Relationship between chewing ability and 4-year mortality in a cohort of 80-year-old Japanese people

OBJECTIVE: Poor oral health has been reported to be a risk indicator of mortality, however, few data are available regarding the relationship between chewing ability and mortality. We examined the relationship between self-assessed chewing ability and mortality in elderly subjects. DESIGN: Prospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participating in the study were 697 people (277 males, 420 females) from 1282 individuals (80 years old) residing in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Data on oral and systemic health status through questionnaires, accompanied by physical and laboratory blood examinations were obtained. Chewing ability was assessed based on the number of types of food each subject reported as able to chew by questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 108 subjects died between 1998 and 2002. Those with the lowest number of chewable foods were associated with higher risk of mortality than those with the ability to chew all of the 15 types of food surveyed [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.38, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.07-5.29], though other parameters including current smoking, low serum albumin, and poor physical health status were more significant. Further, reduced chewing ability of soft foods increased the risk (HR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.20-5.87). CONCLUSION: Chewing ability was associated with mortality in a population of 80-year-old community residents, and may be a predictor for survival rate.     

Newly designed phantom for visual detection tests of intra-oral x-ray imaging systems

A new phantom set, which consists of ten acrylic plate phantoms with several kinds of holes, was designed for visual detection tests of intra-oral x-ray imagin systems. Detection tests of two kinds of dental x-ray films were performed using three kinds of phantoms, an aluminum test object, Burger's phantom and the new phantom set. Detection-ability curves generated against optical density were compared. Moreover, correlation between the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) factor and detection ability was analyzed. False positive rates were also compared. To reduce the number of phantom plate that had to be tested in the new phantom set, the number of detected signals for each phantom plate was cumulatively added and statistically compared to the total number of detected signals. The signals produced with the aluminum test object were too large. The detection ability with Burger's phantom was affected by psychological effect. The detection ability with the new phantom set was most closely correlated to the SNR. False positive rates could be compared with the new phantom set but not with the aluminum test object. The new phantom with holoes smaller than 0.6mm in diameter did not figure into the results. In conclusion, the newly designed phantom set is useful for visual detection tests of intra-oral x-ray imaging systems.     

Associations between self-assessed masticatory ability and higher brain function among the elderly

Among the elderly, the quality of higher brain function is a contributing factor in performing activities of daily living. The aim of the study is to elucidate, epidemiologically, associations between mastication and higher brain function. A total of 208 community-dwelling elderly persons, aged 70-74 years, were enrolled. Self-assessed masticatory ability (masticatory ability) was classified into one of three categories: ability to chew all kinds of food, ability to chew only slightly hard food, or ability to chew only soft or pureed food. Brain function was assessed by four neuropsychological tests: Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, the Verbal Paired Associates 1 (VerPA) task and the Visual Paired Associates 1 task (from the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised Edition), and the Block Design subtest (from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-Third Edition). Correlations between masticatory ability and each test were examined using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Multinominal logistic regression models were conducted with the neuropsychological tests as the dependent variables and masticatory ability as the principal independent variable to adjust for age, gender, educational background, social activity, drinking/smoking habits, chronic medical conditions and dental status. Significant correlations were found between the RCPM test, the VerPA task, the Block Design test and masticatory ability. In multinominal logistic regression models, poor masticatory ability was significantly and independently related to the categories under the mean-s.d. points compared with those of the mean ± s.d. ranges for RCPM test and the VerPA task. Significant associations may exist between mastication and higher brain function among the elderly.     

两种旋转镍钛器械根管预备效果的临床观察

目的对比评价两种设计特点不同的旋转镍钛器械Hero642和Pro Taper的临床成形效果。方法随机选择需要做根管治疗的磨牙100例，分为两组，分别采用两种旋转镍钛器械Hero642和ProTaper预备根管，采用冠向下预备方法。冷侧压方法充填。评价器械损耗、预备时间及成形效果。结果ProTaper器械折断3支，Hero642折断1支；Hero642组预备时间稍短于ProTaper组，两组均能形成较好的根管流畅度（P〉0．05），但ProTaper预备后根管锥度优于Hero642组（P〈0．05），根尖止点清楚。结论ProTaper用于磨牙根管预备的成形效果优于Hero642。但Hero642具有成本低、安全性好、操作易掌握的优点。     

Area-metric analysis of dye leakage for evaluation of sealing ability of root canal obturation techniques

Abstract Root canal sealing ability of obturation techniques has been assessed in vitro with various methods. The majority of the methods employ microleakage tracers and particularly dyes. In vitro measurements of dye penetration are either linear or volumetric. Area-metric analysis is a three dimensional registration method of dye leakage. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate in cleared teeth area-metric analysis as opposed to linear analysis of dye penetration. Forty freshly extracted single rooted human teeth were used. Instrumentation was carried out using Hedstroem files with a step back technique. The root canals were obturated using Roth sealer and gutta-percha cones and lateral condensation technique. The roots were then subjected to dye leakage tests under vacuum of 50mmHg for 20min. India ink was used as the tracer. The roots were randomly divided in two groups. In Group A the roots were cleared and linear measurements of the dye penetration were recorded The roots in Group B were ground stepwise transversally and subjected to area metric analysis. The results showed that area-metric analysis enabled sufficient recordings of the dye leakage patterns and the volume of the dye penetration could also be calculated.     

Patient Evaluation of Treatment with Fixed Prostheses Supported by Implants or a Combination of Teeth and Implants

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare treatment outcomes among subjects with complete arch fixed prostheses in the maxilla, supported by implants or a combination of natural teeth and dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one subjects with maxillary tooth- and implant-supported fixed prostheses and 21 subjects with maxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses were identified and included in the study. All abutment teeth in the group with tooth- and implant-supported prostheses were provided with cemented copings that incorporated threads for vertical locking screws. Frameworks were fabricated with a gold alloy that was veneered with acrylic resin or ceramic materials. All frameworks were screw-retained to implants and copings. Frameworks in the group with implant-supported prostheses were fabricated with milled titanium or gold alloy to which denture teeth and resin base material were applied. All prostheses had a minimum of 8 units, at least 4 of which were in one quadrant. Subjects in both groups were mailed a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions focused on various factors related to treatment outcome, such as oral function and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The response rate was 86%. Both groups reported a high satisfaction rate for most items with few regretting their choice of treatment. Most individuals in both groups reported great improvement in chewing ability and few reported phonetic disturbances. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed similarity in questionnaire responses between the 2 groups of participants. High satisfaction was reported both among subjects who received a complete arch fixed prosthesis in the maxilla supported by dental implants only, as well as among those whose prostheses were supported by a combination of natural teeth and dental implants.     

基于表面电极肌电信号研究平衡功能训练对帕金森患者运动控制能力的影响

目的探讨基于表面电极肌电信号研究平衡功能训练对帕金森(PD)患者运动控制能力的影响。方法选择2019年1月至2020年1月我院收治的PD患者80例作为研究对象,通过计算机产生随机分组列表,并将对应的编号放入密闭不透明的信封中,由试验者拆开信封以确定分组,将受试者随机分对照组(单纯药物治疗组)和功能训练组,两组均为40例。对照组(n=40)按专科医生药物治疗方案进行治疗,功能训练组(n=40)对受试者进行每周5次功能训练,比较两组患者治疗前后表面肌电信号参数、步态参数、平衡功能(BBS评分、UPDRS3.0评分)、睡眠状况、心肺功能、生活质量。结果治疗4周后,功能训练组RMS、iEMG、MNF、MF均高于对照组(P0.05)。治疗4周后,功能训练组步长、步速、BBS评分均高于对照组(P0.05),UPDRS3.0评分低于对照组(t=12.122,P0.05)。治疗4周后,功能训练组PSQI评分、VO_2peak、6MWD、FEV_1、FVC、FEV_1/FV、SF-36评分均高于对照组(P0.05)。结论基于表面电极肌电信号研究平衡功能训练应用于帕金森疾病中,能够改善其步态,进而改善心肺功能,提高生活质量,操作简单,值得推广。     

骨髓细胞体外成骨能力的实验研究

通过体外矿化条件观察培养兔骨髓细胞的成骨能力，结果显示（１）第３代骨髓细胞碱性磷酸酶染色，７％－８％阳性；（２）倒置显微镜下观察，细胞传代５－６ｄ后，长满培养瓶的底部，约１０ｄ开始叠层生长，为局灶状，中央出现较多颗粒样改变。     

加强儿科实习医师临床实践能力培养的教学改革

目的：观察优化带教流程和创新带教手段后儿科临床实践能力培训的效果,为儿科临床实践能力培训提供更为有效的方法。方法：取2019年7月到2020年6月在内蒙古医科大学附属医院儿科病房进行临床实践能力培训的50名实习医师,随机分为创新组和传统教学组。传统教学组实习医师在带教老师的指导下进行日常诊疗工作,按时参加每2周1次的教学查房和科室业务学习及每周1次的小讲座和科室疑难病例讨论。创新教学组先由教学组长组织召开教学计划会议,介绍教学目的、要求及培训方案。接下来严格按照培训方案进行规范培训。包括采用PBL联合病案教学法、挑选典型的病例,从临床症状、体征到辅助检查,设计连环式问题,环环相扣,引出主题;采用情景教学方法、挑选合适的病例,运用标准化病人模拟角色及情境,进行病史采集和医患沟通训练;采用场景教学法,使用儿童模拟人进行规范化技能操作培训。结果：创新教学组与传统教学组的理论成绩和实践技能成绩进行比较,创新教学组明显高于传统教学组,差异有统计学意义。结论：与传统的教学法相比较,创新教学法更有利于儿科实习医师很好的提高临床实践能力。