Masticatory function and bite force of mandibular single-implant overdentures and complete dentures: a randomized crossover control study

PurposeThe study aimed to compare the mixing ability (MA), comminuting ability (CA), and maximum bite force (MBF) of single-implant overdentures (IODs) and clinically acceptable complete dentures (CDs) through a randomized crossover control trial.MethodsNew CDs were fabricated for 22 patients. One implant was inserted in the middle of the symphyseal region for each patient. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group IC received an IOD, whereas group CI received a CD, for 2 months; the treatments were interchanged for the next 2 months. The MA, CA, and MBF were evaluated with the old CDs, new CDs (at the end of CD treatment period), and IODs (at the end of IOD treatment period).ResultsThe MA, CA, and MBF of the IODs were significantly higher than those of the old and new CDs (p < 0.01). New CDs only showed a significant improvement in MA (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in CA and MBF between the old and new CDs.ConclusionsCompared with the CD, IOD is more effective in restoring the MA, CA, and MBF of edentulous mandibles.     

Cerebral Blood Flow in Patients With Peritoneal Dialysis by an Easy Z‐Score Imaging System for Brain Perfusion Single‐Photon Emission Tomography

Cognitive impairment has long been recognized as a complication of chronic kidney disease. However, there is little information available regarding regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Therefore, we evaluated rCBF using brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We conducted a cross‐sectional study in our hospital. Eighteen consecutive PD patients who could visit the hospital by themselves without any history of stroke were examined by Technetium‐99 m‐labeled ethylcrysteinate dimer brain SPECT. An easy Z‐score imaging system (eZIS) was used to compare rCBF in PD patients with those in age‐matched healthy controls. We also evaluated cognitive dysfunction with the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) questionnaire. Only one patient showed an MMSE score of 18 points, and the remaining 14 patients were considered as normal (MMSE ≥ 27), and three patients were considered to have mild cognitive impairment (24 ≤ MMSE ≤ 26). In all patients, rCBF in the posterior cingulated gyri, precunei, and parietal cortices was significantly decreased. The ratio of the reduction of rCBF in each region relative to that of rCBF across the whole brain correlated positively with the PD duration (r = 0.559; P < 0.05). The serum β2‐microglobulin level was significantly higher in patients who had a higher ratio of rCBF reduction compared with those with lower ratios. In conclusion, all PD patients in the present study had decreased rCBF irrespective of MMSE scores.     

Questionnaire-Based Survey Conducted in 2011 concerning Endoscopic Management of Barrett's Esophagus in East Asian Countries

Background/Aims: Endoscopic definitions and management of Barrett's esophagus vary widely among countries. To examine the current situation regarding diagnosis, epidemiology, management and treatment of Barrett's esophagus in East Asian countries using a questionnaire-based survey. Methods: Representative members of the Committee of the International Gastrointestinal Consensus Symposium developed and sent a questionnaire to major institutions in China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Results: A total of 56 institutions in the 6 countries participated in the survey. We found that the presence of specialized columnar metaplasia is considered to be important for diagnosing Barrett's esophagus in East Asian countries except for Japan. C&M criteria have not been well accepted in East Asia. The palisade vessels are mainly used as a landmark for the esophagogastric junction in Japan. The prevalence of long segment Barrett's esophagus is extremely low in East Asia, while the prevalence of short segment Barrett's esophagus is very high only in Japan, likely due to different diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: Among East Asian countries, we found both similarities and differences regarding diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus. The findings in the present survey are helpful to understand the current situation of Barrett's esophagus in East Asian countries.     

Enhanced Gastric Ghrelin Production and Secretion in Rats with Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Background and Aim  

Ghrelin has distinct effects on gastrointestinal motility through the vagus nerve and gastric excitatory neural plexus. The objectives of this study were to investigate the dynamics of ghrelin and expression of neuromuscular markers in a newly established surgically manipulated rat model of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), akin to the pyloric stricture associated with duodenal ulcer, advanced gastric cancer, and other conditions, in the clinical setting.