We carried out a survey on oral health, general health, lifestyle and awareness about health. The self-report questionnaires were sent to all residents aged 60 or 65, living in the five communities in Fukuoka prefecture. The response rate of the questionnaire was 65.1% (1,685 responders). We report the results of the survey concerning medication use in this paper. 54.1% of the respondents were currently taking some prescribed medications. Self-reported poor health correlated with frequency of sleeping medications taken. 9.2% of the respondents were using the health food products for oral health, and 28.3% had experience in using them in the past. Using non-prescription drugs for oral health was related to self-reported poor oral health.

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The oral cavity is thought to be a reservoir for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) , and to relate to H. pylori infection. However, the relationship between oral hygiene and H. pylori infection is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and oral care. A total of 231 individuals (116 males, 115 females), who enrolled at two senile colleges for the elderly in Kitakyushu city, responded to a questionnaire, and underwent oral and medical examinations. H. pyloriinfection status was determined by the measurement of serum anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. The individuals who had undergone gastrectomy or eradication therapy for H. pylori, and those with two teeth or less remaining, were excluded. A total of 206 individuals were ultimately finally enrolled. H. pylori-seropositive individuals numbered 134 (65.0%). H. pylori infection tended to be associated with sex (p=0.06), maximum of attachment loss≥7mm (p=0.07) and daily frequency of toothblushing (p=0.053) by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for individuals who performed toothbrushing 3 times or more daily for H. pylori infection was 0.40 (95% confidence interval 0.15-0.98), in comparison with those who performed toothbrushing once daily or not at all, after adjustment for age and kind ofwork. It is possible that frequent toothbrushing can decrease the risk of H. pylori infection in elderly persons.

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Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated in the etiology of aggressive periodontitis. In this study, we developed a novel nucleic acid amplification method, termed loop -mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which amplifies DNA with high specificity, efficiency, and rapidity under isothermal conditions using a set of four specially designed primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity. To begin with we designed the primers for LAMP assays to detect A. actinomycetemcomitans and evaluated the specificities and sensitivities of A. actinomycetemcomitans. The specificities of the primers for A. actinomycetemcomitans were examined using chromosomal DNA of various oral bacteria. The sensitivities of A. actinomycetemcomitans were examined using agarose gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, LAMP assays were made use of for the rapid detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans in clinical specimens from 10 individuals. The LAMP primers used in this study successfully amplified the a to e serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans, while other oral bacteria were not amplified. The detection limits using real-time turbidimetry analysis were 10 to 106 copies for A. actinomycetemcomitans template DNA in one reaction tube. Also, the results for the LAMP method closely agree with those using conventional PCR. Our results suggest that LAMP-based assay is very useful for the rapid detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans and the diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis.

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The oral ability to recognize the form of objects was examined. 175 young (avg. 24.5 years old) and 40 old subjects (avg. 78.8 years old) assessed the form of twenty kinds of objects with and without palatal coverage. No effects of palatal coverage on the ability under study were detected. The old subjects had reduced ability to identify form : the percentages of correct answers for of young and old subjects were about 83% and 53%, respectively. Subsequently, four old subjects in their eighties practiced recognizing the form of objects orally every 3 days for one month. The percentages of correct answers showed a rising trend for the three subjects.

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We evaluated the effects of use of a sonic toothbrush (SONICARE Elite) on the spinnbarkeit, a measurement of viscosity, of resting saliva collected from disabled aged subjects. The subjects were 36 elderly individuals living in a nursing home, whose ages ranged from 65 to 99 years old. A dental hygienist used a SONICARE Elite electronic toothbrush to massage the lingual transverse portion and buccal mucosa area for 10 seconds each, as well as to clean all natural teeth remaining in the oral cavity. The procedure was performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Resting saliva was collected from the subjects with syringe just prior to beginning the brushing period (baseline), and at 4 and 6 weeks after the brushing was started. The samples were allowed to rest for 5 minutes before testing. Spinnbarkeit was determined using a Neva Meter. The mean baseline spinnbarkeit for all subjects was 4.23±2.0 mm, while that after 4 weeks was 2.51±0.8 mm, which was significantly lower (p<0.02). In contrast, spinnbarkeit after 6 weeks was 3.44±2.1 mm, which was an increase from that at 4 weeks and not significantly different from the baseline result. Use of the SONICARE Elite toothbrush led to a significant reduction in resting saliva spinnbarkeit in disabled aged persons.

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We examined the effects of biodegradable gelatin hydrogels incorporating FGF-2 on the wound healing and the regeneration of dentin pulp complex. After pulp exposure of rat upper first molars, each exposed pulp was filled with one of the following materials premixed in a collagen sponge:; gelatin hydrogels incorporating FGF-2 (FGF-2 gelatin group), gelatin hydrogels without FGF-2(PBS gelatin group), and FGF-2 without gelatin hydrogels (FGF-2 group), and sealed. Histological evaluation was carried out 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. 1 day after surgery, there were no histological differences among the 3 groups. At 3 days, in the FGF-2 gelatin group, vascularization was observed at the bottom of cavities, but not in other groups. At 7 days, in the FGF-2 gelatin group, cavities were filled with connective tissue, and the vascular was observed in the tissue. In other groups, vascularization in immature connective tissue was observed at the bottom of cavities. At 14 days, in the FGF-2 gelatin group, mineralized spheres were scattered in connective tissue of cavities, and 21 days after surgery, we observed many mineralized spheres in connective tissue growing into cavities of the FGF-2 gelatin group, whereas there were no mineralized spheres in other groups. It is suggested that FGF-2 was gradually released from gelatin hydrogels and the controlled release of FGF-2 from gelatin hydrogels may induce the proliferation of pulp cells and the vascularization at the early phase of pulp wound healing and regeneration. Also, the controlled release of FGF-2 may induce mineralization of regenerated pulp tissue. Rapid release of FGF-2 without incorporation into hydrogels may not induce the mineralization in the regenerated pulp. These results suggest that gelatin hydrogels incorporating FGF-2 may be useful for pulp regeneration therapy.

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We have examined the relationship between periodontal status and mouth breathing in Japaniese schoolchildren since 1998. The results show that incompetent lip seal has increased among young people inJapan and children with incompetent lip seal showed higher plaque scores and inflammatory scores for gingiva than those with competent lip seal. Furthermore, nasal obstruction had little relationship to incompetent lip seal. Although incompetent lip seal is attracting public attention, there have been few recent studies about mouth breathing, periodontal indices and labial-closure-strength. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of labial-closure-strength in Japanese schoolchildren with incompetent lip seal and its influence on oral health status.

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Autistic patients have difficulty adapting to new environments and in communicating with speech. Therefore, accepting dental care becomes remarkably difficult, and anxiety may result. This department, created an original medical-examination program for an autistic patient, which yieleded effective results. Arrows and explanations were added to a photograph showing procedures of the medical examination, producing a card which could be used by the guardian to reach the 7 year-old autistic patient. Using this method, TBI by tooth dyeing became possible, and PMTC also became intermittently, acceptance became possible. Although this method would not be suitable for all autistic patients, it does provide one useful means.

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This study evaluated the clinical significance and variation of a calcified stylohyoid complex associated with advanced calcification as detected on panoramic radiographs among 80-year-old subjects. Panoramic radiographs of 659 patients (262 men and 397 women) and data of their general and dental health conditions were used for the evaluation of the relationship between a calcified stylohyoid complex and general health among 80-year-olds. This study was part of the 8020 Data Bank Survey, which was designed to collect baseline data of general and dental health conditions in 80-year-old subjects. The morphology of the calcified stylohyoid complexes was allocated to one of 12 patterns. The lengths of the calcified stylohyoid complexes were measured directly on the radiographs from the caudal margin of the tympanic plate to the tip of the styloid process. All of the stylohyoid complexes from the 659 panoramic radiographs could be allocated to one of 12 morphological patterns and some of their radiographic findings suggested calcification of the carotid artery and lymph nodes. In 80-years-old subjects, the average length of the calcified stylohyoid complexes was 36.7 mm, and ranged from 0.0 mm to 153.0 mm. There appeared to be correlations between the length of the calcified stylohyoid complex and serum calcium concentration and heel bone density, but not with the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Dentists should recognize the existence of morphological variation in calcified stylohyoid complexes, especially in length, apparent on panoramic radiographs of 80-year-old patients. In addition, the longer length of the calcified stylohyoid complexes in 80-year-old patients may be a predictor of bone density and high serum calcium concentration levels. The findings from the present study may provide potentially life-saving information about elderly people.

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Over 10 years have passed since magnetic attachments were first applied clinically, and the problems of retention, magnetic field, and corrosion have gradually been solved. Recently, these magnetic attachments have been used s retentive structures for various removable partial dentures. In this case report, we made use of this attachment as an intracoronal and extracoronal attachment. Intracoronal and extracoronal magnetic attachments were used on her lower partial denture, and a lingual plate was used as the major connector. These steps reduced the esthetic concerns of the patient.

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Squalan is a colorless and transparent liquid without taste or odor. This liquid exhibits characteristics of sterilization and analgesic activation. However, we usually use a tissue- conditioning material for healing patients with denture stomatitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a tissue-conditioning material containing a squalan oil promote healing more readily than the original tissue-conditioning material or not. The oozed volume of squalan oil from three types of test pieces was measured and then the volumes of this oil remaining in the tissue conditioning material were calculated. We found that it was possible to administer squalan oil in a tissue-conditioning material.

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[in Japanese]

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Recently, some extradigestive diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection have been widely noticed. In the oral cavity, periodontal disease, halitosis, and aphthous stomatitis are related to H. pylori infection. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and dysgeusia has never been reported. The aim of this study is to investigate whether H. pylori infection and atrophy of gastric mucosa, which is induced by H. pylori infection, affect dysgeusia. A total of 231 individuals (116 males, 115 females), who studied at two colleges for the elderly in Kitakyushu city, responded to questionnaires, were tested for four basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty and bitter) using the whole-mouth taste method, and given both an oral examination and a medical examination. Dysgeusic individuals were defined as those who had at least one basic taste disturbance as determined by taste tests. H. pylori infection status was determined by the measurement of serum anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. Atrophy of gastric mucosa was defined as follows : serum pepusinogen I was 70ng/ml or below and pepsinogen I/II ratio was 3 or below. The individuals who had undergone gastrectomy or eradication therapy for H. pylori were excluded. A total of 208 individuals were finally enrolled. Dysgeusic individuals numbered 120 (57.7%). Atrophy of gastric mucosa (p=0.02) and use of H2 antagonist (p=0.02) were associated with dysgeusia by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, odds ratio of atrophy of gastric mucosa and dysgeusia was 1.87 (95% confidence interval 1.03-3.40) after adjustment for age and sex. On the other hand, H. pylori infection was not associated with dysgeusia. Atrophy of gastric mucosa was a risk factor for dysgeusea in the elderly, however an association with H. pylori infection was not seen in this study. Further study is needed to confirm this result.

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In the gustatory system, it is known that ionotrophic ATP receptors (P2X2 and P2X3 receptors) are expressed exclusively in nerve fibers innervating the taste buds. However, expression of other P2X subtypes is still unclear. In the present study, we examined the expression patterns of P2X4 and P2X7 receptor subtype in rat taste buds. By immunohistochemical analyses, P2X4 receptor was detected in a subset of taste bud cells of circumvallate papillae. Also, P2X7 receptor was expressed in taste nerve fibers. The results of the present study suggest that extracellular ATP may play some roles in signal transductions between taste bud cells and afferent taste fibers.

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The neuropeptide substance P(SP) modulates bone metabolism. This study examined the temporal appearance of the neuropeptides SP and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) and their receptors (neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) and TrkB, respectively) in the rat trigeminal ganglion to investigate the role of neuropeptides in healing after tooth extraction. In the trigeminal ganglion after extraction, the proportions of SP-immunoreactive (IR), NK1-R-IR, BDNF-IR, and TrkB-IR neurons changed similarly, i.e., they initially decreased, increased rapidly to maximum levels by day 3, and then decreased gradually to control levels until 21 days. In the tooth sockets, new bone and a few SP-IR nerve fibers were first seen at day 7, and bone completely filled the sockets at day 21. These findings suggest that the appearance of neuropeptides in the trigeminal ganglion, the reinnervation of SP-IR nerve fibers, and bone repair in the tooth socket during healing after extraction were correlated.

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We previously reported that the infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans induced apoptosis in the mouse macrophage cell line J774.1. In the present study, we examined the involvement of caspases during the induction of apoptosis in macrophages infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans. J774.1 cells were infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 at a bacterium/cell ratio of 5000:1. Apoptotic cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Cleaved forms of caspases and Lamin A/C and PARP were examined by immunoblot analysis. Many apoptotic cells were detected when J774.1 cells were infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans. Treatment with caspase inhibitors blocked apoptosis in J774.1 cells infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans. Immunoblot analysis revealed that caspase inhibitors blocked the expression of cleaved form of Lamin A/C and PARP. It is known that Lamin A/C and PARP are essential nuclear components in maintaining normal cell functions and viability. These results indicate that apoptosis in macrophages infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans is regulated by the activation of caspases. Further, activated caspases were found to regulate the cleavage of Lamin A/C and PARP in the infected macrophages. Taken together, these findings suggest that the activity of caspases and the subsequent cleavage of Lamin A/C and PARP are involved in apoptotic macrophages infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans.

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The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) participates in the expression of a wide variety of genes that are involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, proliferation, tumorgenesis and survival. Gene targeting of p50 and p52 subunit of NF-κB have shown that NF-κB has a critical role in osteoclast differentiation. However the molecular mechanism how does NF-κB regulate osteoclast differentiation is unclear. To address this issue, we crossed p50-deficient mice (p50-/-) with aly mice that the processing of p100 to p52 did not occur due to inactive form of NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK). Aly/p50 double mutant (dMut) mice had retarded growth, which became apparent within 1 week of birth. Further indication of osteopetrotic phenotype was obtained by radiographs of 4- to 10-week-old dMut mice tibia and femur. Histological analysis of bone sections of the dMut mice confirmed osteoscrerosis, the marrow cavities being filled with unremodeled osteocartilaginous matrix. A few tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive mononuclear osteoclasts were seen in bone sections of dMut mice. Tooth eruption was observed in dMut mice but incisor teeth have enamel hypoplasia. Splenocytes from dMut mice exclusively expressed lower levels of B220 and were nearly negative for CD23. These findings indicate that p100 might replace a part of p52 function to induce osteoclast differentiation but not B cell maturation.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of GAGs on Osteoclastgenesis. Mouse bone marrow cells were cultured with GAGs (condroitin and condroitin sulfate A, B, C, D, and E) in the presence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or RANKL and M-CSF. After being cultured for 8 days, TRAP-positive multinucleated cells were counted as osteoclasts. In some experiments, we investigated the expression of RANK protein on the RAW264.7 cells induced by RANKL, and the affinity of RANKL for chondroitin sulfate B. Condroitin sulfate B and E strongly inhibited the formation of osteoclasts in bone marrow cell cultures. And condroitin sulfate B reduced the expression of RANK protein induced by RANKL in RAW264.7 cell cultures. Furthermore, condroitin sulfate B has a high affinity for RANKL. We found an inhibitory effect of condroitin sulfate B and E on osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow cell cultures. And the effect is produced by the binding activity of condroitin sulfate B to RANKL proteins. These findings suggest that condroitin sulfates are involved in the metabolism of bone and cartilage tissues.

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Determination of surgical margin of tongue carcinomas is delineated by marking of the mucous surface with a safety margin around the tumor induration. However, the deep surgical margin of the lesion is usually determined in an empirical fashion, i.e., manipulation by the surgeons. Such a method influences the results according to the degree of skill and experience of the surgeons. The aim of this report is to introduce a simple method to determine the deep surgical margin for tongue carcinoma with ultrasonography(US).The extent of the carcinoma is confirmed intraoperatively using US, then a metal marker is inserted 10mm beyond the invasive front and visualized under US once again. Finally, the carcinoma is resected including metal marker as the safety reference margin. The resected specimen is iImmediately immersed in gelatin to avoid distortion and observed under US. Finally, this result is compared with a histopathological section. The US and histopathological findings were similar in regard to the carcinomatous invasive front. In conclusion, the present study can confirm the consistency between the US image and histological findings, as well as the optimality of the surgical margin determined intraoperatively.

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We have reported three cases of malignant lymphoma (ML) whose first symptoms appeared as cervical masses and gingival swellings. They were diagnosed based on surgical removal of tumors and biopsy at our department and treated with chemotherapy at the department of internal medicine. All cases were further diagnosed as malignant lymphomas (of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, WHO classification) by the laboratory examination. Based on these experiences, we prepared a regimentation of examinations and treatment for ML with internists, including FCM and chromosome diagnosis. It should be noted that the department of oral surgery in the hospital plays an important role in the treatment of ML that occurs in oral and maxillofacial region.

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We studied therapy methods in relation to the form of the antral floor and cysts in maxillary sinus. Data for this study derived from the orthopantomography of 24 patients with cysts in the maxillary sinus. The age of patients ranged from 20 to 49. There are three types of antral floor in terms of the form of the antral floor and the dental root apex: Free type, Contact type and Convexity type. Free type: the antral floor is free from the dental root apex. Contact type: the antral floor is clos to the dental root apex. Convexity type: the convexity of the antral floor toward the lower side is between the dental root and the neighboring dental root. We studied therapy methods in the relation to these three types of antral floor and cysts in the maxillary sinus. Cysts in the maxillary sinus of the free type numbered 7 cases, cysts in the maxillary sinus of contact type 8 cases, and the cysts in the maxillary sinus of convexity type 9 cases. Symptoms vanished in the cysts in the maxillary sinus of the free type for 3 or 4 weeks, but symptom didnot vanish in 2 cases of cysts in the maxillary sinus of contact type, or in 7 cases of cysts in the maxillary sinus of the convexity type, because of the cysts' large size. So, we enucleated the cysts in the 7 cases of the convexity type and the 2 cases of the contact type. The origin was the convexity of the antral floor toward the lower side in the 7 cases of cysts in the maxillary sinus of the convexity type. The enucleation of the cysts in the maxillary sinus of the convexity type ocurred more often than with cysts in the maxillary sinus of the contact type.

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We carried out a mailed questionnaire survey for 2,589 60- and 65-year-old residents of 5 districts of Fukuoka Prefecture, in order to determine factors affecting self-rated health among the elderly subjects. The distribution of self-rated health was rated in terms of dependent variables, with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals calculated using unconditional logistic models. Of the study population, 1,685 persons (65.1%) responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 82.1% answered that they were healthy, while 17.9% were not. Using multiple regression analysis, based on their self-reports, it was determined that those who were jobless, who were rather short of sleep, who had with lower Body Mass Index (BMI)(< 18.5) or higher BMI (&ge25.3), who used medicine prescribed at hospitals, or who had 9 or less teeth had low levels of self-rated health. The findings of the present study suggested that retaining 20 or more teeth may improve the self-rated health levels of elderly subjects.

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Many resident physicians have come to Comprehensive Dentistry at Kyushu Dental College Hospital this year. They require many patients for their study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the activities of the n-patients which that advance their clinical skills. Results show that , the number of new patients in 2005 and in 2004 remained about the same, as did the composition of the groups. were almost same numbers and components. There was not a big change in the number of new patients, and it was concluded that the training of residents exhibits no problems.

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Social problems occurs in the developing countries because of poverty. Our activities focused on the problem of human resources and consequent effects. (1)When averaged, the number of diagnosis and treatment patients numbered about 800 people. (2)The number of health maintenance activities began to expand remarkably after 1999, and targeted several thousand people. (3)The ratio of female participants has increased. Dental treatments is desired by many local people. The number of diagnosis and treatment patients includes hundreds of people because of this. This number does not represent a big change from the first stage of our activities. The number of health promotion activities has expanded greatly because of the change to health care maintenance. We want to promote greater independence of the developing countries in future activities.

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This study was performed to investigate whether mnemonic information acquired about dentistry effects on the process of oral sensory perception. When we mechanically stimulated the teeth of students belonging to the school of Dental Hygiene at Kyushu Dental College, they answered which tooth had been stimulated. The ratio of correct answers and the variance of incorrect answers significantly correlated to the respondent's year in school. In addition, there was no correlation between the ration of correct answers and the results of examinations at the school. These findings suggest that mnemonic information, especially nondeclarative memory, seems to be involved in the process of oral sensory perception.

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T1R3 plays roles as a receptor in the senses of umami (monosodium glutamate) and sweet sensation in taste buds. However, the promoter region of the T1R3 gene has not been revealed. T1R3 is also expressed in intrahepatic bile duct epithelium and the human intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma cell lines, HuCCT1. In this study, we examined the promoter region of human T1R3 in HuCCT1 using luciferase reporter assays. Luciferase reporter assays showed that a 463bp fragment of the hT1R3 5'-flanking region exhibited the strong promoter activity in HuCCT1. Deletion analysis showed that the region (-308 to -160) contained major cis-regulatory elements of the 463bp fragment.

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It is reported that mesenchymal stem cells accumulate in the lesion while diffusion to various parts, when they are in vivo transplanted. Then, in this study, we searched for the factor which took part in the migration and the accumulation of mesenchymal stem cells with 96 wel chemotaxis chambers. When 26 factors were examined as a test material, the migration promoting effect was admitted in nine kinds of test materials. These factors that showed chemotactic activity also had proliferation activity on MSCs. It was suggested that the efficiency of the cell implantation treatment go up by using the chemotactic factors for the limited part of the cell implantation part in the controlled release.

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In 2004, the new clinical practice system for senior students started at Kyushu Dental College. This program was established so students could acquire a common foundation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Twelve faculty members (Prosthodontists and Periodontists) co-operated to make this project a success. In 2005, 89 students of the 6-th-year class took part. Every student, except one student, answered a questionnaire immediately after the clinical course. The multiple-choice questionnaires of the 88 students in 2005 revealed that approximately 70% of them were positive about the new clinical practice strategy and its contents. Almost all students and faculty recognized the advantages of this system. However, approximately 50% of them indicated some problems on the assessment methods of their achievement, such as the minimum required number of clinical cases. Although there are a few problems with this system, it is a much more effective and original strategy in undergraduate dental education. Further improvement based on this survey will be needed to establish a effective clinical education strategy so our students can get more higher levels clinical knowledge, and skills, and improved attitudes.

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Every year, w have been improving our lectures and practice procedures in Removable Prosthodontics for needs of students. Improvement of education program should be based on learners' opinions. Therefore, from 2005, student assessment of lectures, practice sessions and coaching was introduced. 89 students of the 3rd-year class took part in 2005. The course director lectured, and 3 faculty and 6 graduate students gave practice to 10-11 students in small groups. All students answered a questionnaire immediately after lecture and practice. This survey clarified students' positive and negative opinions about our education program in 2005. It was useful for the improvement of the quality of coaching skills that learners evaluated each instructor. Finally, facilitator training is thought to be very important in order to carry out SGL (small group learning) appropriately and effectively. Student assessment of lectures and practice sessions provides verification of the development of the dental education strategy.

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Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens are major pathogens that cause periodontal disease in humans. As a rapid method of diagnosis, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a novel nucleic acid amplification method, was developed for the rapid detection of these species. We designed a set of six primers for LAMP assays using the phg gene to detect P. intermedia and a Pn18 DNA fragment to detect P. nigrescens, and evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of these assays. With this detection system, target DNA was amplified within 30 min under isothermal conditions. Six primers were designed using Primer Explorer Ver. 3.0 (Fujitsu, Tokyo, Japan). The LAMP reaction was performed with a Loopamp DNA amplification kit (Eiken Chemical, Tokyo, Japan). The reaction mixture containing primers, reaction mix, Bst DNA polymerase, and chromosomal DNA was incubated at a constant temperature. Without gel electrophoresis, the LAMP amplicons were visualized directly in the reaction tube on adding SYBR Green I for naked-eye inspection. In addition, quantitative detection using the LAMP technique is available by measuring the precipitation of magnesium pyrophosphate, a by-product of the LAMP reaction. Moreover, LAMP assays were applied to clinical samples of subgingival plaque and the results were almost identical to those using conventional PCR, but had the advantage of rapidity. These results indicate that the LAMP assay is an extremely rapid, highly sensitive, and specific method. This method is very useful for the rapid detection of periodontopathic pathogens and the diagnosis of periodontal disease.

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[in Japanese]

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The present study examined the potential electrochemical corrosion between titanium and coexisting dental alloys during 36 weeks in cases of single immersion and pairs in contact and noncontact. No or little changes was seen in dissolutions of Au-Ag-Cu and Au-Pt-Pd alloys even if immersed in couple with the titanium specimen being in contact or out of contact. The amount of dissolved Ag decreased and that of Cu increased in Au-Ag-Pd alloy specimen when coexisted with pure titanium specimen. Marked dissolutions of Ag, Zn, Sn and In were found from Ag-Zn-Sn-In alloy specimen even if immersed alone. From Co-Cr alloy, Co was most dissolved among the constituents and acceleratedly dissolved by coexisting with pure titanium specimen. The amount dissolved Ti decreased by coexisting with Ag-Zn-Sn-In alloy specimen. On the other hand, an increased amount of dissolved Ti was found by coexisting with Au-Ag-Cu and Au-Ag-Pd alloys.

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Mulukhiya, a kind of vegetables, is rich in vitamins, carotene, calcium, etc., and its powdered form has been put on the market as a supplemental food. On the basis of the patent for its ability to remove calculi and stains in this study, the actual usefulness of Mulukhiya powder for tooth cleaning was examined to develop a new toothpaste without involving abrasives. Extracted teeth with calculi and stain were selected and immersed in Mulukhiya slurry for 5 weeks and the changes in surface appearance were colorimetrically observed. The color difference from the control significantly increased as the immersion period increased. Specifically the brightness and luster of the enamel could be improved, which might be mainly due to the partial removal of stains. Calculus dislodgement was also observed. These findings indicate that Mulukhiya may be a good component for tooth cleaner without abrasives. In addition, it is expected that Mulukhiya may inhibit the generation of activating oxygen and activating nitrogen or eliminate them due to its marked anti-oxidation properties.

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Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a membranous protein, which is highly expressed in secretory and absorbtive cells. In this study, using sucrose density gradient centrifugation method, we examined the subcellular localization of GGT during saliva secretory stimuli (sympathetic or parasympathetic stimuli) in rat sublingual gland. We used Na+/K+ ATPase, aquaporin 5 (AQP5), and MG1 as marker enzymes of basolateral, apical, and secretory granules, respectively. Without stimuli, most of GGT activity was collected in a low-density fraction, which fraction included MG1, while a small amount of activity was also collected in a high-density fraction, which fraction included Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase and AQP5. Two hours later after parasympathetic stimulation, GGT activity was collected in a high-density fraction and a new middle-density fraction contains both MG1 and AQP5. The enzyme activity in a low-density fraction disappeared. Furthermore, 10 hours later after stimulation, the subcellular localization of GGT returned to pre-stimulation state. With sympathetic stimuli, there was no change in the subcellular localization of this enzyme. Most of GGT locate in the secretory granule membrane in the resting condition. In the presence of parasympathetic stimuli, following the fusion of secretory granule membrane and plasma membrane, GGT is translocated to plasma membrane. Finally, the enzyme is recycled into newly synthesized secretory granule membrane.

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Last semester, Kyushu Dental College started courses in medical communication, to develop ways to promote better dentist-patient relations. We are in charge of the lectures and practice sessions. Personal relationships are maintained smoothly by exchanging messages often. Adaptative abilities to attain the aims are called "social skills", which are acquired by learning. But the social skills of dental students are unclear. The purpose of this study is to make clear the relationship between the personalities and the social skills of dental students. 205 dental students were recruited to fill out the questionnaires, the Yatabe-Guilford personality inventory and the Affective Communication Test. The students were divided into five groups using the Yatabe-Guilford personality inventory. ACT scores for each group were compared using a multiple comparison test (Bonferonni). The personality classification results for dental students was type A 16.1%, type B 14.1%, type C 20.0%, type D 38.5%, and type E 11.2%. The ACT average scores for males and females were 58.8 and 61.9 respectively. In the ACT scores for each group, type D results were significantly higher than those for types A, C and E, and type B results were significantly higher than those for types C and E. Type C results were significantly lower than those for types A, B and D. The above results suggest that there are correlations between personality and social skills. Further study seems necessary.

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We examined the properties of rat clonal pulp cell line RPC-C2A cells to clarify the mechanisms of pulp wound healing and regeneration. However, RPC-C2A cells did not show odontoblastic phenotypes such as calcification. In the present study, we established dental pulp cells from rat incisor pulp and examined the properties of those cell lines. Dental papilla were physically separated from dissected rat lower incisors from 7 day post-natal Wistar rats, and treated with collagenase. Isolated pulp cells were cultured for 20 months, and cloned by limiting dilution. The ALP activity of each cell line was examined, and von Kossa staining was carried out in the presence of ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate in an in vitro calcification assay. We established 3 pulp cell lines(KN-1, -2, and-3) showing high levels of ALP activity. In the calcification assay, these cell lines showed high levels of calcification by von Kossa staining. These results suggest that KN cell lines that were established from rat incisor dental pulp exhibit the phenotypes of odontoblasts.

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Little is known about the relationship between high-level functional abilities and mortality in elderly people. We evaluated the relationship between high-level functional abilities, such as intellectual activity and social roles, and 4-year mortality in a population of 80-year-old community residents. Participating in the study were 697 individuals (277 males and 420 females) from 1282 80-year-old individuals residing in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. To measure high-level functional capacity, the daily activities of 656 of the 697 participants were examined through questionnaires, accompanied by physical and laboratory blood examinations. For four years after the baseline examination, the 697 participants were followed up. For subjects who died during that period, the date and cause of death were recorded from resident registration cards and official death certificates. The relative risk for all-cause mortality decreased with an increase in intellectual activity or total functional abilities, while there was no association between total mortality and ability to perform instrumental self-maintenance or a social role. Similarly, the relative mortality risk due to cardiovascular diseases decreased with an increase in intellectual activity or total functional capacity. Mortality due to pneumonia also decreased with an increase in intellectual activity. In a population of 80-year-old community residents, intellectual abilities and total functional abilities may be associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and pneumonia mortality, and may be strong predictors of survival rate.

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Since quality of life can be influenced by oral conditions in the elderly, we examined whether chewing ability or number of teeth affected quality of life in 80-year-olds. A cross-sectional survey included dental examination, chewing self-assessment, and a quality-of-life questionnaire. A total of 823 people who were 80 years old participated in this study. Life quality was assessed in terms of satisfaction with physical condition, meals, daily living, and social interactions, and with self-esteem scores. After adjustment for gender, presence or absence of a spouse, and activities of daily living, dissatisfaction with social interactions was 3.9 times more prevalent in individuals able to chew 4 foods or fewer than in those chewing 15. Dissatisfaction with physical condition, meals, or daily living, and poor self-esteem scores, were respectively 2.7, 2.4, 3.4, and 2.4 times more prevalent in subjects chewing 4 foods or fewer. Number of teeth showed little effect. In conclusion, self-assessed chewing ability but not number of teeth was associated with quality of life in 80-year-old subjects.

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Undergraduate dental education needs to be reconsidered due to the compulsory postgraduate system and alterations in dental education. The integrated clinical education of conservative and prosthodontic clinics was introduced in fiscal year 2005. Different training programs were necessary for students attending the specialized conservative and prosthodontic clinics. In order to make some change of the curriculum in the periodontal clinic, a questionnaire survey was carried out of students being trained in this field. Due to the training period determined (First half: 6 days , second half : 5 days), in the periodontal clinic, the required elements were the establishment of a treatment plan for the periodontal disease outpatients, participation in periodontal surgery, and consultation with professor. Students answered the questionnaire at the end of the period. The degree of satisfaction with of the periodontal curriculum was as follows: satisfied 67%, average 29%, some dissatisfaction 4% and dissatisfaction 0%. The answers concerning the establishment of a treatment plan and the participation inperiodontal surgery were positive in all cases. Based on this questionnaire, more periodontal courses will be scheduled to enhance undergraduate training.

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We evaluated whether subsequent vascular diseases and related-death could be predicted by the presence of carotid artery calcification detected on panoramic radiographs among elderly persons. We evaluated 659 panoramic radiographs from 80-year-old subjects and their general medical examination data to assess the relationship between the presence of carotid artery calcification and vascular disease risk at baseline examination. Of these subjects, the occurrence of vascular diseases within 5 years after baseline examination was examined in 191 subjects. In addition, the causes of death were examined in 108 subjects who died within 5 years after baseline examination. There was significant difference in the history of past vascular diseases between subjects with and without carotid artery calcification; however, no significant difference in the occurrence of subsequent vascular diseases was found between them. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of vascular disease-related death within 5 years after baseline examination between subjects with and without carotid artery calcification (P=0.719). Our results suggest that the presence of carotid artery calcification on panoramic radiographs may be related to the history of past vascular diseases. However, this could not be considered a useful marker for subsequent vascular diseases and related-death among 80-year-olds.

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It is known generally that such medications as anti-muscarinic drugs and central-nervous system drugs with an anti-chorinergic action cause mouth dryness with high frequency, but it is unclear to what degree the medications are responsible for mouth dryness. In 2005, we conducted dental checkups and medical examinations for 231 participants in colleges for the elderly in Kitakyushu city. In this 2nd report, the relation between questionnaire results on medication and mouth dryness inspection were considered. Medicines (1~10 drugs) prescribed by a medical institution were being taken by 128 persons among 231 participants. The average age of those taking medicine was higher than those not. The number of medicines for which mouth dryness is described as a side effect in the package insert was about one half of all medicines. There were 82 persons (35% of the all participants and 64% of those medicated) who were using one or more medicines with a side effect of dry mouth, though the use of medicines which result in dry mouth with high frequency (5% or more) was low. When mouth dryness inspection (the amount of saliva at rest and with stimulation, plus subjective symptoms) was carried out, no difference was seen between taking medication in the amount of saliva at rest and with stimulation. However, the ratios of the respondents with little saliva at rest and the respondents who answered that there was a feeling of mouth dryness to the questionnaire, were high among those who took medicines having dry mouth as a side effect.

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Retrospective clinical studies were performed for 23850 new patients who visited the out-patient clinic of the First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kyushu Dental College Hospital, from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2005. Observations were performed and documented according to the route of referral and clinical diagnosis. For clinical diagnosis, there were noted decreases in patients with tooth- related diseases, inflammation and TMD while there was an increase in oral mucosal diseases. The decrease in the number of patient was largely due to changes in the medical insurance system, although the increase was partly due to the introduction of an effective referral system from the general clinic and an increased number of staff in the department.

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It is important to consider the stability of an altered occlusal plane after general dental treatment and orthodontics treatment of malocclusions such as those in jaw deformities. There have been many research reports about methods of determining the occlusal plane. However cleared the changes in occlusal position, teeth is not clear temporomandibular joint and myofunctional behavior when the original occlusal plane is altered. We investigated the process of returning the occlusal plane to the original occlusion condition using both morphologic and myografic study. Japan white rabbits were divided into control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, the molars and incisors were ground to the cervical levels of the crown, hence altering the occlusal plane. The experimental group consisted of three sub-types. EMGs of masseter muscle were taken for each of the rabbits for study models before the operations and at 1 day, 3 days, l week and 2 weeks at forwards. In this study, the occlusal plane returned to a form similar to the preoperative level in several days. In the myographic study, a small tendency of average activities of masseter muscle was seen 1 day after the procedure. No differences were seen 3 days after the procedure. The influence of an altered occlusal plane was seen only at the beginning of the postoperative period. Its influence reduced several days later after supereruption and attrition of the remaining dentition to achieve balance. However, in humans, an altered occlusal plane is a consequence of treatment which cannot become balanced by either attrition or supereruption.

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Recent studies have shown that Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) exhibit biological activation alone and in interaction with other growth factors. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the interaction between osteoblast differentiation of BMP which induces ectopic bone formation and GAG was examined using an in vitro assay system. BMP-2 and GAG (Heparin and heparan sulphate) were added to mouse preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, and the cells were cultured. The extent of differentiation and mineralization was evaluated. Moreover, mRNA expression of Runx2 and Osterix which is a transcript factor indispensable for osteoblast differentiation was analyzed. Heparin and Heparan sulfate inhibited ALP activity and mineralization. When BMP-2 and GAG were added simultaneously, Heparin and Heparan sulfate inhibited dose-dependently the reinforcement of the ALP activity by BMP-2 until the fourth day and the reinforcement of the mRNA expression of Runx2 and Osterix by BMP-2 after 4 hours. On the other hand, although reinforcement of the ALP activity at the sixth day was already lost in BMP-2 with single administrations, reinforcement in concomitant use was maintained. Therefore, results presented in this study indicate that Heparin and heparin sulfate exert various influences on the reinforcement effects of osteoblast differentiation by BMP-2, particularly differences in activation time.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate variation in thickness discrimination with changes in the position of a palatal bar. 10 normal subjects with no problems in oral function took part in this study. We made four kinds of experimental palatal plates. Three of them were based on a set position of the palatal bar, anterior (A), middle (M), and posterior (P). Another one covered entirely by a whole hard plate (F). Test pieces with five thicknesses (3.0, 2.8, 2.6, 2.4 and 2.2mm) were used for the discrimination test. An experimental test piece was put on the subject's tongue and the thickness of it offered for recognition. Next, another test piece was put on the subject's tongue and the subject questioned about its thickness. The subject was then asked about the difference in thickness between the two test pieces. There were a significant difference in the discriminative threshold for thickness between the M plate and the F plate, and the P plate and the F plate, but there were no significant difference between the A plate and the F plate. It can thus be concluded that the A plate allowed the lowest degree of discrimination and the M plate the highest.

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In 2005 Kyushu Dental College started tutorial education for the 1st-year students as a Human Relationship Study. Before the adoption of tutorial education, a tutorial system was developed by the members of the Tutorial Executive Committee, who attended various seminars and workshops regarding tutorial education both in and outside Japan. In 2005 tutorial education consisted of 3 classes of 20 hours. Students were divided into 12 groups and members of each group were shuffled each term. Thirty-six tutors were assigned to each group and two assistants. In this presentation we showed the results of questionnaires for both students and tutors. From the results of questionnaires, both students and tutors were satisfied with this new educational system. However, some students or tutors pointed out the lack of study time and the difficulty of the system.

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To investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and cerebral apoplexy by a prospective intervention examination in 2003, we did periodontal disease evaluations and carotid artery ultrasonography, brain MRIs, fasting blood examinations, and history-taking, and then started periodontal therapy. In 2004 and 2005, we again performed all these examinations as a reevaluation after periodontal therapy. We analyzed 12 patients data at 3 points from 2003 to 2005. After one year, the number of sites where the pocket depth (PD) was more than 6mm or 4mm, or which elicited bleeding on probing (BOP) decreased significantly, and the results maintained afterwards. Maximal intima-media thicknesses (IMT) of the right common carotid artery measured by ultrasonography were related to HbA1c by multiple regression analysis. In the ebrain MRIs, five people already exhibited atherosclerotic change in 2003, but one of them improved one year later and did not alter afterwards (improvement group). Atherosclerotic change appeared in two patients one year later and did not alter afterwards (aggravation group). Periodontal therapy was effective in both the improvement group and the aggravation group. This is a study of a small number of patients. However, even when periodontal therapy was effective, brain MRIs deteriorated for some patients. In addition, IMT, which predicts cerebral apoplexy, was related to blood sugar conditions. As a result, it seems likely that factors other than periodontal disease such as blood sugar, affect the development of cerebral apoplexy.

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We report the case in which incompetent lip seal was improved when thorough periodontal treatment was performed for a patient who had as a chief complaint of swelling at upper incisal gingiva and had incompetent lip seal. The patient was a 30 yars-old woman who had the past history of sinusitis and used to smoke. The present illness was gingival swelling which appeared a couple years ago. After been treated with caries treatment, tooth brushing instruction, and scaling by a general practitioner the patient suffered frequent recurrence of gingival swelling. The patient was refereed to periodontal department of Kyushu Dental College hospital after she was diagnosed with severe gingivitis. The patient had class 1 of teeth mobility and interdental proximal space over 150μm at 13 to 23. Periodontal treatments based on non-surgical therapy were provided. Significant reduction of PD, teeth mobility and interdental proximal space were observed by these treatments. Furthermore, the incompetent lip seal found at the first visit was improved after the treatments. We suggested that periodontal treatments were found to be effective in closure of interdental proximal space and improving of incompetent lip seal.

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It has been recently evident that Porphyromonas gingivalis forms synergistic biofilms with Treponema denticola in vitro. This study aimed to verify the quantitative relationship between P. gingivalis and T. denticola in saliva, tongue coat and subgingival plaque, which were linked to oral biofilms. The quantitative analysis of P. gingivalis and T. denticola was done using a new technique, real-time hybridization PCR, and was used for the evaluation of clinical samples. The samples of saliva, tongue coat and subgingival plaque were collected from 20 patients referred to Kyusyu Dental College Hospital. The real-time hybridization PCR using specific primers of P. gingivalis and T. denticola quantified each bacteria in saliva, tongue coat and subgingival plaque. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that levels of P. gingivalis and T. denticola in saliva and tongue coat have a significant correlation, respectively. Therefore, this study suggested P. gingivalis and T. denticola might have synergistic effect in biofilm formation.

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Starting in 2006, all the dental school graduate students who pass the National License Board Examination must undergo clinical training at teaching Hospitals for at least one year. In the case of Kyushu Dental College, residents at the general dentistry clinic of College Hospital spend four months (from April to July) receiving basic clinical training, than for four months in rotation (in two groups), they scheduled for training away from the college hospital. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether there are sufficient cases or not, by analysis of the outpatient experiences and case presentations given by residents of last year. Last year, only a small group of residents trained at the general dentistry clinic of this college hospital, so there were enough cases for residents to advance their knowledge and clinical skills. Each resident became involved with approximately 1.4 patients that covering all the cases of conservative dentistry, prothodontics and oral surgery. However, efforts should be made to round out the program by providing earlier concentrated experiences in a general dentistry clinic.

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