[Background] Many studies have shown that oral functions, including bite force, lip closure force, and tongue pressure, are related to physical mental, and cognitive functions and nutritional status of the elderly. However, there are few reports on the relationship between oral function and health-related quality of life. [Objective] The objective of this study was to clearly the relationship between oral function include occlusal force, lip and tongue strength and health-related quality of life in the community-dwelling elderly. [Methods] The subjects were 36 women aged over 65 (75,2±5,2 years) and who live in A district of Yamagata prefecture and participate in preventative long-term care exercises and salon activities conducted in each district. We measured grip strength, occlusal force, lip strength, tongue strength, health-related QOL evaluated by SF-12. [Results] PCS and grip strength (ρ=0.42, p<0.05), RCS and occlusal strength (ρ=0.36, p<0.05), and grip strength and occlusal strength (ρ=0.55, p<0.01) showed a positive correlation. Age and PCS (ρ=-0.43, p<0.01), PCS and tongue pressure (ρ=-0.39, p<0.05) showed negative correlation. [Conclusion] In this study, among oral functions, occlusal strength is related to grip strength and MCS, suggesting that it is reflected in physical functions and health-related QOL.

Negative ions exert various effects. The present study investigated whether negative ions from a negative potential therapy device affect skin wound healing in normal mice (Experiment 1) and Akita diabetic mice (Experiment 2). Two circular skin wounds of 8 mm in diameter were created on the right and left sides of the backs of mice, which were divided into two groups: a negative ion exposure group and non-exposure group. In experiment 1, wound properties were examined under an optical microscope. The results obtained showed a similar healing process in both groups, with no significant differences in wound area reductions. Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in wound area reductions between the two groups in experiment 2. On day 10 after wounding in experiment 1 and on day 13 in experiment 2, the wound area had decreased to approximately 20% of the original wound area. Among the histological findings obtained in experiment 1, no significant differences were observed in angiogenesis or collagen fiber development between the two groups. Therefore, the efficacy of negative ions for promoting skin wound healing remains unclear.