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The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the current information on the masticatory function of stroke patients.Four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science) were searched for relevant observational studies and clinical trials (up to Jun 2021) on the masticatory function of stroke patients. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and quality assessments (using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist). Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using standardised mean difference (SMD). Of the 3837 records identified, nine studies, corresponding to 11 papers and 302 participants, were included in the analysis.The maximum bite force of stroke patients was significantly lower than that of the healthy individuals (SMD -0.52, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.08, P = .02). There was no significant difference between the ipsi-lesional and the contra-lesional sides of the same stroke patient (SMD 0.13, 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.39, P = .34). Stroke patients had lower masticatory performance than healthy people (SMD -0.97, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.37, P .00001), and the contra-lesional side was worse than the ipsi-lesional side. Electromyographic analysis indicated that muscle activation of stroke patients was poorer than the healthy individuals, and stroke patients seem to exhibit dysfunction in the recruiting and firing of motor units.Stroke patients have lower maximum bite force and masticatory performance than healthy people, with masticatory performance being the most affected.

Mitosis is an essential process in which the duplicated genome is segregated equally into two daughter cells. CTCF has been reported to be present in mitosis but its importance for mitotic fidelity remains to be determined. To evaluate the importance of CTCF in mitosis, we tracked mitotic behaviors in wild type and two different CTCF CRISPR-based genetic knockdowns. We find that knockdown of CTCF results in prolonged mitoses and failed anaphase segregation via time lapse imaging of SiR-DNA. CTCF knockdown did not alter cell cycling or the mitotic checkpoint, which was activated upon nocodazole treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging of the mitotic spindle in CTCF knockdowns revealed disorganization via tri/tetrapolar spindles and chromosomes behind the spindle pole. Imaging of interphase nuclei showed that nuclear size increased drastically, consistent with failure to divide the duplicated genome in anaphase. Population measurements of nuclear shape in CTCF knockdowns do not display decreased circularity or increased nuclear blebbing relative to wild type. However, failed mitoses do display abnormal nuclear morphologies relative to successful mitoses, suggesting population images do not capture individual behaviors. Thus, CTCF is important for both proper metaphase organization and anaphase segregation which impacts the size and shape of the interphase nucleus.

The nucleus is a mechanically stable compartment of the cell that contains the genome and performs many essential functions. Nuclear mechanical components chromatin and lamins maintain nuclear shape, compartmentalization, and function by resisting antagonistic actin contraction and confinement. However, studies have yet to compare chromatin and lamins perturbations side-by-side as well as modulated actin contraction while holding confinement constant. To accomplish this, we used NLS-GFP to measure nuclear shape and rupture in live cells with chromatin decompaction (VPA), loss of lamin B1 (LMNB1-/-), and loss of lamin A/C (LMNA-/-). We then modulated actin contraction while maintaining actin confinement measured by nuclear height. Wild type, chromatin decompaction, and lamin B1 null present bleb-based nuclear deformations and ruptures dependent on actin contraction and independent of actin confinement. Inhibition of actin contraction by Y27632 decreased nuclear blebbing and ruptures to near 0% of cells while activation of actin contraction by CN03 increased the frequency of ruptures by nearly two-fold. However, lamin A/C null results in overall abnormal shape, but similar blebs and ruptures as wild type which were unaffected by actin contraction modulation. Actin contraction control of nuclear shape and ruptures showed that DNA damage levels were more correlated with perturbed nuclear shape than they were with changes in nuclear ruptures. We reveal that lamin B1 is a chromatin decompaction phenotype because using GSK126, which mimics the loss of facultative heterochromatin in lamin B1 null, is sufficient to phenocopy increased nuclear blebbing and ruptures. Furthermore, even though blebs and ruptures in lamin A/C null cells are insensitive to actin contraction, they do have the capacity to form increased levels of nuclear blebs and bleb-based ruptures, shown by treating with VPA. Thus, nuclear bleb formation and bleb-based nuclear ruptures are driven by actin contraction and independent of changes in actin confinement.

Background: Dentine hypersensitivity on an exposed root surface induces pain, affects daily oral hygiene practice, limits dietary choices and negatively affects quality of life. Silver diamine fluoride is marketed in the United States as a desensitising agent, but well-designed clinical trials are limited. This study evaluates the anti-hypersensitivity effect of silver diamine fluoride on hypersensitive teeth due to an exposed root surface in older Chinese adults. Methods/design: We will conduct a randomised double-blind clinical trial with a sample size of at least 148 Chinese older adults aged 65 or above who have dentine hypersensitivity due to an exposed root surface. We will collect written consent before the study. A trained examiner will examine the participants’ teeth with a blast of compressed air from a 3-in-1 syringe. Those adults who report a self-perceived sensitivity score (SS) (0 to 10) of 8 or more on at least one tooth with an exposed root surface will be recruited. The recruited older adults will be randomly allocated into two groups using a block randomisation of six. Group 1 participants will receive the application of 38% silver diamine fluoride solution every 4 weeks. Group 2 participants will receive the application of 5% potassium nitrate solution every 4 weeks. Dietary advice, oral hygiene instruction and fluoride toothpaste at 1450 ppm will be provided to participants in both groups. The same trained examiner will perform follow-up examinations for the participants and determine the dentine hypersensitivity in SS of the most hypersensitive tooth (with the highest pre-treatment SS) immediately after the intervention and at 4-week and 8-week intervals. Discussion: There is no consensus on the standard of care for a professionally applied desensitising agent in older adults. This trial will provide evidence for clinicians to devise an effective dental care plan for older adults with dentine hypersensitivity. Trial registration: NCT05392868 Registered on 22 May 2022.

There is a global increase in the older population. Unfortunately, dental conditions in the older population can sometimes be poor as a result of worsened physical conditions and the cumulative damage caused by dental diseases in the past. Many suffer from oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease but receive no regular dental care. Oral conditions and systemic problems are interrelated. Chronic medical problems and polypharmacy are common among them. These conditions may lead to xerostomia with or without a decrease in saliva output. Additionally, many older adults have deteriorated masticatory function associated with physical health issues such as frailty. Preventive measures are crucial to stop oral diseases from progressing and the replacement of missing teeth is needed when masticatory function is impaired. Older adults also suffer a higher risk of oral cancer because of their less resilient but more permeable oral mucosa. With the increasing need for elderly dental care, dentists should equip themselves with knowledge and skills in geriatric dentistry. They should help older adults to develop and maintain the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. This communication article aims to discuss the relevant medical conditions, common dental diseases, and dental care for older adults.

Personalized medicine holds great promise for improving cancer outcomes, yet there is a large inequity in the demographics of patients from whom genomic data and models, including patient derived xenografts (PDX), are developed and for whom treatments are optimized. In this study we develop a genetic ancestry pipeline for the Cancer Genomics Cloud, which we use to assess the diversity of models currently available in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) supported PDX Development and Trial Centers Research Network (PDXNet). We show that there is an over-representation of models derived from patients of European ancestry, which is consistent with other cancer model resources. We discuss these findings in the context of disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes among demographic groups in the US. For example, for the top cancer health disparities affecting African Americans and Latinos, there is a significant lack of ethnic/race appropriate models needed to advance pre-clinical research and personalized clinical treatment. For stomach and liver tumors, which represent disparities in these two minority populations, there are only three available models derived from patients from such backgrounds. Fortunately, ongoing NCI-funded efforts in minority focused PDXNet centers are actively addressing these gaps. We further discuss these results in the context of power analyses to highlight the immediate need for the development of models from minority populations to address cancer health equity in personalized medicine. Citation Format: Brian J. Sanderson, Paul Lott, Katherine Chiu, Juanita Elizabeth Quino, April Pangia Vang, Michael W. Lloyd, PDXNet Consortium, Anuj Srivastava, Jeffrey H. Chuang, Luis G. Carvajal-Carmona. Development and application of genetic ancestry reconstruction methods to study diversity of patient-derived models in the NCI PDXNet Consortium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1946.

Replacing missing teeth distal to the last standing teeth with removable partial dentures poses considerable challenge to dentists. However, the insertion of implants turns a free-end saddle into a bounded saddle. Still, patients may not be able to accept implant insertions due to financial reasons, systemic medical conditions, local anatomical factors or complicated treatments involving surgery. Hence, patients with missing teeth often prefer to use removable partial dentures to improve their dental aesthetics and to restore their oral function. In this article, we use a clinical case to illustrate the clinical procedures required for the fabrication of a distal extension denture with good retention, support, stability, aesthetics and masticatory function. We also review the design for a clasp assembly on the abutment adjacent to the distal edentulous ridge.

Despite global efforts to improve individuals' oral health, a considerable proportion of patients still progress to the stage in which the extractions of all teeth in one arch or both are indicated. An immediate complete denture remains a relatively accessible treatment option, particularly for those patients who cannot afford or do not need implant treatment. It is often one of the best solutions when the complete extraction of the remaining teeth is unavoidable. The denture is fitted immediately after the surgical clearance of teeth. It acts as a splint for helping with haemostasis, preventing trauma, and promoting wound healing. More importantly, an immediate denture can copy the characteristics of the existing dentition and establishes the vertical dimension of occlusion. It offers immediate replacement of the missing teeth, thereby avoiding a period of edentulism and social embarrassment. These treatments help relieve patient anxiety and bring about patient satisfaction. This study used a case report to illustrate the clinical procedures required for the construction of an immediate complete maxillary denture with good retention, support, stability, and aesthetics.

Despite global efforts to improve individuals’ oral health, a considerable proportion of patients still progress to the stage in which the extractions of all teeth in one arch or both are indicated. An immediate complete denture remains a relatively accessible treatment option, particularly for those patients who cannot afford or do not need implant treatment. It is often one of the best solutions when the complete extraction of the remaining teeth is unavoidable. The denture is fitted immediately after the surgical clearance of teeth. It acts as a splint for helping with haemostasis, preventing trauma, and promoting wound healing. More importantly, an immediate denture can copy the characteristics of the existing dentition and establishes the vertical dimension of occlusion. It offers immediate replacement of the missing teeth, thereby avoiding a period of edentulism and social embarrassment. These treatments help relieve patient anxiety and bring about patient satisfaction. This study used a case report to illustrate the clinical procedures required for the construction of an immediate complete maxillary denture with good retention, support, stability, and aesthetics.

A well-designed removable partial denture can replace the loss of hard and soft tissues, restore masticatory function and maintain arch integrity. It is relatively simple, non-invasive and economical compared to other treatment options. Removable partial denture is therefore a common option among various treatment replacing missing teeth. A removable partial denture replacing anterior missing teeth can improve esthetics and hence the patient’s quality of life. However, metal components of a removable partial denture may be visible and affects patient satisfaction. Esthetics of a removable partial denture can often be improved with some modifications to traditional designs. This article reported the use of a cobalt-chromium-based removable partial denture to replace a missing maxillary lateral incisor and molars. Palatal retentive arms were employed as the retentive components on the premolars to avoid the metal component being seen when speaking and smiling. The indications and design of the removable partial dentures with palatal retentive arms are also discussed.

To give an overview of the evidence on the associations between oral condition factors and masticatory performance of adults, and to evaluate the direction and level of the associations.Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid) and CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost) were searched up to May 2022 for cross-sectional studies on oral conditions and masticatory performance in adults. Methodological quality of the included studies was independently evaluated based on the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Data on the associations between oral condition factors and masticatory performance were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted on correlation coefficients.Of the 8,035 records identified, 97 articles (88 studies) were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 18 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Among the oral condition factors that had associations with masticatory performance, the number of natural/remaining teeth or functional tooth pairs was reported by the largest number of studies, followed by perioral muscle status, dental prosthetic status, oral moisture status and periodontal status. Results of the meta-analyses showed that the positive association with the number of natural/remaining teeth was the strongest (pooled correlation coefficient: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.48 to 0.54), followed by the number of functional tooth pairs, maximum tongue force/pressure, while the association with the oral moisture status was the weakest.Number of natural/remaining teeth and functional tooth pairs, perioral muscle status, oral moisture status, dental prosthetic status and periodontal status are the main oral condition factors influencing masticatory performance. Based on the limited evidence available, among these factors, the number of natural/remaining teeth has the strongest positive association, with a very low quality of evidence.This study provides valuable information on the oral condition factors associated with masticatory performance, which would be important for policymakers and clinical practitioners when deciding on the strategies for improving the masticatory performance of adults. This review highlights the need for standardization of measures and classifications of masticatory performance and oral conditions.PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021256824).

The prevalence of oral diseases in the older adult population remains high worldwide and is expected to surge in the coming decade. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the oral health of older adults as one of its pivotal concerns. Oral health affects general health, and oral diseases increase mortality and morbidity in older adults. Integrating oral health into the general health service with a patient-centred approach can be an effective way to improve oral and systemic health for older adults simultaneously. This integration tackles the shared risk factors of both oral and noncommunicable diseases, aids in the early detection of systemic disease, strengthens health surveillance, enhances efficient data sharing, and allows for the better allocation of resources and the workforce in the healthcare system. However, the oral healthcare sector operates as an isolated field, with an emphasis on intervention rather than prevention, which presents a key challenge to the success of integration. Therefore, refocusing oral healthcare service on prevention is paramount. In addition, approaches taken in clinical practice implementation, interprofessional education and training, technology and innovation, research and evaluation, advocacy by national professional oral healthcare organizations, and policy making will ensure the efficient, effective, and long-term integration of oral and general health services. Integrating these services would foster the accessibility and affordability of oral healthcare services for older adults to improve their oral health and overall well-being in the coming decade. This review aims to discuss the merits and outline the challenges of integrating oral health into general health services for older adults and to propose the approaches that could be taken.

The aim of the current systematic review was to summarize and to evaluate the available information on the effectiveness of oral exercise in improving the masticatory function of people ≥18 y. Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and gray literatures were searched (up to December 2020) for relevant randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessments. Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment was adopted for collective grading of the overall body of evidence. Of the 1,576 records identified, 18 studies (21 articles) were included in the analysis. Results of meta-analysis indicated that oral exercise could significantly improve the mean bite force of the participants (parallel comparison: MD, 41.2; 95% CI, 11.6–70.7, P = 0.006; longitudinal comparison: MD, 126.5; 95% CI, 105.2–144.9, P < 0.001). However, the improvement in masticatory performance was not significant (parallel comparison: SMD, 0.11; 95% CI, –0.20 to 0.42, P = 0.48; longitudinal comparison: SMD, 0.4; 95% CI, –0.11 to 0.91, P = 0.13). Results of meta-regression showed that greater improvements in bite force can be achieved among younger adults and with more intensive exercise. Chewing exercise is the most effective oral exercise, followed by clenching exercise, while simple oral exercise may not have a significant effect. Based on the results of the meta-analysis and GRADE assessment, a weak recommendation for people with declined masticatory function to practice oral exercise is made.

The aim of this systematic review was to provide an update on caries prevalence in older adults aged 60 years or above around the globe. Two independent reviewers performed a systematic literature search of English publications from January 2016 to December 2020 using Pubmed, Scopus, Embase/Ovid and Web of Science. The MeSH terms used were “dental caries”, “root caries”, “DMF index”, “aged” and “aged 80 and over”. Further searches in Google Scholar retrieved eight additional publications. The epidemiological surveys reporting the prevalence of dental caries or root caries or caries experience using DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) and DFR (decayed and filled root) in older adults aged 60 years or above were included. Quality of the publications was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Among the 5271 identified publications, 39 articles of moderate or good quality were included. Twenty studies were conducted in Asia (China, India, Vietnam, Singapore and Turkey), ten in Europe (Ireland, Norway, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Romania and Kosovo), three in North America (USA and Mexico), one in South America (Brazil), two in Oceania (Australia) and three in Africa (Malawi, Egypt and South Africa). The prevalence of dental caries ranged from 25% (Australia) to 99% (South Africa), while the prevalence of root caries ranged from 8% (Finland) to 74% (Brazil) in community dwellers. The situation was even worse in institutionalised older adults of which the mean DMFT score varied from 6.9 (Malawi) to 29.7 (South Africa). Based on the included studies published in the last 5 years, caries is still prevalent in older adults worldwide and their prevalence varies across countries.

To summarise evidence on the change in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) before and after rehabilitation with removable partial dentures (RPDs) amongst partially edentulous adults.Studies assessing OHRQoL amongst patients aged ≥18 years, before and after rehabilitation with RPDs of any type and design, were included. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tools. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effect model.MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL, up to March 29, 2022.Thirteen studies were eligible and eight were included in the meta-analysis. The studies had moderate to serious risk of bias. There was a very low level of certainty that OHRQoL, as measured using OHIP-14, improved 3 months after RPDs were fitted (222 participants, MD: -12.0, 95% CI: -16.1, -7.9, p0.001) and after 6 months (101 participants, MD: -10.5, 95% CI: -16.4, -4.6, p0.001). At 12 months post-treatment, RPD rehabilitation did not result in statistically significant improvement in OHIP-14 scores (62 participants, MD: -12.7, 95% CI: -26.1, 0.6, p = 0.06). However, the assessment using OHIP-49 at 12 months showed significant improvement (87 participants, MD: -34.8, 95% CI: -41.9, -27.7, p0.001), with low certainty of evidence.Based on the limited evidence available, this review found that RPD rehabilitation appear to improve OHRQoL in the short term up to 6 months, with a very low level of certainty. The long-term effect of RPD treatment on OHRQoL after 12 months is inconclusive. There is currently insufficient evidence on the effect of RPD treatment on OHRQoL. This review highlights the need for more and better quality studies.Data on RPD outcomes are summarised, aiding clinicians in providing evidence-based patient-centred care that matches patients' needs and expectations. Recommendations for future research were also highlighted.PROSPERO CRD42022328606.

To assess the clinical evidence for professionally applied fluoride therapy to prevent and arrest caries in older adults.Two independent researchers searched the English literature published up to 31st Dec 2021 in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) for clinical trials with a comparison group on professionally applied fluoride therapy for caries prevention or arrest at older adults aged ≥60 years with any follow-up period. The outcomes were the mean difference in the number of new caries/caries-prevented fraction and caries arrest rate. The Cochrane guidelines were used for the risk of bias assessment.Five hundred and twenty-seven studies were identified, and seven studies were finally included. Five studies were rated as having 'low risk'. The root caries-prevented fraction of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution, 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish, and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel were 25-71%, 64%, and 32%, respectively. Meta-analysis indicated a decrease in the number of new root caries by 0.55 (95% CI: 0.32-0.78; p 0.001) and an overall proportion of arrested root caries of 42% (95% CI: 33% to 49%; p 0.001) after receiving 38% SDF application at the 24-month follow-up.According to the findings, 5% NaF varnish and 1.23% APF gel prevented root caries, whereas 38% SDF solution prevented and arrested root caries in older adults. More well-designed clinical trials should be conducted to investigate various methods in caries prevention and arrest in older adults.Preventive measures effective in other age groups may not suit older adults, as caries type and associated risk factors vary. To date, no systematic review has evaluated professionally applied fluoride therapy in older adults. Evidence from clinical trials in older adults could aid clinical practice and public health measures. The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42022307025.

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for masticatory function in adults. Methods Five electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Plus and APA PsycINFO) were searched up to March 2021. Studies reporting development or validation of PROMs for masticatory function on adults were identified. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist. Psychometric properties of the PROM in each included study were rated against the criteria for good measurement properties based on the COSMIN guideline. Results Twenty-three studies investigating 19 PROMs were included. Methodological qualities of these studies were diverse. Four types of PROMs were identified: questions using food items to assess masticatory function (13 PROMs), questions on chewing problems (3 PROMs), questions using both food items and chewing problems (2 PROMs) and a global question (1 PROM). Only a few of these PROMs, namely chewing function questionnaire-Chinese, Croatian or Albanian, food intake questionnaire-Japanese, new food intake questionnaire-Japanese, screening for masticatory disorders in older adults and perceived difficulty of chewing-Tanzania demonstrated high or moderate level of evidence in several psychometric properties. Conclusions Currently, there is no PROM for masticatory function in adults with high-level evidence for all psychometric properties. There are variations in the psychometric properties among the different reported PROMs. Trial Registration PROSPERO (CRD42020171591).

The advancement of medicine has reduced the rate of mortality and older adult population is increasing. Among the 7,700,000,000 world population in 2019, 1 in 11 people were at the age of 65 or more. The population is expected to increase to 1 in 6 people by 2050. Older adults have degenerative changes that become more severe with age. This study used the World Health Organization’s websites and PubMed and Google Scholar databases to review current global oral and systemic health issues. Studies generally reported that many older adults have no regular dental checkup. Common oral diseases such as dental caries particularly root caries and periodontal disease are highly prevalent among them. These oral diseases are often interrelated with their systemic problems. A meta-analysis reported diabetes increases the incidence and progression of periodontitis by 86%. A decrease in salivary output is common among older adults having polypharmacy. A review reported the caries risk in older adults increases by 60% with low resting pH and low stimulated salivary flow rate. Many older adults suffer from dementia and depression which complicates the delivery of dental treatment. Proper oral hygiene practice and dental care at supine position are often difficult to be carried out if they have rheumatoid arthritis. With the increasing need of elderly dental care, dentists and other dental personnel should understand interlaced oral and general health in order to provide a successful dental care plan for older adults. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the common medical conditions and dental problems and their impacts on older adults.

Objective To investigate risk indicators associated with root caries among the Hong Kong older adults who attended long-term care facilities regularly. Methods Nonfrail older adults with at least six natural teeth from 10 long-term social or residential care facilities were examined. The clinical examinations were conducted by two calibrated dentists in the institutions. Portal dental chairs, intra-oral LED lights, disposable mouth mirrors, periodontal probes and CPI probes were used in the examinations. Negative binomial regression analyses were performed to identify the risk indicators associated with root caries. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to detect the associations between DF-root and D-root, and selected person-level and tooth surface-level factors. Results A total of 353 older adults (mean age 74.9 years) were examined. The prevalence of DF-root and D-root was 43.1% and 30.0%, respectively. The mean DF-root and D-root scores were 1.3 and 0.7, respectively. Relative to participants without DF-root, those with root caries experience were older and had more exposed root surfaces, and a higher proportion were partial denture wearers. There was a positive correlation between the DF-root score and the age of the participant, and with the numbers of exposed root surfaces, missing teeth and teeth with coronal caries. Higher prevalence of DF-root was observed among the older participants, and caries experience of root surfaces with greater gingival recession and visible plaque was higher. Lingual root surfaces and roots in the mandibular anterior region had the lowest rates of DF-root. Conclusions People who are older have a higher prevalence and severity of root caries. Coronal caries experience, maxillary teeth, buccal root surfaces, gingival recession and plaque on the root surface are positively associated with root caries in older adults.

To give an overview of the current evidence on the associations of general health conditions with masticatory performance and maximum bite force in older adults.Three electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase via Ovid and CINAHL Plus via EBSCOhost) were searched up to September 2021 for cross-sectional studies on general health conditions and masticatory performance or maximum bite force in older adults. Methodological quality of the included studies was independently evaluated based on Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Data on the associations between general health conditions and masticatory performance or maximum bite force were extracted.Of the 5133 records identified, 39 studies (43 articles) were included in this review. Significant negative associations were found between masticatory performance and stroke, sarcopenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspepsia, dysphagia, anorexia, and carotid atherosclerosis. Significant negative association was found between maximum bite force and sarcopenia. There were equivocal results on the association between masticatory performance and diabetes mellitus, and between maximum bite force and stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There was no significant association between masticatory performance and metabolic syndrome, and between maximum bite force and progress of Parkinson's disease. Most studies revealed positive associations of physical function with masticatory performance and maximum bite force.Negative associations between masticatory function of older adults and presence of several systemic diseases have been reported in a number of studies while there are positive associations between masticatory function and some physical function indicators.This study provides valuable information on the association of masticatory function with general health, which draws clinicians' attention to the masticatory function of older adults who suffer from certain systemic diseases or physical dysfunction, and to the need to improve their masticatory ability to achieve healthy aging.

Chromatin, which consists of DNA and associated proteins, contains genetic information and is a mechanical component of the nucleus. Heterochromatic histone methylation controls nucleus and chromosome stiffness, but the contribution of heterochromatin protein HP1α (CBX5) is unknown. We used a novel HP1α auxin-inducible degron human cell line to rapidly degrade HP1α. Degradation did not alter transcription, local chromatin compaction, or histone methylation, but did decrease chromatin stiffness. Single-nucleus micromanipulation reveals that HP1α is essential to chromatin-based mechanics and maintains nuclear morphology, separate from histone methylation. Further experiments with dimerization-deficient HP1αI165Eindicate that chromatin crosslinking via HP1α dimerization is critical, while polymer simulations demonstrate the importance of chromatin-chromatin crosslinkers in mechanics. In mitotic chromosomes, HP1α similarly bolsters stiffness while aiding in mitotic alignment and faithful segregation. HP1α is therefore a critical chromatin-crosslinking protein that provides mechanical strength to chromosomes and the nucleus throughout the cell cycle and supports cellular functions.

Hong Kong has a large and growing population of older adults but their oral health conditions and utilization of dental services are far from optimal. To reduce the financial barriers and to improve the accessibility of dental care services to the older adults, a number of programmes adopting an innovative shared funding, administration, and provision mode have recently been implemented. In this review, an online search on the Hong Kong government websites and the electronic medical literature databases was conducted using keywords such as “dental care,” “dental service,” and “Hong Kong.” Dental care services for older adults in Hong Kong were identified. These programmes include government-funded outreach dental care service provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), provision of dentures and related treatments by private and NGO dentists supported by the Community Care Fund, and government healthcare vouchers for private healthcare, including dental, services. This paper presents the details of the operation of these programmes and the initial findings. There is indirect evidence that these public-funded dental care service programmes have gained acceptance and support from the government, the service recipients, and the providers. The experience gained is of great value for the development of appropriate dental care services for the older adults in Hong Kong and worldwide.