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Porphyromonas gingivalis is the most pathogenic periodontal bacterium in the world. Recently, P. gingivalis has been considered responsible for dysbiosis during the development of periodontitis. This study aimed to evaluate a novel immunochromatographic device using monoclonal antibodies against P. gingivalis in subgingival plaques. A total of 72 patients with chronic periodontitis and 53 periodontally healthy volunteers underwent clinical and microbiological examinations. Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed for the presence of P. gingivalis and compared using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the periodontitis group, a significant positive correlation was observed between the test device scores and the real-time PCR results. The specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the test device for P. gingivalis, as determined by real-time PCR, were 98%, 94%, 89%, and 90%, respectively. There were significant differences in bacterial counts by real-time PCR among the groups with different ranges of device scores. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the device scores for P. gingivalis and periodontal parameters. These results suggest that this novel immunochromatographic device can be effectively used for rapid detection and semi-quantification of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental nerve block is one of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve block used to treat idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Complications of mental nerve block include nerve injury, intravascular injection, and hematoma; however, reports describing oral ulceration are rare. A case of oral ulceration caused by mental nerve block is reported. An 84-year-old female was referred to the authors' department with the chief complaint of oral ulceration in the left mandible. She had a medical history of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia and was regularly treated with mental nerve block under local anesthesia in the anesthesiology department of the authors' hospital. It was suspected that mental nerve block was the cause of the oral ulceration because the patient was treated immediately before ulceration occurred. The mental nerve block was discontinued after her first visit and the oral ulceration disappeared two months later. Subsequently, oral ulceration did not recur, although the mental nerve block was resumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differentiation and function of osteocytes are controlled by surrounding cells and mechanical stress; however, the detailed mechanisms are unknown. Recent findings suggest that IL-33 is highly expressed in periodontal tissues in orthodontic tooth movement. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of IL-33 on the expression of regulatory factors for bone remodeling and their molecular mechanisms in the osteocyte-like cell line MLO-Y4. MLO-Y4 cells were treated with IL-33, and the activation of intracellular signaling molecules and transcriptional factors was determined using Western blot analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. IL-33 treatment enhanced the expression of IL-6 in MLO-Y4 cells, which was suppressed by the knockdown of the IL-33 receptor ST2L. Additionally, IL-33 treatment induced activation of NF-κB, JNK/AP-1, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in MLO-Y4 cells. Moreover, pretreatment with specific inhibitors of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and JNK/AP-1 attenuated the IL-33-induced expression of IL-6. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that IL-33 increased c-Jun recruitment to the IL-6 promoter. Overall, these results suggest that IL-33 induces IL-6 expression and regulates osteocyte function via activation of the NF-κB, JNK/AP-1, and p38 MAPK pathways through interaction with ST2L receptors on the plasma membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited mouth opening is a characteristic of masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia (MMTAH). Although genetic involvement is suspected where familial onset is frequently observed, the genetic background of MMTAH is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we conducted whole genome sequencing of 10 patients with MMTAH and their family members when available. We also conducted RNA sequencing of normal temporal tendon (as disease region) and Achilles tendon (as control region) from commercially available pig samples. We identified 51 genes that had rare variants in patients with MMTAH and were highly expressed in the temporal tendons of pigs. Among the 51 genes, 37 genes have not been reported to be causative for human genetic diseases so far. As an implication of genetic involvement in the pathogenesis of MMTAH, 21 of these 37 genes were identified in two independent families. In particular, PCDH1 and BAIAP3 were identified in one affected individual in a family and consistently segregated in unrelated family, indicating they could be candidate causative genes of MMTAH. Our findings will help elucidate the genetic landscape of MMTAH and provide insights into future possibilities for tendon regeneration treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eight-chop technique, which is characterized by the division of the lens nucleus into 8 segments, is effective and safe in phacoemulsification for patients with cataract. Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy of the 8-chop technique in phacoemulsification surgeries of patients with cataract. Setting: Sato Eye Clinic, Chiba-ken, Japan. Design: Prospective study. Methods: Patients were classified into 3 groups (Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV; n = 50 each) according to the firmness of their lens nuclei. The Eight-chopper I was used for Grade II, Eight-chopper II for Grade III, and Lance-chopper for Grade IV. The best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and endothelial cell density were evaluated at 7 and 19 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome measures were the mean operative time, mean phaco time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and volume of fluid used. Results: 150 cataract surgeries were performed. The operative time (minutes), phaco time (seconds), CDE, and volume of fluid used (milliliters) differed significantly among the 3 groups, increasing in the following order: Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV (P <.01). The corneal endothelial cell density did not decrease significantly in the 3 groups at 19 weeks postoperatively (P =.09). The rate of endothelial cell loss was 0.9% ± 5.9%, 1.0% ± 10.3%, and 5.3% ± 11.1% in the Grade II, III, and IV groups at 19 weeks postoperatively, respectively. There were significant reductions in the IOP at 7 and 19 weeks postoperatively compared with the preoperative IOP in the 3 groups (P <.01). Conclusions: The 8-chop technique was effective and safe in phacoemulsification for patients with cataracts with lens nuclei of varying hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On the mucosa, the retention of drugs including magnesium oxide for laxative sometimes causes drug‐induced contact mucositis. Case presentation: A 72‐year‐old man presented with discomfort in the oral floor. He suffered from paralysis on the right side of his body. After his meal, it was observed magnesium oxide were retained on the right side of the oral floor. After our instruction of taking drugs with food thickening agents, his mucosa became normal soon. Conclusion: We realized that the supervising of taking medicine in the right way is important for the patients such as oral dysphagia especially with elderly and paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Chronic psychosocial stress can lead to oral dysesthesia with tongue pain. We examined whether psychosocial stress causes orofacial pain, and analyzed the comprehensive gene expression patterns of circulating cells and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) expression in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in a mouse model of psychosocial stress. (2) Methods: Mice were divided into two groups: one group was kept in confrontational housing, and the other group was kept in single housing. Blood, adrenal gland, and tongue were collected. The head withdrawal threshold (HWT) of mechanical stimulation to the whisker pad skin was measured. TRPA1-positive TG neurons were immunohistochemically examined. DNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed. (3) Results: The HWT was significantly lower in mice under the psychosocial stress condition compared to non-stressed mice. In stress-loaded mice, the number of TRPA1-positive TG neurons was significantly increased. Moreover, we showed that trace amine-associated receptor 7f expression was upregulated in circulating cells in blood and downregulated in the tongue. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicated that chronic psychosocial stress induced the orofacial mechanical allodynia through enhancement of TRPA1 expression in TG neurons with changes in the levels of trace amine-associated receptor 7f. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies on the cholinergic pathway have indicated that cholinergic receptors, which are widely expressed in various cells, play an important role in all body organs. In this review, we present the concept that cholinergic responses are regulated through a neuronal or non-neuronal mechanism. The neuronal mechanism is a system in which acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors on target cells through the nerves. In the non-neuronal mechanism, acetylcholine, produced by neighboring cells in an autocrine/paracrine manner, binds to cholinergic receptors on target cells. Both mechanisms subsequently lead to physiological and pathophysiological responses. We also investigated the subunits/subtypes of cholinergic receptors on target cells, physiological and pathophysiological responses of the organs via cholinergic receptors, and extracellular factors that alter the subtypes/subunits of cholinergic receptors. Collectively, this concept will elucidate how cholinergic responses occur and will help us conduct further experiments to develop new therapeutic agents.

Both Achilles and masticatory muscle tendons are large load-bearing structures, and excessive mechanical loading leads to hypertrophic changes in these tendons. In the maxillofacial region, hyperplasia of the masticatory muscle tendons and aponeurosis affect muscle extensibility resulting in limited mouth opening. Although gene expression profiles of Achilles and patellar tendons under mechanical strain are well investigated in rodents, the gene expression profile of the masticatory muscle tendons remains unexplored. Herein, we examined the gene expression pattern of masticatory muscle tendons and compared it with that of Achilles tendons under tensile strain conditions in the Japanese macaque Macaca fuscata. Primary tenocytes isolated from the masticatory muscle tendons (temporal tendon and masseter aponeurosis) and Achilles tendons were mechanically loaded using the tensile force and gene expression was analyzed using the next-generation sequencing. In tendons exposed to tensile strain, we identified 1076 differentially expressed genes with a false discovery rate (FDR) < 10−10. To identify genes that are differentially expressed in temporal tendon and masseter aponeurosis, an FDR of < 10−10 was used, whereas the FDR for Achilles tendons was set at > 0.05. Results showed that 147 genes are differentially expressed between temporal tendons and masseter aponeurosis, out of which, 125 human orthologs were identified using the Ensemble database. Eight of these orthologs were related to tendons and among them the expression of the glycoprotein nmb and sphingosine kinase 1 was increased in temporal tendons and masseter aponeurosis following exposure to tensile strain. Moreover, the expression of tubulin beta 3 class III, which promotes cell cycle progression, and septin 9, which promotes cytoskeletal rearrangements, were decreased in stretched Achilles tendon cells and their expression was increased in stretched masseter aponeurosis and temporal tendon cells. In conclusion, cyclic strain differentially affects gene expression in Achilles tendons and tendons of the masticatory muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the vasorelaxation effects of a Rosa centifolia petal extract (ROSE CRYSTA®‐70: ROSE‐70) on the isolated aorta and the protective effect of ROSE‐70 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction. ROSE‐70 inhibited phenylephrine (PE) ‐induced contraction in an endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent manner; however, this relaxation was lower in the endothelium‐denuded aorta. ROSE‐70‐induced relaxation was attenuated by L‐NG‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in the endothelium‐intact aorta. Moreover, the relaxation in the endothelium‐denuded aorta in response to increases in cAMP was inhibited by SQ22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, and this relaxation was also attenuated by 4‐aminopyridine, a voltage‐activated K+ channel inhibitor. ROSE‐70 contains high concentrations of quercetin, rutin, and other compounds. Pure quercetin and rutin also inhibited PE‐induced contraction in an endothelium‐dependent manner, although rutin‐induced relaxation was milder in the endothelium‐denuded aorta. ROSE‐70 significantly increased the phosphorylation (at Ser1177) of eNOS in HUVECs. Moreover, ROSE‐70 potently suppressed high glucose‐ and H2O2‐induced accumulation of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) were investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In this study, we defined the mechanism of ROSE‐70‐induced vasorelaxation in rat aorta and demonstrated that ROSE‐70 has anti‐inflammatory effects in endothelial cells. Practical applications: Endothelial cells play a role in vascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction is caused by a variety of risk factors such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. ROSE‐70 is a food ingredient and the powdered form of an extract from the rose petal with >70% of the content corresponding to rose petal polyphenols such as rutin, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid. This study revealed that vasorelaxation effects of ROSE‐70 and the protective role of ROSE‐70 on the dysfunction of endothelial cells by high glucose and superoxides were investigated for the first time. We showed the mechanisms of ROSE‐70‐ induced endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation and the protective effects of endothelial cells from high glucose and superoxide. ROSE‐70 has been shown to have antiaging, skin elasticity‐enhancing, skin‐lightening, anti‐allergic, sugar‐absorbing, and lipolytic effects (URL: https://www.toyohakko‐healthcare. com/en/rose_crysta70/). Therefore, the authors believe that ROSE‐70 is an excellent food ingredient that has preventive and antiaging effects on lifestyle‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotizing periodontitis (NP) is a reactive and destructive inflammatory process that occurs in response to bacterial infection. Predisposing factors such as compromised host immune responses contribute significantly to NP pathogenesis. NP occasionally progresses to a more advanced and life-threatening state. Case presentation: A 73-year-old man in need of nursing care visited our dental clinic with severe gingival pain and intraoral bleeding. He had a disability and was immunocompromised because his medical history included cerebral infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He was diagnosed with NP based on his typical symptoms, such as prominent bleeding and suppurative discharge from the gingiva, in addition to crater-shaped ulcerations of the interdental papillae. To improve daily oral hygiene, periodontists, dentists, and dental hygienists educated care workers and other staff at the nursing home on appropriate oral cleansing, including brushing three times a day using the Bass technique. Basic periodontal therapy, including whole-mouth scaling and debridement of the root surfaces using hand and ultrasonic instruments, was also performed. After this basic treatment of NP, we extracted the hopeless teeth. Currently, dentists visit the patient fortnightly to manage his oral hygiene. To date, good oral health has been maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]