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Thickening agents effectively prevent liquid aspiration, but their impact on the ease of discharging aspirated liquids from the trachea remains unclear due to alterations in the physical properties of liquids. This study clarifies the effects of thickening agents, comprising various raw materials, on mucociliary transport function, focusing on the viscosities of thickened waters. The subjects were 23 healthy adults. Five types of saccharin solution were prepared: a solution without a thickening agent, a starch-based nectar-like solution, a starch-based honey-like solution, a xanthan-gum-based nectar-like solution, and a xanthan-gum-based honey-like solution. Using these five types of saccharin solutions randomly, each subject underwent five trials of the saccharine dye test to evaluate the mucociliary transport function of the respiratory tract. The saccharin time was defined as the time from the placement of the saccharin solution on the nasal vestibule of the subject to when the subject reported that they became aware of the sweetness. The saccharin transit times for all samples of thickened water were longer compared to those of water without a thickening agent (p < 0.01). A comparison between thickened water samples with different viscosities showed that the saccharin transit time was longer when thickened water samples with high viscosity were prepared using the same thickening agent (p < 0.01). This suggests that while thickening reduces aspiration, the use of thickening agents may increase the difficulty in discharging aspirated fluids from the trachea., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effects of resin primers containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) and silane agent on the bonding effectiveness of indirect resin composite blocks with three different filler contents.Methods A commercially available computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin composite block and two experimental resin composite blocks with different filler contents were alumina-blasted and two surface treatments (primer and silane agent) were applied. The resin cement was built up, and the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured after 24 hours, 1 month or 3 months of water storage (n = 24 per group). The fracture surfaces after μTBS measurements and resin block/cement interface were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results The primer treatment group showed a significantly higher bond strength than the silane group only in F0 (filler content 0 wt%) group (P < 0.001). In the primer group, F0 and F41 (filler content 41 wt%) groups showed significantly higher bond strengths than F82 (filler content 82 wt%) group (P < 0.001). In contrast, in the silane group, F41 group showed significantly higher bond strength than F0 and F82 groups (P < 0.001), and F82 group showed significantly higher bond strength than F0 group (P < 0.001). SEM revealed that the matrix resin was partially destroyed on the fracture surface of the primer group, and an uneven interface surface was observed compared with that of the silane group.Conclusions MMA-containing primers showed higher bonding effectiveness to CAD/CAM resin composite blocks than the silane treatment.

Introduction: A 65-year-old man had nonsurgical retreatment using an iodoform and calcium hydroxide paste in a maxillary left canine with persistent apical periodontitis. An apical mineralized barrier (AMB) was observed 3-months postoperatively. Unfortunately, the tooth was extracted due to a cementum tear. This provided an opportunity to analyze the AMB histologically, as there is a lack of previous reports on its microstructure., Methods: After extraction and removal of the granulation tissue from the root surface, the canine was processed, and observed using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and light microscopy. Thereafter, the specimen was resin-embedded specimen was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy to understand the mechanism and nature of the AMB formation during apical healing., Results: Nonsurgical retreatment was clinically successful based on the absence of clinical symptoms of apical periodontitis and the radiographic presence of an AMB. The AMB was opaque and could be readily differentiated from dentin under a light microscope. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed that the AMB had the same mineral density as dentin. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the AMB had two distinct layers based on the size of the calcified particles. Elemental mapping using micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the localization of calcium and phosphorus differed between AMB and other areas of biomineralization. Raman spectral mapping revealed that the surface layer of the AMB consisted of collagen, calcium carbonate, and hydroxyapatite., Conclusions: This study explored new analytical methods for elucidating the apical wound-healing process and the nature of the mineralized repair. The findings provided detailed information on the AMB highlighting a bilaminar structure with high calcium components higher on the inside and a brightness similar to cementum not dentin and the presence of hydroxyapatite., (Copyright © 2023 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/aims: Hyperglycemia in diabetes is closely associated with periodontal disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia on the barrier function of gingival epithelial cells as a cause of hyperglycemia-exacerbated periodontitis in diabetes mellitus., Methods: The abnormal expression of adhesion molecules in gingival epithelium in diabetes was compared between db/db and control mice. To study the effects of hyperglycemia on interepithelial cell permeability, the mRNA and protein expressions of adhesion molecules were investigated using a human gingival epithelial cell line (epi 4 cells) in the presence of either 5.5 mM glucose (NG) or 30 mM glucose (HG). Immunocytochemical and histological analyses were performed. We also studied HG-related intracellular signaling to assess abnormal adhesion molecule expression in the cultured epi 4 cells., Results: The results of the proteomic analysis implied the abnormal regulation of cell-cell adhesion, and mRNA and protein expression assessments revealed the significant downregulation of Claudin1 expression in the gingival tissues of db/db mice (p < .05 vs control). Similarly, the mRNA and protein expressions of adhesion molecules were lower in epi 4 cells cultured under HG conditions than in those cultured under NG conditions (p < .05). Three-dimensional culture and transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced thickness of the epithelial cell layers with no flattened apical cells and heterogeneously arranged intercellular spaces among adjacent epi 4 cells under the HG. These results were consistent with the increased permeability of epi 4 cells under the HG relative to that of cells under the NG. This abnormal expression of intercellular adhesion molecules under the HG was related to the increased expression of receptors for advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress relative to that seen under the NG, along with stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in epi 4 cells., Conclusions: High glucose-induced impairment of intercellular adhesion molecule expression in gingival epithelial cells was related to the intercellular permeability of gingival cells, representing a possible link to hyperglycemia-related AGE signaling, oxidative stress, and ERK1/2 activation., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The respiratory tract is one of the frontline barriers for biological defense. Lung epithelial intercellular adhesions provide protection from bacterial and viral infections and prevent invasion into deep tissues by pathogens. Dysfunction of lung epithelial intercellular adhesion caused by pathogens is associated with development of several diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, and asthma. To elucidate the pathological mechanism of respiratory infections, two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models are commonly used, although are not useful for evaluating host specificity or human biological response. With the rapid progression and worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, there is increasing interest in the development of a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro lung model for analyzing interactions between pathogens and hosts. However, some models possess unclear epithelial polarity or insufficient barrier functions and need the use of complex technologies, have high cost, and long cultivation terms. We previously reported about the fabrication of 3D cellular multilayers using a layer-by-layer (LbL) cell coating technique with extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin (FN), and gelatin (G). In the present study, such a LbL cell coating technique was utilized to construct a human 3D lung model in which a monolayer of the human lower airway epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line Calu-3 cells was placed on 3D-cellular multilayers composed of FN-G-coated human primary pulmonary fibroblast cells. The 3D lung model thus constructed demonstrated an epithelial-fibroblast layer that maintained uniform thickness until 7 days of incubation. Moreover, expressions of E-cadherin, ZO-1, and mucin in the epithelial layer were observed by immunohistochemical staining. Epithelial barrier integrity was evaluated using transepithelial electrical resistance values. The results indicate that the present constructed human 3D lung model is similar to human lung tissues and also features epithelial polarity and a barrier function, thus is considered useful for evaluating infection and pathological mechanisms related to pneumonia and several pathogens. Impact statement A novel in vitro model of lung tissue was established. Using a layer-by-layer cell coating technique, a three-dimensional cultured lung model was constructed. The present novel model was shown to have epithelial polarity and chemical barrier functions. This model may be useful for investigating interaction pathogens and human biology.

Objective: This study aimed to identify clinical bottle-feeding techniques practiced by nurses for children with cleft lip and palate experiencing feeding difficulties., Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Five anonymous questionnaires were distributed to each hospital, and 1,109 hospitals with obstetrics, neonatology, or pediatric dentistry wards in Japan were enrolled in the survey between December 2021 and January 2022. Participants were nurses working for over 5 years providing nursing care for children with cleft lip and palate. The questionnaire comprised open-ended questions about the feeding techniques across four dimensions: preparation before bottle-feeding, nipple insertion methods, sucking assistance, and criteria for stopping bottle-feeding. The qualitative data obtained were categorized according to meaning similarity and analyzed., Results: A total of 410 valid responses were obtained. The findings regarding the feeding techniques in each dimension were as follows: seven categories (e.g., improving child's mouth movement, keeping child's breath calm), 27 sub-categories in preparation before bottle-feeding; four categories (e.g., closing the cleft using the nipple to create negative pressure in oral cavity, inserting the nipple to not touch the cleft), 11 sub-categories in nipple insertion methods; five categories (e.g., facilitating awakening, creating negative pressure in oral cavity), 13 sub-categories in sucking assistance; and four categories (e.g., reduced awakening level, worsening vital signs), 16 sub-categories in criteria for stopping bottle-feeding. Most participants responded that they would like to learn bottle-feeding techniques for children with cleft lip and palate who have feeding difficulties., Conclusion: Many bottle-feeding techniques were identified to address disease-characterized conditions. However, the techniques were found to be conflicting: some inserted the nipple to close the cleft to create negative pressure in the child's oral cavity, while others inserted it without touching the cleft to prevent ulceration on the nasal septum. Although these techniques were used by nurses, the effectiveness of the methods has not been assessed. Future intervention studies are needed to determine each technique's benefit or potential harm., (© 2022 The Authors.)

The pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2) belongs to the nuclear receptor family and functions as a xenobiotic and endobiotic sensor by binding to various molecules through its relatively flexible ligand-binding domain. In addition to these well-known canonical roles, we previously reported that PXR represses osteoblast differentiation. However, the mechanisms underlying the PXR-mediated repression of osteoblast differentiation remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the changes in global gene expression profiles induced by PXR in calvarial osteoblasts cultured in standard fetal bovine serum (in which PXR induces repression of differentiation), and in those cultured in charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum (in which PXR does not induce repression of differentiation). The comparison revealed that PXR attenuated the Hedgehog-mediated signaling in culture conditions that induced PXR-mediated repression of differentiation. Real-time PCR analysis showed that PXR repressed the Hedgehog signaling-induced genes such as Gli1 and Hhip, and conversely induced the Hedgehog signaling-repressed genes such as Cdon, Boc, and Gas1. Activation of Smo-mediated signaling in osteoblasts following treatment with a Smo agonist (SAG) significantly restored Gli-mediated transcriptional activity and osteoblast differentiation. Our results demonstrate the osteoblast-autonomous effects of PXR and identify a novel regulation of Hedgehog signaling by nuclear receptors., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study examined four cleaning methods and three chemical treatments for artificial saliva-contaminated fiber posts in terms of bonding durability to resin composite core materials., Methods: Non-contaminated fiber posts (Tokuyama FR Post, Tokuyama Dental) and those contaminated (GC Fiber Post, GC) with artificial saliva (Saliveht Aerosol, Teijin Pharma) were used. Washing and drying (WD), alcohol cleaning (AlC), H3PO4 etching (P/WD), alumina blasting (B/D) for decontamination and silanization (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus, Kuraray Noritake Dental, Si), resin priming (HC Primer, Shofu, MMA), and bonding resin application (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray Noritake Dental, BR) for chemical treatment were performed. The treated fiber post was planted inside a cylindrical tube and filled with resin composite (DC Core Automix ONE, Kuraray Noritake Dental). The specimen was sectioned, and a push-out test was performed after 24 h, 1 month, and 3 months. The fracture surface was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM)., Results: Adhesion between the non-contaminated fiber post and resin composite did not improve by silanization and decreased by alumina blasting. SEM observations revealed a fractured glass fiber by alumina blasting. Saliva contamination decreased the bond strength between the fiber post and resin composite; however, recovery was achieved by WD, Alc, P/WD, and B/D. Compared to Si, BR (P = 0.009) was effective in restraining the long-term durability of bonding, whereas MMA (P = 0.99) was not., Conclusion: The application of bonding resin after alcohol cleaning is the most convenient and effective clinical procedure for fiber post surface treatment.

Purpose This study evaluated the effects of different materials (composite resin system including a photo-cure adhesive (DC) vs. resin cement system including a self-etching primer (PV)) and techniques (direct vs. indirect) for resin core build-up on the bonding performance to root canal dentin.Methods The human teeth were decoronated and root canal preparation was performed. All specimens were randomly divided into four groups according to the combinations of the methods (Direct or Indirect) and the materials (DC: Clearfil DC Core, Kuraray Noritake Dental or PV: Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake Dental). Micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) and push-out tests were performed. Scanning electron microscope observations of the interface were also performed, and microcomputed tomography and optical coherence tomography were applied to evaluate the sealing ability.Results The Indirect group had significantly higher μTBSs than the Direct group in the DC group (P = 0.0076). The PV group had significantly higher bond strengths than the DC group in both the Direct and Indirect groups (P < 0.001). The Direct/PV group demonstrated significantly higher push-out bond strength than the Direct/DC group (P < 0.001). In the Direct/PV group, the formation of resin tags was observed even on the apical side of the canal. Microleakage was more clearly observed in the DC group than in the PV group.Conclusions PV has a higher bonding ability to root canal dentin than DC. When using DC, the indirect technique exhibited a higher bonding ability than the direct technique.

Objective: The position and size of the major cusps in mammalian molars are arranged in a characteristic pattern that depends on taxonomy. In humans, the cusp which locates distally within each molar is smaller than the mesially located cusp, which is referred to as "distal reduction". Although this concept has been well-recognized, it is still unclear how this reduction occurs. Current study examined whether senescence-accelerating mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice could be a possible animal model for studying how the mammalian molar cusp size is determined., Design: SAMP8 mice were compared with parental control (SAMR1) mice. Microcomputed tomography images of young and aged mice were captured to observe molar cusp morphologies. Cusp height from cement-enamel junction and mesio-distal length of molars were measured. The statistical comparison of the measurements was performed by Mann-Whitney U test., Results: SAMP8 mice showed reduced development of the disto-lingual cusp (entoconid) of lower second molar when compared with SAMR1 mice. The enamel thickness and structure was disturbed at entoconid, and aged SAMP8 mice displayed severe wear of the entoconid in lower second molar. These phenotypes were observed on both sides of the lower second molar., Conclusions: In addition to the general senescence phenotype observed in SAMP8 mice, this strain may genetically possess molar cusp phenotypes which is determined prenatally. Further, SAMP8 mice would be a potential model strain to study the genetic causes of the distal reduction of molar cusp size., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To verify the reliability and validity of a Japanese translation of the Satter eating competence Inventory-2.0™ (ecSI-2.0™) for parents of fifth and sixth grade elementary school students., Methods: Participants were parents who prepared meals for their children aged 10-12 years. A preliminary study was conducted with 11 parents using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, followed by a main study of 2,825 parents. Internal consistency and test-retest methods were used to verify reliability. Face and content validity were confirmed in the preliminary study, and feasibility was examined by the valid response rate and response time. Construct validity was verified using factor validity and known population validity., Results: Of the 2,825 persons surveyed, 626 returned valid responses, and among the 60 persons who received the re-survey, 48 returned valid responses. The average score of the Japanese translation of the ecSI-2.0™ was 33.1 (SD ± 7.8) points. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale was .87 and ranged from .67-.79 for the four subscales. The test-retest method confirmed the scale's stability. Factor analysis confirmed that reproducibility of the four factors was similar to the original version. In the examination of known population validity, the same correlation as the original edition was confirmed., Conclusions: The Japanese translation of the ecSI-2.0™ may be reliable and valid for understanding eating competence related to behavior of parents of school-age children., (© 2020 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.)

Purpose: This study examined whether certain medical complications influence the feasibility of tube removal., Methods: 42 subjects with dysphagia who were under the age of 2.5 years were nourished entirely through feeding tubes. Additionally, they were judged to have no aspiration. The following data about the infants were collected through a retroactive survey: age at which oral feeding training commenced, gender, and whether certain medical complications (cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, neurological, or oral) had been present at birth. The data were analyzed to determine which type of medical complication affected the likelihood of removing the feeding tube from the infant at 3 years of age., Results: Of the five medical complications examined, cardiovascular complications significantly affected the feasibility of tube removal (p = 0.049)., Conclusion: Pediatric dysphagia patients with cardiac complications, compared to those with other complications, may take longer to transition off tube feeding.

In this study, we computationally assess the effects of the distributed fibre orientation in the periodontal ligament (PDL) on mechanical responses of the tooth-PDL complex. An idealised axial-symmetric geometry of a tooth-PDL complex was constructed. The fibre orientation in the PDL was modelled as a trigonometric function based on anatomical knowledge, and the PDL was modelled as a transversely isotropic hyperelastic material dependent on fibre orientations. Parametric studies of the fibre orientation on the mechanical responses of the tooth-PDL complex were conducted. Obtained results showed that the anatomically consistent fibre orientation functions as a supporting structure against not only vertical but also horizontal loads.

Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) is indispensable for normal skeletal development and is also a principal proteinase responsible for articular joint pathologies. MMP13 mRNA level needs to be tightly regulated in both positive and negative manners to achieve normal development and also to prevent joint destruction. We showed previously that Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) strongly induces the expression of members of the MMP family of genes including that for MMP13 in cultured chondrocytes. Through expression-based screening of approximately 400 compounds, we identified several that efficiently downregulated MMP13 gene expression induced by KLF4. Compounds grouped as topoisomerase inhibitors (transcriptional inhibitors) downregulated MMP13 expression levels, which proved the validity of our screening method. In this screening, trichostatin A (TSA) was identified as one of the most potent repressors. Mechanistically, increased MMP13 mRNA levels induced by KLF4 were not mainly caused by increased rates of RNA polymerase II-mediated MMP13 transcription, but arose from escaping mRNA decay. TSA treatment almost completely blunted the effect of KLF4. Importantly, KLF4 was detected in chondrocytes at the joint destruction sites in a rodent model of osteoarthritis. Our results partially explain how KLF4 regulates numerous proteinase gene expressions simultaneously in chondrocytes. Also, these observations suggest that modulation of KLF4 activity or expression could be a novel therapeutic target for osteoarthritis.

Aim: As patients with cleft lip and/or palate grow older, the main decision-making process for treatment is likely to shift from a parent-centered to a patient-centered process. However, many adolescent patients have difficulty in treatment decision-making. This study aimed to clarify the decision-making process regarding undergoing surgery among adolescent patients with cleft lip and/or palate., Methods: Participants were adolescent patients with cleft lip and/or palate aged 14-18 years who were admitted to a hospital in Japan for surgery. Fourteen patients (six boys, eight girls) and their parents agreed to participate in this study. Data were collected in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed qualitatively with inductive content analysis., Results: Fifteen categories were classified into three themes for adolescent patients' decision-making processes regarding undergoing surgery. The three themes were: (a) a doctor's recommendation for surgery, (b) psychological conflict about surgery, and (c) a final decision about surgery., Conclusion: This study's findings suggest that adolescent patients with cleft lip and/or palate were not adequately involved in the decision-making process before undergoing surgery. Medical staff need to explain other treatment options, the risks and benefits of surgery with materials and methods that adolescent patients can understand as part of "a doctor's recommendation for surgery." Medical staff and parents need to encourage adolescent patients to communicate their preferences and values to reduce patients' "psychological conflict about surgery" and adolescent patients' intentions should be considered in "a final decision about surgery.", (© 2020 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.)

Objective: To compare 3 fat suppression methods-water excitation (WE), chemical shift selective (CHESS), and short T1 inversion recovery (STIR)-for optimal image quality and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the oral and maxillofacial region., Study Design: In total, 53 patients with 73 lesions were enrolled in this study. MRI using DWI protocols with the 3 fat suppression methods were performed in addition to a conventional MRI protocol. The diagnostic image quality of lesions, image uniformity, degree of image artifacts, and ADC values of the lesions were evaluated. Average visual scores and ADC values were compared, and post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed, with the level of significance set at P < .0167., Results: Diagnostic image quality was not significantly different among the fat suppression methods (P ≥ .042). Image uniformity was significantly higher (P < .001), and the degree of image artifacts was significantly lower (P < .001), in images using the STIR method. Mean ADC values did not differ significantly among the 3 methods., Conclusions: The STIR method was the most useful fat suppression method for DWI of the oral and maxillofacial region because of its high level of image uniformity and few image artifacts., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Most animals and organs have regenerative capabilities. Whether regeneration is a developmental process or a distinct phenomenon that is independent of development is debatable., Method: We examined the differences between developing and regenerating salivary glands using duct-ligation models. We performed morphological analyses comparing submandibular gland regeneration and development. To reveal the proliferation processes that occur during salivary gland regeneration and development, we counted the number of Ki67-positive cells over time. In addition, we examined the expression of the following markers: aquaporin 5, smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin 7, and tubulin beta 3., Result: The proliferation patterns seen during regeneration differed from those observed during development. Different salivary gland marker expression patterns were seen during development and regeneration., Conclusion: This study showed that regenerating salivary glands do not follow the same growth process as developing salivary glands., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with long-term quality of life of oral cancer survivors., Materials and Methods: A total of 508 survivors were assessed using the performance status scale for head and neck (PSS-HN), which comprises Eating in Public (E-Public), Normalcy of Diet (N-Diet), and Understandability of Speech (U-Speech). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed., Results: The median time between the end of treatment and participating in the survey was 38 months (range, 6-250). Overall, 57-60% of survivors achieved full performance (100 score) of each PSS-HN score, whereas 15% had moderate or severe impairment (≤ 50 score) in E-Public and N-Diet, and 4% had impairment in U-Speech. These three scores deteriorated with increasing T-stage. Age, soft tissue reconstruction, trismus, and missing occlusal contacts on the contralateral side were significantly associated with E-Public and N-Diet. Neck dissection, hard tissue reconstruction, and missing occlusal contacts bilaterally were associated with U-Speech score., Conclusion: Older age, T4 tumor, and soft tissue reconstruction were predictors of low E-Public and N-Diet performance scores. Increasing mouth opening and maintaining optimal occlusal contacts on the contralateral side may be effective ways to improve N-Diet and E-Public performance. Maintaining optimal occlusal contacts bilaterally may be effective for improving speech performance., Clinical Relevance: Oral health care to increase optimal occlusal contacts and rehabilitation of trismus may be promising factors to improve the functional performance of oral cancer survivors.

Hypofunction of the salivary gland causes several life-disrupting side effects such as dental caries, oral candidiasis, loss of taste, and swallowing disorders. No satisfactory therapy has been established to treat salivary hypofunction. Pilocarpine represents a potential treatment for dry mouth due to Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Although subjective improvement was consistently observed with pilocarpine therapy, the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of recovery in salivation following treatment with pilocarpine. We first examined the effectiveness of pilocarpine in SS patients as quantified by the Saxon test and the visual analogue scale average. We found that salivation ability and subjective symptoms improved by continuous administration of pilocarpine. These results demonstrated that long-term medication for dry mouth patients was more effective. However, as the mechanism remained unclear, molecular biological mechanisms were analyzed based on the effects of continuous administration of pilocarpine using model mice. In the molecular biological analysis, continuous administration of pilocarpine was effective in both ICR and SS model mice. Gene and protein expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3 (M3R) increased in salivary glands following continuous administration of pilocarpine compared with single administration. Therefore, continuous administration of pilocarpine effectively induced M3R expression, thereby activating salivation., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This paper demonstrated the quantitative detection of ethanol and acetone mixtures in complex solutions with Raman spectroscopy based on headspace gas analysis. By analyzing the volatile components in the headspace, their concentrations in liquid solutions were determined. We constructed our own Raman spectroscopy system to detect the headspace gas quantitatively over a solution in a sealed vial. The Raman spectra of the headspace gases over standard solutions were standardized for finding the concentrations of ethanol, acetone, and ethanol-acetone in mixture solutions. The results showed that the concentration of a gaseous component in the headspace gas was proportional to its ratio in the liquid solution. We obtained a linear relationship between the spectral intensity of volatile components in headspace and the concentration of the liquid solutions. Then, we analyzed the alcohol concentration in a white wine and a Chinese liquor called Fen Chiew by measuring the Raman spectra of the headspace gas over their liquids. For the river water sample, we also implemented our headspace gas detection with Raman spectra to obtain the concentration of acetone in the river sample. This work demonstrated the facilitation of headspace gas analysis by the qualitative and quantitative determination of volatile substances from liquid samples using Raman spectroscopy.

Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for a wide variety of cutaneous infections ranging from superficial impetigo to fulminant invasive necrotizing fasciitis. Dysfunction of desmosomes is associated with the pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases. We identified streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) as a proteolytic factor that cleaves the extracellular domains of desmoglein 1 and 3. In an epicutaneous infection model, lesional skin infected with an speB deletion mutant were significantly smaller as compared to those caused by the wild-type strain. Furthermore, immunohistological analysis indicated cleavage of desmogleins that developed around the invasion site of the wild-type strain. In contrast, the speB mutant was preferentially found on the epidermis surface layer. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that SpeB-mediated degradation of desmosomes has a pathogenic role in development of S. pyogenes cutaneous infection.

Claudins are members of a large family of transmembrane proteins, which are essential for the formation of tight junctions and have a significant effect on the biological behavior of tumor progression. Previous studies have demonstrated that several claudins show aberrant expression patterns in numerous types of cancer. The present study investigated the expression and localization of claudin-3 and claudin-7 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines and tissues. The protein expression levels of claudin-3 and claudin-7 were determined using immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical staining. Claudin-3, but not claudin-7, exhibited nuclear localization in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and SW620 cell lines. Surgically resected colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue specimens were obtained, and the associations between the expression of claudin-3 or claudin-7 and various clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. The membranous expression rates of claudin-3 and claudin-7 were 58.0 and 50.0%, while their nuclear expression rates were 22.0 and 2.0%, respectively. The membranous expression of claudin-3 and claudin-7 was not associated with any clinicopathological factors, whereas the nuclear expression of claudin-3 was associated with histological type and was significantly increased in colorectal mucinous adenocarcinomas compared with that in well- to moderately-differentiated colorectal adenocarcinomas (P<0.01). However, no associations were observed between the nuclear expression of claudin-7 and any clinicopathological parameter. In conclusion, the nuclear expression of claudin-3 in colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma may be involved in the biological transformation of tumors. The results from the present study indicated that claudin-3 is an important protein associated with histological type and has potential as a prognostic marker. Although the mechanisms underlying the nuclear localization of claudin-3 in tumorigenesis have not yet been elucidated in detail, the present results indicated the potential of claudin-3 as a histopathological biomarker for colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Aim: Food bolus preparation plays an important role in swallowing food. The ability to carry out oral functions varies with age, and the same might be true of the ability to prepare food boluses. Previously developed methods for assessing food bolus preparation were not able to evaluate swallowed boluses; that is, the boluses were spat out before they were swallowed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate food bolus preparation in older adults using videoendoscopy, and to compare the food bolus preparation abilities of older adults and younger healthy adults., Methods: The participants were 30 older adults and 30 younger healthy adults. None of the participants showed any symptoms of dysphagia or eating difficulties. In each examination, an endoscope was inserted into the nasal passage, and the participant was instructed to eat cooked rice. The grinding, mixing and aggregation of each bolus was graded from 0 to 2, with higher numbers indicating more marked grinding, mixing and aggregation. We simultaneously investigated the number of chewing cycles., Results: The older adults showed higher grinding scores and lower mixing scores than the younger healthy adults. However, neither of these differences was significant. In contrast, the older adults showed significantly lower aggregation scores and carried out a significantly greater number of chewing cycles than the younger healthy adults., Conclusions: Using videoendoscopy, we found that older adults showed lower aggregation scores and carried out a greater number of chewing cycles than younger healthy adults. These results suggest that older adults are less able to prepare food boluses than younger healthy adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 226-231., (© 2015 Japan Geriatrics Society.)

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bonding effectiveness of two resin core buildup systems using conventional methods in the field of adhesive dentistry and a new non-destructive method., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four single-rooted human teeth were built up with dual-cure one-step self-etch adhesive and composite systems (SY1: Clearfil DC bond and Clearfil DC core automix, SY2: Clearfil bond SE one and Clearfil DC core automix one). The prepared samples were sectioned into approximately 1 × 1-mm-thick beams and subjected to micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) testing (n = 24). The fractured beams after μTBS testing were analyzed by SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry. The three teeth filled with each resin core system were sectioned and embedded in epoxy resin to observe the dentin-bonding interface under TEM (n = 6). Moreover, three of each resin core-filled teeth without any processing were examined using μCT (n = 6)., Results: Two-way ANOVA revealed that the two factors "root region" (p < 0.001, F = 15.22) and "system" (SY1 < SY2; p < 0.001, F = 22.52) had a significant influence. The μTBS gradually decreased from the coronal side to the apical side of the root canal. Morphological evaluation revealed that SY2 was superior in terms of resin curing at the apical side. μCT non-destructive evaluation clearly revealed gap formation in SY1., Conclusion: SY2, which included a new light-independent catalyst, showed better bonding effectiveness and adhesive interface to dentin compared to that of SY1., Clinical Relevance: The new catalyst, which is activated by contact with adhesive and resin composite, can be used for resin core buildup restorations.

Numerous studies on oral biofilms have been performed in vitro , although it is difficult to mimic the oral environment. Here we used an in situ model to conduct a quantitative analysis and comprehensive identification of bacterial communities over time by performing deep sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. We show here that the number of viable bacteria in supragingival biofilms increased in two steps. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy, we detected gram-positive cocci during the first 8 h. The biofilm was subsequently covered with a thick matrix-like structure composed of different bacterial morphotypes that diversified as the number of bacteria increased. Streptococcus accounted for >20% of the population until 16 h, and obligate anaerobes such as Fusobacterium, Prevotella and Porphyromonas predominated after 48 h, and this increase was statistically significant after 96 h ( P <0.05). Together, our data demonstrate that an initial population of facultative anaerobic bacteria was replaced with a population of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria during oral biofilm formation. This study, therefore, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the composition of the bacterial microbiota involved in the health of the human oral cavity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Wearing dentures has been believed to decrease the instability of the postural sway using the total length of centre of pressure (CoP) trajectory or the magnitude of its variability. However, the physical aspects of the postural sway have not been taken into account while evaluating the CoP in patients who wear dentures. The CoP fluctuations are found to show a random walk process. Therefore, changes in the random movement of CoP caused by wearing dentures should be examined by nonlinear dynamics that enables analysis of the characteristics found in the random movement. We evaluated the effect of complete denture installation on CoP sway for twenty-six edentulous patients by performing the following steps. First, we excluded subjects who did not show crossover in spectral analyses. Then, we evaluated the spectral characteristics and phase shifts of the velocities of CoP sway for the subjects who showed crossover. We found that wearing complete dentures decreased the fluctuations in the high-frequency part of the power spectral density (PSD) and the phase shift in the mediolateral direction. On the other hand, we also found that the use of complete dentures decreased the fluctuations of PSD amplitude in the anteroposterior direction. From the point of view of the kinetic energy of the musculoskeletal system, we suggested that the use of complete dentures could reduce the energy consumption for the standing posture., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Capillary polymer electrophoresis is identified as a promising technology for the analysis of DNA from bacteria, virus and cell samples. In this paper, we propose an innovative capillary polymer electrophoresis protocol for the quantification of polymerase chain reaction products. The internal standard method was modified and applied to capillary polymer electrophoresis. The precision of our modified internal standard protocol was evaluated by measuring the relative standard deviation of intermediate capillary polymer electrophoresis experiments. Results showed that the relative standard deviation was reduced from 12.4-15.1 to 0.6-2.3%. Linear regression tests were also implemented to validate our protocol. The modified internal standard method showed good linearity and robust properties. Finally, the ease of our method was illustrated by analyzing a real clinical oral sample using a one-run capillary polymer electrophoresis experiment., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Cartilage not only plays essential roles in skeletal development and growth during pre- and postnatal stages but also serves to provide smooth movement of skeletons throughout life. Thus, dysfunction of cartilage causes a variety of skeletal disorders. Results from animal studies reveal that β-catenin-dependent canonical and independent non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways have multiple roles in regulation of cartilage development, growth, and maintenance. β-Catenin-dependent signaling is required for progression of endochondral ossification and growth of axial and appendicular skeletons, while excessive activation of this signaling can cause severe inhibition of initial cartilage formation and growth plate organization and function in mice. In contrast, non-canonical Wnt signaling is important in columnar organization of growth plate chondrocytes. Manipulation of Wnt signaling causes or ameliorates articular cartilage degeneration in rodent osteoarthritis models. Human genetic studies indicate that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Accumulative findings from analysis of expression of Wnt signaling molecules and in vivo and in vitro functional experiments suggest that Wnt signaling is a therapeutic target for osteoarthritis. The target tissues of Wnt signaling may be not only articular cartilage but also synovium and subchondral bone.

In salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma, expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) substances indicates that tumor epithelial cells are becoming chondrogenic and will produce cartilage-like mesenchymal tissues. Sox9, the master transcription factor of chondrogenesis, is expressed in mouse salivary gland cells. To clarify the mechanism behind chondrogenesis in tumor epithelial cells, we examined the expression of transcription factors related to chondrogenesis in tumors and salivary glands. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and immunostaining were performed on pleomorphic adenoma tissues, salivary gland tissues, and human submandibular gland (HSG) cells. The mRNAs of essential transcription factors for chondrogenesis-Sox9, Sox6, and Sox5-were detected in both tumor and salivary gland tissues. The mRNAs of aggrecan and type II collagen-cartilage-specific ECM substances-were detected only in tumors. Sox9 and Sox6 proteins were colocalized in many epithelial cells in tumors and salivary glands. Tumor epithelial cells also possessed aggrecan protein and occasionally type II collagen protein. Moreover, mRNAs for transcription repressors of chondrogenesis δEF1 and AP-2α were detected in both tumors and salivary glands, whereas Twist1 mRNA was detected only in salivary glands and was at significantly low-to-undetectable levels in tumors. Twist1 protein was localized in the Sox9-expressing salivary gland cells. HSG cells expressed Sox9, Sox6, and Twist1, but not aggrecan or type II collagen, and thus were similar to salivary gland cells. Twist1 depletion by Twist1 siRNA led to the upregulation of aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA expression in HSG cells. In contrast, forced expression of Twist1, using Twist1 cDNA, resulted in the downregulation of both these genes. Taken together, these results indicate that salivary gland cells have a potential for chondrogenesis, and Twist1 depletion concomitant with neoplastic transformation, which would permit tumor epithelial cells to produce cartilage-like mesenchymal tissues in salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) volume-based parameters, such as metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis, add more prognostic information in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)., Methods: The subjects were 47 patients with oropharyngeal SCC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before any treatment and followed by definitive therapy. PET parameters (metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis) and tumor p16/p53 status were evaluated retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS)., Results: All volume-based PET parameters were found to be significant prognostic factors for DFS, DSS, and OS in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only metabolic tumor volume for total tumor lesions (cutoff 65) retained an independent association with DFS, DSS, and OS., Conclusion: Metabolic tumor volume for total tumor lesions may be a predictive marker for survival outcomes in patients with oropharyngeal SCC with known p16/p53 status., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background & Aims: Acute lung injury (ALI) is less severe in obese than in nonobese patients, but the mechanism is unclear. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is the key anti-inflammatory protein in various lung diseases. We have previously reported changes of the surgical stress in obese rats using lard-based high-fat diet (HFD). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of lard-based HFD on the pathophysiology of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, and the role of SLPI expression., Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed lard-based HFD (60 kcal% fat) or control diet (CD) for either 4 or 12 weeks and were killed after intraperitoneal LPS injection. Analyses included messenger RNA expression of TNF-α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-10 and SLPI in the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and histology of the lungs., Results: Rats fed HFD for 12 weeks showed suppression of the lung injury and oxidative stress after LPS injection, as indicated by reduction of pulmonary TNF-α, MIP-2 and iNOS mRNA expression and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine immunostaining. The increased pulmonary SLPI caused by lard was associated with decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, which eventually resulted in the prevention of ALI. Those effects of lard on LPS-induced ALI were greater after 12 weeks than after 4 weeks feeding, as indicated by the reduction of TNF-α, MIP-2 and iNOS levels., Conclusions: Feeding lard-based HFD for 12 weeks attenuated LPS-induced ALI with increased pulmonary SLPI expression in rats., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Background: Modified radical neck dissection (mRND) [preserving the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and the spinal accessory nerve] and supraomohyoid neck dissection have become common surgical procedures for treating head and neck cancer. Postoperative severe asymmetry of the neck and severe atrophy of the SCM, however, have been demonstrated., Methods: Using computed tomographic images, cross-sectional areas of the SCMs were measured in 99 patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity who underwent unilateral mRND or supraomohyoid neck dissection. An asymmetry index was used., Results: Innervation to the SCM was preserved in 91 patients. The spinal accessory nerve and the innervation were sacrificed in 3 patients; the innervation was repaired in 5 patients. Sacrifice of innervation to the SCM resulted in extremely severe asymmetry. Repair of the innervation prevented severe asymmetry in 40%. Preservation of the innervation prevented severe asymmetry in 75% at the middle portion of the neck and in 56% at the lower portion after mRND., Conclusion: Preserving innervation to the SCM and gentle handling of the nerve during neck dissection could prevent severe asymmetry after neck dissection.

It is known that solid food is transported to the pharynx actively in parallel to it being crushed by chewing and mixed with saliva in the oral cavity. Therefore, food bolus formation should be considered to take place from the oral cavity to the pharynx. In previous studies, the chewed food was evaluated after the food had been removed from the oral cavity. However, it has been pointed out that spitting food out of the oral cavity interferes with natural food bolus formation. Therefore, we observed food boluses immediately before swallowing using an endoscope to establish a method to evaluate the food bolus-forming function, and simultaneously performed endoscopic evaluation of food bolus formation and its relationship with the number of chewing cycles. The subject was inserted the endoscope nasally and instructed to eat two coloured samples of boiled rice simultaneously in two ingestion conditions ('as usual' and 'chewing well'). The condition of the food bolus was graded into three categories for each item of grinding, mixing and aggregation and scored 2, 1 and 0. The score of aggregation was high under both ingestion conditions. The scores of grinding and mixing tended to be higher in subjects with a high number of chewing cycles, and the score of aggregation was high regardless of the number of chewing cycles. It was suggested that food has to be aggregated, even though the number of chewing cycles is low and the food is not ground or mixed for a food bolus to reach the swallowing threshold., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background & Aims: It has recently been reported that anti-inflammatory lipid mediators are increased in the late phase of acute inflammation, whereas proinflammatory lipid mediators are regulated at the initiation of inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes of hepatic lipid mediators due to high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in endotoxemic rats., Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed either HFD or control diet for 12 weeks, and were then killed 0, 1.5, and 6 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Analyses included lipidomics assessment of mediators using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/multi-stage mass spectrometry; measuring expression of hepatic polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-oxidizing enzyme, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels; blood biochemical tests; and liver histology., Results: HFD feeding worsened liver injury, increased expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA, and increased oxidative stress after LPS injection. PUFA-oxidizing enzymes were higher in HFD-fed rats after LPS injection. The proinflammatory prostaglandin (PG)E2 and thromboxane B2 were increased 1.5 h after LPS injection, and had decreased by 6 h in HFD-fed rats. In contrast, potent pro-resolving resolvins derived from eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were not detected, but anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, lipoxin A4, and 15-deoxy-PGJ2 were increased after LPS injection in HFD-fed rats., Conclusions: HFD feeding for 12 weeks enhanced proinflammatory lipid mediators 1.5 h after LPS injection suggesting relation to liver injury., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

By screening patients with undiagnosed multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disability using array-comparative genomic hybridization, we identified an 884 kb heterozygous microdeletion at 14q13.3 in two siblings presenting with oligodontia, hypothyroidism and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, resulting from their parental gonosomal mosaicism. Among the six genes included in the deletion, haploinsufficiency of PAX9 and NKX2-1 was probably associated with their phenotypes. These results highlighted a possibility of recurrence of pathogenic copy-number variants associated with parental mosaicism, which requires careful genetic counseling.

Oral appliances (OAs) have demonstrated efficacy in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but many different OA devices are available. The Japanese Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine supported the use of OAs that advanced the mandible forward and limited mouth opening and suggested an evaluation of their effects in comparison with untreated or CPAP. A systematic search was undertaken in 16 April 2012. The outcome measures of interest were as follows: Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), lowest SpO2 , arousal index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the SF-36 Health Survey. We performed this meta-analysis using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Five studies remained eligible after applying the exclusion criteria. Comparing OA and control appliance, OA significantly reduced the weighted mean difference (WMD) in both AHI and the arousal index (favouring OA, AHI: -7.05 events h(-1) ; 95% CI, -12.07 to -2.03; P = 0.006, arousal index: -6.95 events h(-1) ; 95% CI, -11.75 to -2.15; P = 0.005). OAs were significantly less effective at reducing the WMD in AHI and improving lowest SpO2 and SF-36 than CPAP, (favouring OA, AHI: 6.11 events h(-1) ; 95% CI, 3.24 to 8.98; P = 0.0001, lowest SpO2 : -2.52%; 95% CI, -4.81 to -0.23; P = 0.03, SF-36: -1.80; 95% CI, -3.17 to -042; P = 0.01). Apnea Hypopnea Index and arousal index were significantly improved by OA relative to the untreated disease. Apnea Hypopnea Index, lowest SpO2 and SF-36 were significantly better with CPAP than with OA. The results of this study suggested that OAs improve OSA compared with untreated. CPAP appears to be more effective in improving OSA than OAs., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The excision of malignant tongue tumors often produces tongue defects that can cause dysphagia. A palatal augmentation prosthesis is frequently used to treat such dysphagia. This report describes a patient who received a palatal augmentation prosthesis after a glossectomy for malignant cancer of the tongue; however, no improvement was noted in swallowing function. A lingual augmentation prosthesis was then applied to the mandible, which resulted in improved swallowing function., (Copyright © 2014 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study examined the aspect of the regulation of velum movement in the transition from the oral to pharyngeal phases of swallowing in relation to changes in the swallowing volume and viscosity by means of measurment of levator veli palatini muscle activity. The subjects were nine normal adults, ranging in age from 24 to 30 years. The swallowing volume was set at 1/4, 1/2 and 1 volume of the optimum volume of green tea for swallowing determined in each subject, and the viscosity was adjusted to 0, 2·0 and 4·6 Pa·s by mixing with thickener. Nine test foods were prepared in total. The electromyographic activity of the levator veli palatini muscle was monitored using bipolar hooked wire electrodes. The levator veli palatini muscle activity was defined as the integrated electromyographic wave. The mean in swallowing each test food was determined in each subject. The levator veli palatini muscle activity increased with the swallowing volume for all subjects (P < 0·05) and decreased inversely with the viscosity for six subjects (P < 0·05), but no change with the increase in the viscosity was noted for three subjects. This study clarified the aspect of the regulation of velar movement with regard to the involvement of the levator veli palatini muscle in swallowing activity with changes in the swallowing volume and viscosity., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein in the immunoglobulin superfamily, which plays an important role in cell adhesion and signal transduction. Although ICAM-1 is believed to play a role in several malignancies, it is still uncertain whether or not ICAM-1 expression contributes to cancer progression. In this study, we performed clinicopathological and cell biological analyses of ICAM-1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). First, we examined the ICAM-1 expression in tongue SCC immunohistochemically, and revealed that ICAM-1 was expressed predominantly at the invasive front area of tongue SCC. ICAM-1 expression at the invasive front area was correlated with invasion, lymph node metastasis and increased blood and lymphatic vessel density of the tongue SCC. The relationship between ICAM-1 expression and clinicopathological factors were consistent with the increased proliferation, invasion and cytokine-production activities of ICAM-1-transfected SCC cells. Second, we analyzed the relationship between macrophages and ICAM-1-expressing tongue SCC cells because ICAM-1 is known to act as a ligand for adhesion of immune cells. Increased ICAM-1 expression in tongue SCC was correlated with increased macrophage infiltration within SCC nests. Moreover, macrophage/SCC-cell adhesion through ICAM-1 molecule was revealed using an in vitro cell adhesion and blockade assay. These findings indicate that ICAM-1 plays an important role in tongue SCC progression, which may result from the SCC-cell activity, angiogenic activity, lymphangiogenic activity and macrophage/SCC-cell adhesion., (Copyright © 2013 UICC.)

The hyoid bone moves during swallowing due to contraction of suprahyoid muscles, which are critical components of normal swallowing function. It has been reported that the muscle force and shortening velocity decline gradually with age. Reduced hyoid velocities may delay the sealing of the laryngeal vestibule and opening of the cricopharyngeal muscle. We hypothesised that the hyoid velocity could be a factor influencing aspiration. This study evaluated effects of bolus volume changes on the hyoid distance and velocity in normal swallowing. The subjects were 21 healthy young adults. Lateral projection videofluorography was recorded while each subject swallowed 2·5, 5·0, 10 and 20 mL of liquid barium. We evaluated the maximum hyoid distance (Max d), anterior and superior distance (Max ad, Max sd). And, we evaluated the maximum velocity (Max v), anterior and superior velocity (Max av, Max sv). Two-way anova test revealed that Max d, Max ad and Max sd for different bolus volumes are not significantly different. But, two-way anova test showed statistically significant difference in Max v, Max av and Max sv among different bolus volume (P < 0·01). Tukey's test showed that there are significant differences in Max v between 2·5 and 20 mL, 5·0 and 20 mL, 10 and 20 mL, and 2·5 and 10 mL swallowing. And, Tukey's test showed significant differences in Max av and Max sv between 2·5 and 20 mL, 5·0 and 20 mL, and 10 and 20 mL swallowing. It is possible that a larger bolus volume requires greater maximum hyoid velocity. We plan to study hyoid velocity in elderly subjects and in those with dysphagia., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Disuse atrophy of swallowing-related organs is suspected when decreased swallowing frequency is seen in the elderly. However, swallowing frequency has not been examined in elderly people during daily life. We developed a swallowing frequency meter containing a laryngeal microphone that does not restrict the subject's ability to perform daily activities. In this study, the utility of the meter was assessed. Experiment 1: The ability of the meter to detect swallowing was examined. The subject was instructed to swallow saliva or foods at a voluntarily pace. During these procedures, swallowing events were simultaneously recorded by the meter, self-enumeration and videofluorography. As a result, all of the swallowing events identified by the meter coincided with the swallowing events identified by self-enumeration and videofluorography. Experiment 2: Swallowing sounds display various patterns both between and within individuals. Therefore, we examined the concordance rate between the number of swallowing events counted by the meter and that counted by self-enumeration in 15 subjects over a longer period than in experiment 1. The concordance rates calculated by two examiners between the meter and self-enumeration were 96·8 ± 4·5% and 98·9 ± 3·3% at rest and 95·2 ± 4·5% and 96·1 ± 4·1% during meals, respectively. Our findings indicate that this meter is useful for measuring the frequency of swallowing during daily situations., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)