% CI 5.3-13.1). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that greater amounts of remaining tooth-supporting structures, indicated by higher RSA-PL values, were associated with better masticatory performance and a higher occlusal force among community-dwelling older adults.

Sleep duration and severe periodontitis in middle-aged Japanese workers.

AIM: To evaluate the association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis in Japanese workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1130 workers (mean age 43.0 years) who underwent full-mouth periodontal examinations and health check-ups and completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on sleep duration. Logistic regression and a restricted cubic spline model were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Severe periodontitis was identified in 6.3% of the study population. Those with <5, 5-5.9, 6-6.9, 7-7.9, and ≥8 hr of sleep were 6.7%, 17.4%, 40.3%, 26.3%, and 8.9%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, study participants who slept <5 hr were more likely to have severe periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.64; 95% confidence interval = 1.06-6.60) than those who slept 7-7.9 hr. The spline model, with a reference value of 399 min (the median sleep duration), showed a non-linear association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis, where an increased prevalence of severe periodontitis was observed only among those with a shorter sleep duration. The prevalence of severe periodontitis did not increase with longer sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS: Short sleep duration was associated with severe periodontitis in this cohort of Japanese adults.

RESTORATION PROCESS OF THE OUTER RETINAL LAYERS AFTER SURGICAL MACULAR HOLE CLOSURE.

PURPOSE: To investigate the interrelationship among the outer retinal layers after macular hole surgery and elucidate the restoration process. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 50 eyes of 47 consecutive patients with closed macular holes in the first vitrectomy. Optical coherence tomography was obtained before surgery; at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery; and at the last visit. The complete continuous layer rate and mean defect length were evaluated for the outer nuclear layer (ONL), external limiting membrane (ELM), and ellipsoid zone (EZ). RESULTS: At all postoperative visits, the complete continuous layer rate was in the descending order of ELM, ONL, and EZ and the mean defect length was in the ascending order of ELM, ONL, and EZ. External limiting membrane was necessary for ONL restoration. External limiting membrane and ONL were necessary for EZ restoration. Hyperreflective protrusions were observed from the area lacking ELM into the subretinal space after surgery. Ellipsoid zone was not formed in coexistence with the hyperreflective protrusions. Intermediate reflective protrusions appeared under the ONL plus ELM after surgery and were eventually replaced by EZ. CONCLUSION: Restoration of the outer retinal layers after surgical macular hole closure occurs in the order of ELM, ONL, and EZ.

Oral hypofunction and malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults: Evidence from the Otassha study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between oral hypofunction and malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults. BACKGROUND: Oral hypofunction, a 7-component phenotype of the clinical features of oral health, has been described in Japan. Data about its association with nutritional status are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 715 adults (mean age, 73.5 years; range, 65-91 years) from the Otassha Study. Oral hypofunction was defined as the presence of ≥3 of the following 7 components: poor oral hygiene; oral dryness; low occlusal force; low articulatory oral motor skill; low tongue pressure; low masticatory performance; and compromised swallowing function. The Mini Nutritional Assessment® -Short Form (MNA® -SF) was used to assess the nutritional status. Malnutrition was defined as having an MNA® -SF score of seven or less. The association between oral hypofunction and nutritional status was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of oral hypofunction and malnutrition were 42.7% and 4.1%, respectively. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses revealed that oral hypofunction was associated with malnutrition. The adjusted relative risk of malnutrition in the study participants with oral hypofunction was 3.00 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.29-6.98. CONCLUSION: Community-dwelling older adults whose oral functions were compromised in multiple aspects had poor nutritional status.

Association between dry mouth and physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Japan: The Otassha Study.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the relationship between physical frailty and dry mouth among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. BACKGROUND: Oral hypofunction is associated with physical frailty in older adults. Dry mouth, subjectively evaluated as xerostomia and objectively measured as hyposalivation, is highly prevalent in older adults. However, few reports have used both measures of dry mouth and investigated their association with physical frailty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 643 individuals (mean age, 73.9 years) from the Otassha Study in 2019. Xerostomia was assessed using the 5-item Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). Hyposalivation was assessed by measuring the amount of resting saliva using the modified cotton roll method. Frailty phenotypes were defined by weakness, slowness, weight loss, low physical activity level and exhaustion components, and served as the outcome variable. Participants with three or more components were considered physically frail, and those with one or two components were considered pre-frail. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between physical frailty and xerostomia and hyposalivation. RESULTS: Among the participants, 4.5% and 49.8% had physical frailty and pre-frailty, respectively. In ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, the SXI score was associated with physical frailty status (adjusted odds ratio for a one-point increase in SXI, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.19). However, no difference was observed between the amount of resting saliva and severity of physical frailty. CONCLUSION: Xerostomia is associated with physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Pneumonia incidence and oral health management by dental hygienists in long-term care facilities: A 1-year prospective multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between oral health management (OHM) by dental hygienists and the occurrence of pneumonia, and determine the effectiveness of OHM in pneumonia prevention. BACKGROUND: In long-term care facilities in Japan, the need for professional OHM is increasing with an increase in the number of severely debilitated residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 1-year prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted using data from 504 residents (63 men; mean age: 87.4 ± 7.8 years) in Japanese long-term care facilities. Basic information, medical history, willingness to engage in oral hygiene behaviour, need for OHM and oral conditions were investigated at baseline. In addition, information on the occurrence of pneumonia was collected using a follow-up survey after one year. A Poisson regression analysis with robust standard errors was conducted, with pneumonia as the dependent variable, and factors associated with OHM and pneumonia occurrence as explanatory variables. RESULTS: Overall, 349 (69.2%) residents required OHM by dental hygienists during that year of follow-up. Of those, 238 (68.2%) were provided with OHM, and 18 (7.5%) developed pneumonia. Among the 111 patients (31.8%) who were not provided with OHM, 21 (18.9%) developed pneumonia. The OHM group had lower pneumonia rates than the non-OHM group (prevalence rate ratio: 0.374; 95% CI: 0.210-0.665). CONCLUSION: Oral health management by dental hygienists was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia among residents of long-term care facilities, underlining the importance of professional OHM for such individuals. It is recommended that OHM be practised routinely in long-term care facilities.

Association between periodontitis and the Mediterranean diet in young Moroccan individuals.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been reported to be associated with a lower risk of various chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the potential association between adherence to the MedDiet and periodontitis, which is highly prevalent in young Moroccan individuals. METHODS: We evaluated 1075 Moroccan individuals (72% women, mean [standard deviation] age = 20.2 [1.5] years). Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the MedDiet score (MDS) based on the frequency of intake of eight food groups (vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals or potatoes, fish, red meat, dairy products, and olive oil). A value of 0 (unhealthy) or 1 (healthy) was assigned to each food group, and the MDS (range, 0-8 points) was generated by adding the individual scores, with a higher score indicating better adherence to the MedDiet. The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the MDS (high [5-8 points]/low [0-4 points]) and each component score (1/0) with the presence of periodontitis, which was determined through full-mouth periodontal examinations. Age, sex, and oral health behavior were considered as potential confounders. RESULTS: In total, 693 (64.5%) study participants showed high MDSs. Periodontitis was observed in 71 (6.6%) participants. No significant association between MDS and periodontitis was observed. Nonetheless, olive oil consumption, a component of the MDS, showed a significant inverse association with periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio = 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The MedDiet was not significantly associated with periodontitis among young Moroccans. However, frequent consumption of olive oil may have a protective effect against periodontitis, although the temporal association needs to be clarified in further studies.

Interruption of regular dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic due to concerns regarding dental visits was associated with periodontitis in Japanese office workers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interrelationships among concerns regarding dental visits, the status of regular dental visits, and periodontal health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. BACKGROUND: Continuous oral health care and regular dental visits are important for maintaining periodontal health. Due to the possibility of contracting COVID-19, individuals have been reluctant to visit medical institutions. It is unclear how the periodontal health of the Japanese population has been affected by the interruption of regular dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and how concerns regarding dental visits have affected attendance at regular dental visits. METHODS: This study included 199 Japanese office workers in one municipal office at Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan (average age = 42.6 years; age range = 19-77 years; 123 men and 76 women). Periodontitis was defined based on a full-mouth periodontal examination. The status of regular dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns regarding dental visits were obtained via questionnaire. We tested the hypothesis that concerns regarding dental visits would indirectly affect periodontal health through the interruption of regular dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used mediation analysis, in which concerns regarding dental visits (present or absent) were set as the exposure, periodontitis (present or absent) was set as the outcome, and the status of regular dental visits (continued during the COVID-19 pandemic or not) was set as the mediator. RESULTS: Of the 199 study participants, 108 had a habit of attending regular dental visits. Of these, 31 (28.7%) discontinued regular dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the individuals who continued regular dental visits, those who discontinued regular dental visits had a higher prevalence of periodontitis (49.4% vs 77.4%, p < 0.05) and concerns regarding dental visits (22.1% vs 64.5%, p < 0.05). Discontinuing regular dental visits significantly mediated the association between concerns regarding dental visits and periodontitis (natural indirect effect: odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-2.79, proportion mediated = 64.3%). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that individuals who discontinued regular dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic due to concerns regarding dental visits had relatively poor periodontal health.

A population-based cross-sectional study of the association between periodontitis and arterial stiffness among the older Japanese population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential association between periodontitis and arterial stiffness among the older Japanese population. BACKGROUND: The prevalence of periodontitis is increasing in Japanese older adults. Arterial stiffness increases the risks of cardiovascular events and death, morbidity, and dementia. METHODS: This secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study evaluated the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), reflecting the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue that was estimated by a full-mouth periodontal examination. Severe periodontitis was defined per the parameters provided by the Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodontology. The Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) was used for measuring the overall stiffness of the artery, and higher CAVI indicated increased arterial stiffness. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between periodontitis and arterial stiffness. RESULTS: The analysis included 185 Japanese adults [35% men; age, mean (standard deviation) 80.2 (4.4) years]. The average PISA and the prevalence of severe periodontitis were 64.4 mm2 and 27.6%, respectively; 54 (29.2%), 56 (30.3%), and 75 (40.5%) participants were stratified to the CAVI < 9, 9 ≤ CAVI <10, and CAVI ≥ 10 groups, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratio of the prevalence and severity of arterial stiffness evaluated using CAVI was 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.10] for PISA per 10 mm2 and 2.12 (95% CI 1.09 to 4.11) for severe periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Periodontitis was associated with arterial stiffness among Japanese older adults. Further studies are needed to investigate whether arterial stiffness is an intermediate factor in the pathway between periodontitis and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Comparative analysis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy with and without hemorrhage treated by anti-VEGF monotherapy.

PURPOSE: Visual function and treatment response after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy were compared between polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with and without hemorrhage. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study (mean, 26 months) for 49 eyes of 49 treatment-naive patients with PCV. Patients were classified into PCV with hemorrhage (26 eyes) or without hemorrhage (23 eyes). PCV with massive hemorrhage subgroup has four or more disc-hemorrhagic areas and included five eyes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, presence of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, number of polyps, maximum polyp size, lesion area, and presence of pigment epithelium detachment (PED) between the two groups. Except for the course of PCV-related hemorrhage, treatment number and its response were similar between the groups. Best-corrected visual acuity at the last visit in PCV with hemorrhage was 0.33 ± 0.51 logMAR (20/41) comparable with 0.28 ± 0.41 logMAR (20/38) without hemorrhage at the last visit (p = 0.944). Maximum polyp size in massive hemorrhagic PCV was significantly larger (314.6 ± 111.4 µm) than that of small hemorrhagic PCV (229.0 ± 119.1 µm; p = 0.037). All PCV with massive hemorrhage was accompanied by large hemorrhagic PED. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, treatment intervention, or suppression of disease activity between PCV with and without hemorrhage. Final visual acuity of PCV did not differ with or without hemorrhage. Development of massive hemorrhaging in PCV may be associated with both large polyps and hemorrhagic PED.

Interrelationships among whole-body skeletal muscle mass, masseter muscle mass, oral function, and dentition status in older Japanese adults.

BACKGROUND: Generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) may modulate or otherwise affect the loss of masseter muscle mass and be responsible for low masseter muscle performance and strength (i.e., low oral function). Moreover, dentition status can affect oral function independent of the muscle state. This cross-sectional study aimed to simultaneously investigate the relationships among whole-body SMM, masseter muscle mass, oral function (masseter muscle performance and strength), and dentition status in 1349 Japanese adults (mean age = 73.6 years). METHODS: We determined the estimated masseter muscle mass (e-MMM) based on morphological measurements of the masseter muscle. Masseter muscle performance was assessed via masticatory performance evaluation scores using gum, and strength was assessed as the maximal occlusal force. Dentition status was assessed as the number of functional teeth. SMM was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Structural equation modeling stratified by sex was employed to investigate associations among SMM, e-MMM, gum score, occlusal force, and number of functional teeth. RESULTS: The direct path from SMM to e-MMM was statistically significant, as was the direct path from e-MMM to oral function (gum score and maximum occlusal force) for both sexes. We additionally confirmed that SMM indirectly affected gum score and maximum occlusal force via e-MMM (men; standardized coefficient [95% CI] = 3.64 [1.31 to 5.96] for maximum occlusal force and 0.01 [0.01 to 0.02] for gum score, women; 2.01 [0.38 to 3.81] for maximum occlusal force and 0.01 [0.002 to 0.01] for gum score). The number of functional teeth had direct effects on e-MMM, gum score, and maximum occlusal force. CONCLUSIONS: Low SMM was significantly indirectly associated with poor oral function through a low masseter muscle mass, and dentition status was independently associated with oral function.

A 5-year longitudinal association between dietary fermented soya bean (natto) intake and tooth loss through bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: The Yokogoshi cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: In this 5-year cohort study, we aimed to determine whether the intake of natto, a fermented soya bean food product, has an indirect effect on tooth loss incidence through BMD changes among postmenopausal women. BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates (1) that natto has a beneficial effect on bone health and (2) that a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with tooth loss. METHODS: The study recruited 435 postmenopausal women (average age = 64.2 years). Natto intake (exposure) was assessed at baseline using a food frequency questionnaire. Lumbar spine BMD and number of teeth were measured at baseline and 5-year follow-up. BMD change (mediator) and the number of teeth lost (outcome) over time were calculated. The mediation model consisted of these 3 variables. Mediation analysis was performed to test the indirect effect of the natto intake measured through BMD change on tooth loss. RESULTS: During the study, the mean number of teeth lost was 1.2 (standard deviation = 1.8), and the mean BMD decline was 2.5% (standard deviation = 7.1). After adjusting for potential confounders, increasing habitual natto intake was significantly indirectly associated with a lower incidence of tooth loss mediated by BMD change (incidence rate ratio of tooth loss among women with "≥1 pack/day" natto intake was 0.90 [95% confidence interval = 0.82-0.99] compared to those with natto consumption of "rarely"). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary natto intake is significantly indirectly associated with a lower incidence of tooth loss among postmenopausal women, and systemic bone density could be a mediator of this association.

[Regular dental visits and changes in oral health among high school students during the coronavirus disease pandemic: A study using data from medical checkup at a school].

Objective　Continuous oral health care and regular dental visits are important for maintaining oral health. As a result of the high communicability of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), individuals are reluctant to visit medical institutions. It is as yet unclear how the oral health of the population has been affected by the interruption of regular medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the association between the status of regular dental visits and changes in oral health among high school students during the pandemic using data from routine medical checkups conducted at a school, as well as data obtained from a questionnaire-based survey conducted simultaneously with medical checkups.Methods　This study included 878 participants (comprising freshmen and sophomores) during the 2019 academic year from a high school in Fukuoka prefecture, Japan. Data on the frequency of dental checkups and anxiety related to dental visits during the pandemic was obtained through a questionnaire-based survey. Changes in dental health and gingival status between 2019 and 2020 were determined using data from routine medical checkups at the school. Poisson regression analysis with robust standard errors was used to evaluate the association between changes in dental health and gingival status and the status of regular dental visits.Results　Of 878 participants, 417 (47.5%) did not have regular dental visits, 320 (36.4%) continued to have regular dental visits, and 141 (16.1%) had interrupted regular dental visits during the pandemic. In the interrupted regular dental visit group, 30.5% of participants were anxious about visiting a dental institution, which was a significantly higher proportion than other groups. Of the 521 participants who did not have gingival inflammation at the time of dental checkup in 2019, gingival inflammation at the time of dental checkup in 2020 was observed in 31.0% of participants having no regular dental visits, 20.2% participants having regular dental visits, and 38.2% participants having interrupted regular dental visits. The multivariable adjusted incidence rate ratios were 1.95 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34-2.84] in the interrupted regular dental visit group and 1.50 (95%CI,1.07-2.10) in the no regular dental visit group. There was no significant association between interruption of regular dental visits and changes in dental health status.Conclusion　The study results showed that there was a significant association between interruptions in regular dental visits and anxiety related to dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that a higher proportion of participants who had interruptions in regular dental visits had gingival inflammation at the time of the medical checkup at the school.