Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1687-8728 2026 1 2026 Experimental Analysis of Automatic Discrimination Performance Between Simulated Bruxism and Non‐Bruxism Under Conscious Conditions Using Electromyography and Machine Learning 7874254 EN Hajime Minakuchi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuhiro Nagasaki Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Lộc Hoàng Đình Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruna Miki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ko Omori Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tazuko Nishimura Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Minematsu Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of machine learning to automatically classify electromyography (EMG) data into bruxism simulated movement with tooth contact (BMwTC), bruxism simulated movement without tooth contact (BMwoTC), and non-bruxism movement (non-BM).<br> Methods: Twelve eligible healthy participants (female/male: 2/10, mean age: 35.3 ± 8.4 years) were asked to perform the simulated movements (all the tasks were performed five times for 5 s each with a 30-s rest interval). The electrodes were placed on the masseter, infrahyoid, inframandibular, and chin muscles. A sound sensor was placed adjacent to the masseter. The EMG and sound data were sampled at 1 and 44.1 kHz, respectively. Single- and multi-stream hidden Markov models (HMMs) were used to automatically discriminate the tested behavior from the others using a hamming window with 100 ms and shift length of 50 ms. The leave-one-out method was used for training and testing the model, with data from 11 participants used for training and one for testing. Each participant was evaluated, and the final performance was measured by averaging the results of 12 classification trials. The validity of the discrimination was assessed by calculating the harmony mean values using six EMG signals and the sound data.<br> Results: The masseter EMG demonstrated significantly higher discrimination accuracy in the single-stream model (p  < 0.05, One-way ANOVA, Tukey HDS). The multi-stream model also demonstrated higher accuracy; however, no significant difference was observed. Notably, the accuracy of BMwoTC was less than 0.5.<br> Conclusion: The machine-learning-based discriminative system accurately discriminates BMwTC from non-BM using masseter EMG. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

XMLink Acta Medica Okayama 2005-7806 16 4 2024 A novel brief questionnaire using a face rating scale to assess dental anxiety and fear 244 254 EN Takuya Mino Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Kimura-Ono Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikaru Arakawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kana Tokumoto Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoko Kurosaki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshizo Matsuka Department of Stomatognathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Kenji Maekawa Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Occlusion, Osaka Dental University Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a four-item questionnaire using a face rating scale to measure dental trait anxiety (DTA), dental trait fear (DTF), dental state anxiety (DSA), and dental state fear (DSF).<br> MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were consecutively selected from patients undergoing scaling (S-group; n = 47) and implant placement (I-group; n = 25). The S-group completed the questionnaire both before initial and second scaling, whereas the I-group responded on the pre-surgery day (Pre-day), the day of implant placement (Imp-day), and the day of suture removal (Post-day).<br> RESULTS The reliability in the S-group was evaluated using the test-retest method, showing a weighted kappa value of DTA, 0.61; DTF, 0.46; DSA, 0.67; DSF, 0.52. Criterion-related validity, assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory’s trait anxiety and state anxiety, revealed positive correlations between trait anxiety and DTA/DTF (DTA, ρ = 0.30; DTF, ρ = 0.27, ρ: correlation coefficient) and between state anxiety and all four items (DTA, ρ = 0.41; DTF, ρ = 0.32; DSA, ρ = 0.25; DSF, ρ = 0.25). Known-group validity was assessed using the initial data and Imp-day data from the S-group and I-group, respectively, revealing significantly higher DSA and DSF scores in the I-group than in the S-group. Responsiveness was gauged using I-group data, showing significantly lower DSA and DSF scores on post-day compared to other days.<br> CONCLUSION The newly developed questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity for clinical use, suggesting its usefulness for research on dental anxiety and fear and for providing patient-specific dental care. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2198-4034 10 1 2024 Implant-supported fixed prostheses with cantilever: a systematic review and meta-analysis 57 EN Yusuke Kondo Clinical Guideline Task-Force Members (2018-), Japanese Society of Oral Implantology (JSOI) Kiyoshi Sakai Clinical Guideline Task-Force Members (2018-), Japanese Society of Oral Implantology (JSOI) Hajime Minakuchi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Takuya Horimai The Library, School of Dentistry, Nihon University Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences JSOI Clinical Guideline Working Group collaborators Purpose This systematic review (SR) aimed to investigate whether the presence of a cantilever affects the results of implant treatment for partial edentulism, including an analysis of the anterior and posterior regions of the dental arches.<br> Methods An electronic search was performed, and original articles published between 1995 and November 2023 were included. The outcomes were the implant survival rate, patient satisfaction, occurrence of mechanical complications, and marginal bone loss around the implants. Two SR members independently examined the validity of the studies, extracted evidence from the included studies, and performed risk of bias assessment, comprehensive evidence evaluation, and meta-analysis.<br> Results Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Implant survival rate tended to be lower in the cantilever group, and marginal bone loss tended to be higher in the cantilever group; however, there was no significant difference. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction based on the presence or absence of a cantilever. Moreover, the incidence of mechanical complications was significantly higher in the cantilever group. According to the analysis of anterior and posterior regions, implant survival rate tended to be lower in the cantilever group of the posterior region, and marginal bone loss around the implants tended to be higher in the cantilever group of the anterior region.<br> Conclusion Implant-supported fixed prostheses with cantilevers did not negatively affect implant survival rate, marginal bone loss, or patient satisfaction. However, the incidence of mechanical complications significantly increased in the cantilever group. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0941-4355 33 4 2025 Characteristics of oral mucositis in patients undergoing haploidentical stem cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide: marked difference between busulfan and melphalan regimens 252 EN Saki Ogura Division of Dental Hygienist, Okayama University Hospital Yoshihiko Soga Division of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Hideaki Fujiwara Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Rumi Miura Division of Dental Hygienist, Okayama University Hospital Ken-ichi Matsuoka Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takuo Kuboki Division of Dental Hygienist, Okayama University Hospital Purpose This study was performed to examine the effects of conditioning regimens on oral mucositis in haploidentical (haplo) donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy).<br> Methods Thirty consecutive patients (male, 23; female, 7; 18–68 years, median, 59 years) undergoing haplo-HSCT with PTCy using one of three conditioning regimens—reduced intensity conditioning (RIC)-melphalan (Mel); RIC-Busulfan (Bu); and myeloablative conditioning (MAC)-Bu—were enrolled in this study. Data on the WHO grade of oral mucositis (day − 7 to + 20) were collected retrospectively. The incidences of ulcerative and severe mucositis (Grade 2–4 and Grade 3–4, respectively) were compared between the three groups.<br> Results Ulcerative mucositis occurred in 0% (0/10) of patients in the RIC-Mel group, 57.1% (4/7) in the RIC-Bu group, and 100% (13/13) in the MAC-Bu group. The differences between the RIC-Mel and RIC-Bu groups and between the RIC-Bu and MAC-Bu groups were significant (all P < 0.05). Severe mucositis occurred in 57.1% (4/7) of patients in the RIC-Bu group and 100% (13/13) of patients in the MAC-Bu group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The rates of ulcerative mucositis (≥ grade 2) and of severe mucositis (≥ grade 3) were significantly higher in the MAC-Bu group than the RIC-Bu group on days 10, 13, 15, and 16 and on days 10, 14, 15, and 16, respectively (all P < 0.05).<br> Conclusion The risk of oral mucositis in patients undergoing haplo-HSCT with PTCy is highest with the MAC-Bu conditioning regimen, followed by RIC-Bu, and lowest with RIC-Mel. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Prosthodontic Society Acta Medica Okayama 1883-1958 68 1 2023 Tooth morphology fusion technique is more accurate than conventional technique in transferring morphology of provisional to definitive screw-retained, implant-supported crown: A preliminary intervention study 139 146 EN Takuya Mino Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoko Kurosaki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Kana Tokumoto Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Izumi SHIKEN Corporation Hiroshi Mitsumune SHIKEN Corporation Kenji Maekawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiro Ueda Dental Technician Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital Tomohito Nakano Dental Technician Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital Junichi Sejima Dental Technician Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital Aya Kimura-Ono Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Purpose: To compare the accuracy of the tooth morphology fusion (TMF) digital technique and customized impression transfer coping (conventional) technique when transferring the morphology of a provisional crown to a definitive screw-retained implant-supported crown.<br> Methods: Six cases of partial edentulism (one anterior and five posterior) treated with oral implant placement in our clinic for the loss of three or fewer teeth in the maxilla or mandible between April 2017 and September 2018 were included. After implant placement and re-entry surgery, provisional restorations were made and adjusted to obtain the ideal morphology. Two definitive restorations were constructed by transferring the complete morphology of the provisional restorations, including the subgingival contour, using the TMF digital and conventional techniques. Three sets of surface morphological data were obtained using a desktop scanner. The three-dimensional total discrepancy volume (TDV) between the provisional restoration (reference) and the two definitive restorations was digitally measured by overlapping the surface data of the stone cast using the Boolean operation. Each TDV ratio (%) was calculated by dividing the TDV by the volume of provisional restoration. The median TDV ratios for TMF and conventional techniques were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.<br> Results: The median TDV ratio between provisional and definitive restorations constructed using the TMF digital technique (8.05%) was significantly lower than that obtained using the conventional technique (13.56%, P < 0.05).<br> Conclusions: In this preliminary intervention study, the TMF digital technique was more accurate than the conventional technique for the transfer of morphology from provisional to definitive prosthesis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Prosthodontic Society Acta Medica Okayama 1883-1958 67 2 2023 Prosthodontic treatment can improve the ingestible food profile in Japanese adult outpatients 189 195 EN Aya Kimura-Ono Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kenji Maekawa Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumiko Nawachi Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masanori Fujisawa Meikai University School of Dentistry Hironobu Sato Fukuoka Dental College Graduate School of Dental Science Hideki Aita Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry Shigeto Koyama Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Japan Masayuki Hideshima Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Yuji Sato Showa University School of Dentistry Hiroyuki Wake Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Kan Nagao Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Yorika Kodaira-Ueda Tokyo Dental College Katsushi Tamaki Kanagawa Dental University Graduate School Shinsuke Sadamori Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Kazuhiro Tsuga Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Yasuhiro Nishi Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Takashi Sawase Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Hisashi Koshino Health Sciences University of Hokkaido School of Dentistry Shin-ichi Masumi Kyushu Dental University Kaoru Sakurai Tokyo Dental College Kanji Ishibashi Iwate Medical University School of Dentistry Takashi Ohyama Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Yasumasa Akagawa Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Toshihiro Hirai Health Sciences University of Hokkaido School of Dentistry Keiichi Sasaki Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry Kiyoshi Koyano Kyushu University Faculty of Dental Science Hirofumi Yatani Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry Hideo Matsumura Nihon University School of Dentistry Tetsuo Ichikawa Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Shuji Ohkawa Meikai University School of Dentistry Kazuyoshi Baba Showa University School of Dentistry Purpose: To investigate the effect of prosthodontic treatment on the ingestible food profile in adult Japanese outpatients, and to identify the related risk factors that can deteriorate the profile.<br> Methods: The participants were 277 outpatients who visited university-based specialty clinics in Japan for prosthodontic treatment. The demographic data, number of present teeth assessed via intraoral examination, and oral health-related quality of life assessed by the total Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-J54) scores of all participants were recorded before treatment. Ingestible food profile score (IFS) was recorded using a validated food intake questionnaire. Eligible participants who answered the questionnaire before and after treatment were categorized into five groups based on the prosthodontic treatments they received (i.e., crowns, bridges, removable partial dentures, removable complete dentures, and removable complete and partial dentures).<br> Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a statistically significant main effect of prosthodontic intervention (time course: before and after treatment) on mean IFS (P=0.035, F=4.526), even after adjusting for covariates (age, number of present teeth, and treatment modality). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the low number of present teeth (r=0.427, P<0.001) and a high OHIP-J54 total score (r=-0.519, P<0.001) of the patients at the baseline were significantly associated with their baseline IFSs, even after adjusting for confounding variables.<br> Conclusions: The findings of this multicenter follow-up study indicate the importance of prosthodontic rehabilitation in improving patients’ ingestible food profiles. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 2198-4034 10 1 2024 Long-term follow-up of a patient with Parkinson's disease under nursing care after replacement of fixed implant-supported prostheses with an implant overdenture: a case report 37 EN Kana Tokumoto Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University Takuya Mino Okayama University Dental School Ikue Tosa Okayama University Dental School Ko Omori Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Michiyo Yamamoto Dental Clinic, AINOSATO Clinic Kazuki Takaoka Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science Kenji Maekawa Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Occlusion, Osaka Dental University Takuo Kuboki Okayama University Dental School Hiromitsu Kishimoto Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University Background In older patients with progressive neurodegeneration, replacing fixed implant-supported prostheses (FIP) with implant overdentures (IOD) has been proposed to prevent future mucosal injury and create an oral environment that is easier for caregivers to clean. However, there have been no reports on the progress after replacing FIP with IOD. In this report, we present the progress of an older patient with Parkinson’s disease in whom FIP was replaced with IOD.<br> Case presentation An 81-year-old male patient with Parkinson’s disease presented to our outpatient clinic with bruxism and crossbites. FIPs, with five Brånemark system implants, were placed in the bilateral lower molars. The FIP was replaced with an IOD with two locator attachments to create an oral environment that was easier for caregivers to clean and allow easy recovery of masticatory function if residual teeth were fractured in the care environment. As his systemic condition deteriorated, treatment was changed from outpatient to in-home visits. During dental care visits, professional oral cleaning and denture repair were continued, and good nutritional status was maintained. However, the patient developed cholecystitis and was hospitalized. During hospitalization, gastrostomy was performed because he developed aspiration pneumonia. After discharge from the hospital, the patient remained in bed all day and could not wear an IOD, resulting in buccal mucosa ulceration due to abrasion of the locator abutment. We decided to replace the abutment with cover screws; however, not all the implants could sleep submucosally. Although regular oral cleaning was resumed, new ulcers developed even when cover screws were installed. Additionally, swelling and drainage were observed at the peri-implant mucosal site where peri-implantitis had once occurred during an outpatient visit. The patient was readmitted to the hospital for a urinary tract infection, and subsequent visits were abandoned.<br> Conclusions By replacing FIP with IOD in an older patient with Parkinson’s disease, we addressed a barrier to caregiver-provided oral management. The removable prosthesis facilitated smooth oral care by caregivers and functional recovery in the event of trouble with residual teeth. However, it could not completely avoid the recurrence of buccal mucosal ulcers or peri-implantitis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press Acta Medica Okayama 2473-4039 8 8 2024 Macrophages modulate mesenchymal stem cell function via tumor necrosis factor alpha in tooth extraction model ziae085 EN Aung Ye Mun Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kentaro Akiyama Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ziyi Wang Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jiewen Zhang Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Wakana Kitagawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Teisaku Kohno Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuji Tagashira Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kei Ishibashi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Naoya Matsunaga Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tingling Zou Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and macrophages collaboratively contribute to bone regeneration after injury. However, detailed mechanisms underlying the interaction between MSCs and inflammatory macrophages (M1) remain unclear. A macrophage-depleted tooth extraction model was generated in 5-wk-old female C57BL/6J mice using clodronate liposome (12.5 mg/kg/mouse, intraperitoneally) or saline injection (control) before maxillary first molar extraction. Mice were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 after tooth extraction (n = 4). Regenerated bone volume evaluation of tooth extraction socket (TES) and histochemical analysis of CD80+M1, CD206+M2 (anti-inflammatory macrophages), PDGFRα+MSC, and TNF-α+ cells were performed. In vitro, isolated MSCs with or without TNF-α stimulation (10 ng/mL, 24 h, n = 3) were bulk RNA-sequenced (RNA-Seq) to identify TNF-α stimulation-specific MSC transcriptomes. Day 7 micro-CT and HE staining revealed significantly lower mean bone volume (clodronate vs control: 0.01 mm3 vs 0.02 mm3, p<.0001) and mean percentage of regenerated bone area per total TES in clodronate group (41.97% vs 54.03%, p<.0001). Clodronate group showed significant reduction in mean number of CD80+, TNF-α+, PDGFRα+, and CD80+TNF-α+ cells on day 5 (306.5 vs 558.8, p<.0001; 280.5 vs 543.8, p<.0001; 365.0 vs 633.0, p<.0001, 29.0 vs 42.5, p<.0001), while these cells recovered significantly on day 7 (493.3 vs 396.0, p=.0004; 479.3 vs 384.5, p=.0008; 593.0 vs 473.0, p=.0010, 41.0 vs 32.5, p=.0003). RNA-Seq analysis showed that 15 genes (|log2FC| > 5.0, log2TPM > 5) after TNF-α stimulation were candidates for regulating MSC’s immunomodulatory capacity. In vivo, Clec4e and Gbp6 are involved in inflammation and bone formation. Clec4e, Gbp6, and Cxcl10 knockdown increased osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. Temporal reduction followed by apparent recovery of TNF-α-producing M1 macrophages and MSCs after temporal macrophage depletion suggests that TNF-α activated MSCs during TES healing. In vitro mimicking the effect of TNF-α on MSCs indicated that there are 15 candidate MSC genes for regulation of immunomodulatory capacity. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1661-6596 25 12 2024 Local E-rhBMP-2/β-TCP Application Rescues Osteocyte Dendritic Integrity and Reduces Microstructural Damage in Alveolar Bone Post-Extraction in MRONJ-like Mouse Model 6648 EN Anh Tuan Dang Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ziyi Wang Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikue Tosa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emilio Satoshi Hara Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiro Mikai Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Wakana Kitagawa Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoko Yonezawa Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshitaka Oohashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The pathology of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), often associated with antiresorptive therapy, is still not fully understood. Osteocyte networks are known to play a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and repair, but the exact condition of these networks in MRONJ is unknown. On the other hand, the local application of E-coli-derived Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/beta-Tricalcium phosphate (E-rhBMP-2/beta-TCP) has been shown to promote bone regeneration and mitigate osteonecrosis in MRONJ-like mouse models, indicating its potential therapeutic application for the treatment of MRONJ. However, the detailed effect of BMP-2 treatment on restoring bone integrity, including its osteocyte network, in an MRONJ condition remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, by applying a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and a 3D osteocyte network reconstruction workflow on the alveolar bone surrounding the tooth extraction socket of an MRONJ-like mouse model, we examined the effectiveness of BMP-2/beta-TCP therapy on the alleviation of MRONJ-related bone necrosis with a particular focus on the osteocyte network and alveolar bone microstructure (microcrack accumulation). The 3D osteocyte dendritic analysis showed a significant decrease in osteocyte dendritic parameters along with a delay in bone remodeling in the MRONJ group compared to the healthy counterpart. The SEM analysis also revealed a notable increase in the number of microcracks in the alveolar bone surface in the MRONJ group compared to the healthy group. In contrast, all of those parameters were restored in the E-rhBMP-2/beta-TCP-treated group to levels that were almost similar to those in the healthy group. In summary, our study reveals that MRONJ induces osteocyte network degradation and microcrack accumulation, while application of E-rhBMP-2/beta-TCP can restore a compromised osteocyte network and abrogate microcrack accumulation in MRONJ. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2073-4409 13 10 2024 Exploring the Regulators of Keratinization: Role of BMP-2 in Oral Mucosa 807 EN Xindi Mu Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ha Thi Thu Nguyen Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ziyi Wang Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kun Zhao Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taishi Komori Tomoko Yonezawa Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Toshitaka Oohashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The oral mucosa functions as a physico-chemical and immune barrier to external stimuli, and an adequate width of the keratinized mucosa around the teeth or implants is crucial to maintaining them in a healthy and stable condition. In this study, for the first time, bulk RNA-seq analysis was performed to explore the gene expression of laser microdissected epithelium and lamina propria from mice, aiming to investigate the differences between keratinized and non-keratinized oral mucosa. Based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and Gene Ontology (GO) Enrichment Analysis, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was identified to be a potential regulator of oral mucosal keratinization. Monoculture and epithelial-mesenchymal cell co-culture models in the air-liquid interface (ALI) indicated that BMP-2 has direct and positive effects on epithelial keratinization and proliferation. We further performed bulk RNA-seq of the ALI monoculture stimulated with BMP-2 in an attempt to identify the downstream factors promoting epithelial keratinization and proliferation. Analysis of the DEGs identified, among others, IGF2, ID1, LTBP1, LOX, SERPINE1, IL24, and MMP1 as key factors. In summary, these results revealed the involvement of a well-known growth factor responsible for bone development, BMP-2, in the mechanism of oral mucosal keratinization and proliferation, and pointed out the possible downstream genes involved in this mechanism. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1661-6596 25 6 2024 Age-Related Effects on MSC Immunomodulation, Macrophage Polarization, Apoptosis, and Bone Regeneration Correlate with IL-38 Expression 3252 EN Jiewen Zhang Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Akiyama Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aung Ye Mun Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuji Tagashira Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tingling Zou Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naoya Matsunaga Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Teisaku Kohno Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to promote tissue regeneration and suppress excessive inflammation caused by infection or trauma. Reported evidence indicates that various factors influence the expression of MSCs' endogenous immunomodulatory properties. However, the detailed interactions of MSCs with macrophages, which are key cells involved in tissue repair, and their regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. We herein investigated how age-related immunomodulatory impairment of MSCs alters the interaction of MSCs with macrophages during bone healing using young (5-week old) and aged (50-week old) mice. To clarify the relationship between inflammatory macrophages (M1) and MSCs, their spatiotemporal localization at the bone healing site was investigated by immunostaining, and possible regulatory mechanisms were analyzed in vitro co-cultures. Histomorphometric analysis revealed an accumulation of M1 and a decrease in MSC number at the healing site in aged mice, which showed a delayed bone healing. In in vitro co-cultures, MSCs induced M1 apoptosis through cell-to-cell contact but suppressed the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by soluble factors secreted in the culture supernatant. Interestingly, interleukin 38 (Il-38) expression was up-regulated in M1 after co-culture with MSCs. IL-38 suppressed the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in M1 and promoted the expression of genes associated with M1 polarization to anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2). IL-38 also had an inhibitory effect on M1 apoptosis. These results suggest that MSCs may induce M1 apoptosis, suppress inflammatory cytokine production by M1, and induce their polarization toward M2. Nevertheless, in aged conditions, the decreased number and immunomodulatory function of MSCs could be associated with a delayed M1 clearance (i.e., apoptosis and/or polarization) and consequent delayed resolution of the inflammatory phase. Furthermore, M1-derived IL-38 may be associated with immunoregulation in the tissue regeneration site. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1661-6596 24 24 2023 Positive Regulation of S-Adenosylmethionine on Chondrocytic Differentiation via Stimulation of Polyamine Production and the Gene Expression of Chondrogenic Differentiation Factors 17294 EN Loc Dinh Hoang Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (ARCOCS), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eriko Aoyama Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (ARCOCS), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Miki Hiasa Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroshi Omote Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoshi Kubota Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaharu Takigawa Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (ARCOCS), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is considered to be a useful therapeutic agent for degenerative cartilage diseases, although its mechanism is not clear. We previously found that polyamines stimulate the expression of differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes. We also found that the cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) played a huge role in the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that polyamines and CCN2 could be involved in the chondroprotective action of SAM. In this study, we initially found that exogenous SAM enhanced proteoglycan production but not cell proliferation in human chondrocyte-like cell line-2/8 (HCS-2/8) cells. Moreover, SAM enhanced gene expression of cartilage-specific matrix (aggrecan and type II collagen), Sry-Box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), CCN2, and chondroitin sulfate biosynthetic enzymes. The blockade of the methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) enzyme catalyzing intracellular SAM biosynthesis restrained the effect of SAM on chondrocytes. The polyamine level in chondrocytes was higher in SAM-treated culture than control culture. Additionally, Alcian blue staining and RT-qPCR indicated that the effects of SAM on the production and gene expression of aggrecan were reduced by the inhibition of polyamine synthesis. These results suggest that the stimulation of polyamine synthesis and gene expression of chondrogenic differentiation factors, such as CCN2, account for the mechanism underlying the action of SAM on chondrocytes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 2198-4034 9 1 2023 Accuracy of a novel modified single computed tomography scanning method for assisting dental implant placement: a retrospective observational study 42 EN Hiroaki Shimizu Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Mino Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoko Kurosaki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikaru Arakawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kana Tokumoto Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Kimura-Ono Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Maekawa Department of Remov‑ able Prosthodontics and Occlusion, Osaka Dental University Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Purpose　The aim of this study is to compare dental implant placement accuracy of three surgical guide fabrication methods: single (SCT) and double computed tomography (DCT), and a newly developed modified SCT (MSCT) scan method.<br> Methods　A total of 183 cases (183 surgical guides, and 485 implants) of static-guide-assisted implant placement surgery using the SCT, DCT, or MSCT methods in a dental clinic were included in the study. Three-dimensional (3D) deviations (mm) at the entry and tip of the implant body between preoperative simulation and actual placement were measured as surrogate endpoints of implant placement accuracy. The following survey details were collected from medical records and CT data: sex, age at implant placement surgery, surgical guide fabrication method, number of remaining teeth, implant length, implant location, alveolar bone quality, and bone surface inclination at implant placement site in preoperative simulation, etc. Risk factors for reducing implant placement accuracy were investigated using generalized estimating equations.<br> Results　The SCT and DCT methods (odds ratios [ORs] vs. MSCT method: 1.438, 1.178, respectively), posterior location (OR: 1.114), bone surface buccolingual inclination (OR: 0.997), and age at implant placement surgery (OR: 0.995) were significant risk factors for larger 3D deviation at the entry; the SCT (OR: 1.361) and DCT methods (OR: 1.418), posterior location (OR: 1.190), implant length (OR: 1.051), and age at implant placement surgery (OR: 0.995) were significant risk factors for larger 3D deviation at the tip of the implant body.<br> Conclusions　Implant placement accuracy was better using the MSCT method compared to the SCT and DCT methods. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1444-1586 22 12 2022 Impact of number of functional teeth on independence of Japanese older adults 1032 1039 EN Kenji Maekawa Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoko Ikeuchi Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Shoji Shinkai Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Hirohiko Hirano Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Masahiro Ryu Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Katsushi Tamaki Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Hirofumi Yatani Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Takuo Kuboki Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Kimura‐Ono Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Takeshi Kikutani Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Takashi Suganuma Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Yasunori Ayukawa Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Tomoya Gonda Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Toru Ogawa Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Masanori Fujisawa Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Shoichi Ishigaki Research Planning and Promotion Committee Japan Prosthodontic Society Yutaka Watanabe Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Akihiko Kitamura Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Yu Taniguchi National Institute for Environmental Studies Yoshinori Fujiwara Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Ayako Edahiro Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Yuki Ohara Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Junichi Furuya Showa University School of Dentistry Junko Nakajima Tokyo Dental College Kento Umeki Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Kentaro Igarashi Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Yasuhiro Horibe Tokyo Dental College Yoshihiro Kugimiya Tokyo Dental College Yasuhiko Kawai Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Hideo Matsumura Nihon University School of Dentistry Tetsuo Ichikawa Tokushima University Graduate School Institute of Biomedical Sciences Shuji Ohkawa Meikai University School of Dentistry Kazuyoshi Baba Showa University School of Dentistry Kusatsu ISLE Study Working Group Collaborators Aim<br> To examine the relationship between the number of present and functional teeth at baseline and future incidence of loss of independence.<br> <br> Methods<br> Participants were community-dwelling older individuals who participated in a comprehensive geriatric health examination conducted in Kusatsu town, Japan, between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was the incidence of loss of independence among participants, defined as the first certification of long-term care insurance in Japan. The numbers of present and functional teeth at baseline were determined via an oral examination. Demographics, clinical variables (e.g., history of chronic diseases and psychosocial factors), blood nutritional markers, physical functions, and perceived masticatory function were assessed.<br> <br> Results<br> This study included 1121 individuals, and 205 individuals suffered from loss of independence during the follow-up period. Kaplan–Meier estimates of loss of independence for participants with smaller numbers of present and functional teeth were significantly greater than for those with larger numbers of teeth. Cox proportional hazard analyses indicated that a smaller number of present teeth was not a significant risk factor after adjusting for demographic characteristics. However, the number of functional teeth was a significant risk factor after the adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.975 [1.168–3.340]). Additionally, higher hazard ratios were observed in other adjusted models, but they were not statistically significant.<br> <br> Conclusions<br> The number of functional teeth may be more closely related to the future incidence of loss of independence than the number of present teeth. This novel finding suggests that prosthodontic rehabilitation for tooth loss possibly prevents the future incidence of this life-event. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 133 3 2021 歯学におけるAI研究と研究デザイン 184 188 EN Aya Kimura-Ono Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 22 23 2021 Suppression of Bone Necrosis around Tooth Extraction Socket in a MRONJ-like Mouse Model by E-rhBMP-2 Containing Artificial Bone Graft Administration 12823 EN Yukie Tanaka Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kyaw Thu Aung Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiro Mikai Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Anh Tuan Dang Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emilio Satoshi Hara Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikue Tosa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kei Ishibashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Ono-Kimura Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Kumiko Nawachi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology, Okayama University Hospital Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshitaka Oohashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is related to impaired bone healing conditions in the maxillomandibular bone region as a complication of bisphosphonate intake. Although there are several hypotheses for the onset of MRONJ symptoms, one of the possible causes is the inhibition of bone turnover and blood supply leading to bone necrosis. The optimal treatment strategy for MRONJ has not been established either. BMP-2, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is well known for regulating bone remodeling and homeostasis prenatally and postnatally. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate whether cyclophosphamide/zoledronate (CY/ZA) induces necrosis of the bone surrounding the tooth extraction socket, and to examine the therapeutic potential of BMP-2 in combination with the hard osteoinductive biomaterial, beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), in the prevention and treatment of alveolar bone loss around the tooth extraction socket in MRONJ-like mice models. First, CY/ZA was intraperitoneally administered for three weeks, and alveolar bone necrosis was evaluated before and after tooth extraction. Next, the effect of BMP-2/beta-TCP was investigated in both MRONJ-like prevention and treatment models. In the prevention model, CY/ZA was continuously administered for four weeks after BMP-2/beta-TCP transplantation. In the treatment model, CY/ZA administration was suspended after transplantation of BMP-2/beta-TCP. The results showed that CY/ZA induced a significant decrease in the number of empty lacunae, a sign of bone necrosis, in the alveolar bone around the tooth extraction socket after tooth extraction. Histological analysis showed a significant decrease in the necrotic alveolar bone around tooth extraction sockets in the BMP-2/beta-TCP transplantation group compared to the non-transplanted control group in both MRONJ-like prevention and treatment models. However, bone mineral density, determined by micro-CT analysis, was significantly higher in the BMP-2/beta-TCP transplanted group than in the control group in the prevention model only. These results clarified that alveolar bone necrosis around tooth extraction sockets can be induced after surgical intervention under CY/ZA administration. In addition, transplantation of BMP-2/beta-TCP reduced the necrotic alveolar bone around the tooth extraction socket. Therefore, a combination of BMP-2/beta-TCP could be an alternative approach for both prevention and treatment of MRONJ-like symptoms. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Prosthodontic Society Acta Medica Okayama 1883-1958 65 1 2021 Newly developed data-matching methodology for oral implant surgery allowing the automatic deletion of metal artifacts in 3D-CT images using new reference markers: A case report 125 129 EN Hiroaki Shimizu Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikaru Arakawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Mino Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoko Kurosaki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kana Tokumoto Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Patients: The patient was a 55-year-old woman with left upper molar free-end edentulism and 9 full cast metal crowns in her mouth. Three three-dimensional (3D) images were superimposed: a computed tomography (CT) image with the patient wearing the CT-matching template (CTMT) with six glass ceramic markers, which hardly generate any artifacts, on the template surface, and oral plaster model surfaces with and without CTMTs. Metal artifacts were automatically removed by a Boolean operation identifying unrealistic images outside the oral plaster model surface. After the preoperative simulation, fully guided oral implant surgery was performed. Two implant bodies were placed in the left upper edentulism. The placement errors calculated by comparing the preoperative simulation and actual implant placement were then assessed by a software program using the 3D-CT bone morphology as a reference. The 3D deviations between the preoperative simulation and actual placement at the entry of the implant body were a maximum 0.48 mm and minimum 0.26 mm. Those at the tip of the implant body were a maximum 0.56 mm and a minimum 0.25 mm.<br/> Discussion: In this case, the maximum 3D deviations at the entry and tip section were less than in previous studies using double CT.<br/> Conclusions: Accurate image fusion utilizing CTMT with new reference markers was possible for a patient with many metal restorations. Using a surgical guide manufactured by the new matching methodology (modified single CT scan method), implant placement deviation can be minimized in patients with many metal restorations. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 19917902 16 1 2021 A comparison of colorimetric and visual methods for the assessment of masticatory performance with color-changeable chewing gum in older persons 380 388 EN Yoshihiro Kugimiya Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Gerodontology, Tokyo Dental College Yutaka Watanabe Gerodontology, Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University Maki Shirobe The Tokyo Metropolitan Support Center for Preventative Long-term and Frail Elderly Care Yoshiko Motohashi Research Team for Promoting Independence and Mental Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Keiko Motokawa Research Team for Promoting Independence and Mental Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Ayako Edahiro Research Team for Promoting Independence and Mental Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Yuki Ohara Research Team for Promoting Independence and Mental Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Masahiro Ryu Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Gerodontology, Tokyo Dental College Kentaro Igarashi Removable Prosthodontics, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Daichi Hoshino Special Needs Dentistry, Division of Community Based Comprehensive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Showa University Junko Nakajima Department of Oral Medicine and Hospital Dentistry, Tokyo Dental College Takayuki Ueda Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Gerodontology, Tokyo Dental College Yu Taniguchi Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies Toru Ogawa Division of Advanced Prosthetic Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry Kenji Maekawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsushi Tamaki Department of Critical Care Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Prosthodontic Dentistry for Function of TMJ and Occlusion, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiko Kitamura Research Team for Social Participation and Health Promotion, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Shoji Shinkai Social Sciences and Human Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Hirohiko Hirano Research Team for Promoting Independence and Mental Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Background/purpose<br/> Color-changeable chewing gum is used for the evaluation of masticatory performance. However, it is currently unclear whether colorimetric and visual assessment methods yield consistent results. This study aimed to clarify the consistency between colorimetric and visual methods used for the evaluation of color changes in color-changeable chewing gum. <br/>Materials and methods<br/> The sample comprised 644 older persons (mean age, 75.4 ± 6.4 years). The chewing gum was masticated 60 times at the participant's own chewing rate and then expectorated. The color of the chewing gum was evaluated with the ΔE values and a∗ values, measured using a colorimeter, and the 10 Color Shades (10CSh) and 5 Color Scales (5CSc), using visual evaluation. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between the results obtained by the four methods. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. <br/>Results<br/> The ΔE values, a∗ values, 10CSh scores, and 5CSc scores were all significantly correlated. The highest correlation coefficient (0.979) was between the ΔE values and a∗ values. The lowest correlation coefficient (0.847) was between the a∗ values and 5CSc scores. Decreased masticatory performance was observed with increased age. <br/> Conclusion<br/> Significant correlations were found for all four methods used in the assessment of masticatory performance with color-changeable chewing gum. While visually based assessments are valid, colorimetric methods are more sensitive to smaller changes in masticatory performance. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1996-1944 14 1 2021 Tryptophan and Kynurenine Enhances the Stemness and Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro and In Vivo 208 EN Hai Thanh Pham Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emilio Satoshi Hara Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ha Thi Thu Nguyen Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Anh Tuan Dang Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hang Thuy Do Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taishi Komori Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikue Tosa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuri Hazehara-Kunitomo Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuya Yoshioka Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasutaka Oida Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Akiyama Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aging tissues present a progressive decline in homeostasis and regenerative capacities, which has been associated with degenerative changes in tissue-specific stem cells and stem cell niches. We hypothesized that amino acids could regulate the stem cell phenotype and differentiation ability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs). Thus, we performed a screening of 22 standard amino acids and found that D-tryptophan (10 mu M) increased the number of cells positive for the early stem cell marker SSEA-4, and the gene expression levels of OCT-4, NANOG, and SOX-2 in hBMSCs. Comparison between D- and L-tryptophan isomers showed that the latter presents a stronger effect in inducing the mRNA levels of Oct-4 and Nanog, and in increasing the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. On the other hand, L-tryptophan suppressed adipogenesis. The migration and colony-forming ability of hBMSCs were also enhanced by L-tryptophan treatment. In vivo experiments delivering L-tryptophan (50 mg/kg/day) by intraperitoneal injections for three weeks confirmed that L-tryptophan significantly increased the percentage of cells positive for SSEA-4, mRNA levels of Nanog and Oct-4, and the migration and colony-forming ability of mouse BMSCs. L-kynurenine, a major metabolite of L-tryptophan, also induced similar effects of L-tryptophan in enhancing stemness and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and in vivo, possibly indicating the involvement of the kynurenine pathway as the downstream signaling of L-tryptophan. Finally, since BMSCs migrate to the wound healing site to promote bone healing, surgical defects of 1 mm in diameter were created in mouse femur to evaluate bone formation after two weeks of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine injection. Both L-tryptophan and L-kynurenine accelerated bone healing compared to the PBS-injected control group. In summary, L-tryptophan enhanced the stemness and osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs and may be used as an essential factor to maintain the stem cell properties and accelerate bone healing and/or prevent bone loss. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Willey Acta Medica Okayama 1444-1586 20 6 2020 Number of functional teeth more strongly predicts all‐cause mortality than number of present teeth in Japanese older adults 607 614 EN Kenji Maekawa Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoko Ikeuchi Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Shoji Shinkai Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Hirohiko Hirano Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Masahiro Ryu Research Planning and Promotion Committee Katsushi Tamaki Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Hirofumi Yatani Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Takuo Kuboki Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kusatsu ISLE Study Working Group Collaborators Aya Kimura‐Ono Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Takeshi Kikutan Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Takashi Suganuma Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Yasunori Ayukawa Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Tomoya Gonda Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Toru Ogawa Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Masanori Fujisawa Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Shoichi Ishigaki Research Planning and Promotion Committee, Japan Prosthodontic Society Yutaka Watanabe Hokkaido University Faculty of Dental Medicine Akihiko Kitamura Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Yu Taniguchi National Institute for Environmental Studies Yoshinori Fujiwara Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Ayako Edahiro Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Yuki Ohara Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Junichi Furuya Tokyo Medical and Dental University Junko Nakajima Tokyo Dental College Kento Umeki Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Kentaro Igarashi Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo asuhiro Horibe Tokyo Dental College Yoshihiro Kugimiya Tokyo Dental College Yasuhiko Kawai Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo Hideo Matsumura Nihon University School of Dentistry Tetsuo Ichikawa Tokushima University Graduate School, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Shuji Ohkawa Meikai University School of Dentistry Aim</br> Previous studies on the association between intraoral conditions and mortality in community‐dwelling older individuals reported that fewer present teeth (PT) are significant risk factors for mortality. However, how the number of PT relative to the number of functional teeth (FT), including both present and rehabilitated teeth, influences mortality has not been investigated fully. This study examined the impact of the number of FT on mortality among community‐dwelling Japanese older adults.</br> Methods</br> This study was a retrospective, observational and population‐based follow‐up study, which examined 1188 older individuals who participated in an annual geriatric health examination from 2009 to 2015. The average follow‐up period was 1697.0 ± 774.5 days. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at follow‐up. The numbers of PT and FT of each participant were counted during an oral examination. In addition, demographics, clinical variables, blood nutrient markers, physical functions and perceived masticatory function were measured.</br> Results</br> Kaplan–Meier analysis, followed by a log‐rank test, revealed that fewer PT (P < 0.001) and FT (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a reduced survival rate. Cox's proportional hazard analysis indicated that the number of FT, but not the number of PT, was a significant independent mortality risk factor after adjusting for demographics, clinical variables, nutrient markers and physical functioning (P = 0.036, hazard ratio: 2.089). </br> Conclusions</br> Current results suggest that the number of FT more strongly predicts all‐cause mortality than the number of PT among community‐dwelling older adults. Further studies are necessary to consider the confounding of socioeconomic status and disability status. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 21 21 2020 Distinct Osteogenic Potentials of BMP-2 and FGF-2 in Extramedullary and Medullary Microenvironments 7967 EN Shuji Nosho Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikue Tosa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emilio Satoshi Hara Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kei Ishibashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiro Mikai Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yukie Tanaka Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Kimura-Ono Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taishi Komori Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Maekawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshitaka Oohashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) have been regarded as the major cytokines promoting bone formation, however, several studies have reported unexpected results with failure of bone formation or bone resorption of these growth factors. In this study, BMP-2 and FGF-2 adsorbed into atellocollagen sponges were transplanted into bone defects in the bone marrow-scarce calvaria (extramedullary environment) and bone marrow-abundant femur (medullary environment) for analysis of their in vivo effects not only on osteoblasts, osteoclasts but also on bone marrow cells. The results showed that BMP-2 induced high bone formation in the bone marrow-scarce calvaria, but induced bone resorption in the bone marrow-abundant femurs. On the other hand, FGF-2 showed opposite effects compared to those of BMP-2. Analysis of cellular dynamics revealed numerous osteoblasts and osteoclasts present in the newly-formed bone induced by BMP-2 in calvaria, but none were seen in either control or FGF-2-transplanted groups. On the other hand, in the femur, numerous osteoclasts were observed in the vicinity of the BMP-2 pellet, while a great number of osteoblasts were seen near the FGF-2 pellets or in the control group. Of note, FCM analysis showed that both BMP-2 and FGF-2 administrated in the femur did not significantly affect the hematopoietic cell population, indicating a relatively safe application of the two growth factors. Together, these results indicate that BMP-2 could be suitable for application in extramedullary bone regeneration, whereas FGF-2 could be suitable for application in medullary bone regeneration. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 21 19 2020 BMP-2/beta-TCP Local Delivery for Bone Regeneration in MRONJ-Like Mouse Model 7028 EN Akihiro Mikai Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikue Tosa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nguyen Ha Thi Thu Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emilio Satoshi Hara Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shuji Nosho Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Kimura-Ono Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumiko Nawachi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takeshi Takarada Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshitaka Oohashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe pathological condition associated mainly with the long-term administration of bone resorption inhibitors, which are known to induce suppression of osteoclast activity and bone remodeling. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-2 is known to be a strong inducer of bone remodeling, by directly regulating osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BMP-2 adsorbed onto beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), which is an osteoinductive bioceramic material and allows space retention, on the prevention and treatment of MRONJ in mice. Tooth extraction was performed after 3 weeks of zoledronate (ZA) and cyclophosphamide (CY) administration. For prevention studies, BMP-2/beta-TCP was transplanted immediately after tooth extraction, and the mice were administered ZA and CY for an additional 4 weeks. The results showed that while the tooth extraction socket was mainly filled with a sparse tissue in the control group, bone formation was observed at the apex of the tooth extraction socket and was filled with a dense connective tissue rich in cellular components in the BMP-2/beta-TCP transplanted group. For treatment studies, BMP-2/beta-TCP was transplanted 2 weeks after tooth extraction, and bone formation was followed up for the subsequent 4 weeks under ZA and CY suspension. The results showed that although the tooth extraction socket was mainly filled with soft tissue in the control group, transplantation of BMP-2/beta-TCP could significantly accelerate bone formation, as shown by immunohistochemical analysis for osteopontin, and reduce the bone necrosis in tooth extraction sockets. These data suggest that the combination of BMP-2/beta-TCP could become a suitable therapy for the management of MRONJ. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 21 21 2020 Aging-Affected MSC Functions and Severity of Periodontal Tissue Destruction in a Ligature-Induced Mouse Periodontitis Model 8103 EN Kyaw Thu Aung Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Akiyama Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masayoshi Kunitomo Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aung Ye Mun Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikue Tosa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ha Thi Thu Nguyen Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jiewen Zhang Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Teisaku Kohno Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuaki Ono Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emilio Satoshi Hara Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to play important roles in the repair of lost or damaged tissues and immunotolerance. On the other hand, aging is known to impair MSC function. However, little is currently known about how aged MSCs affect the host response to the local inflammatory condition and tissue deterioration in periodontitis, which is a progressive destructive disease of the periodontal tissue potentially leading to multiple tooth loss. In this study, we examined the relationship between aging-induced impairment of MSC function and the severity of periodontal tissue destruction associated with the decrease in host immunomodulatory response using a ligature-induced periodontitis model in young and aged mice. The results of micro computerized tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis revealed a more severe bone loss associated with increased osteoclast activity in aged (50-week-old) mice compared to young (5-week-old) mice. Immunostaining analysis revealed that, in aged mice, the accumulation of inflammatory T and B cells was higher, whereas the percentage of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR alpha)(+) MSCs, which are known to modulate the apoptosis of T cells, was significantly lower than in young mice. In vitro analysis of MSC function showed that the expression of surface antigen markers for MSCs (Sca-1, CD90, CD146), colony formation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of aged MSCs were significantly declined compared to those of young MSCs. Moreover, a significantly higher proportion of aged MSCs were positive for the senescence-associated beta galactosidase activity. Importantly, aged MSCs presented a decreased expression of FAS-L, which was associated with a lower immunomodulatory property of aged MSCs to induce T cell apoptosis in co-cultures compared with young MSCs. In summary, this is the first study showing that aging-induced impairment of MSC function, including immunomodulatory response, is potentially correlated with progressive periodontal tissue deterioration. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0305-182X 47 3 2019 Association of masticatory muscle activity with sleep arousal and other concomitant movements during sleep 281 288 EN Haruna Miki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hajime Minakuchi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mayu Miyagi Department of Stomatgnathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Dentistry, Tokushima University Graduate School Emilio Satoshi Hara Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shuji Shigemoto Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University Yoshitaka Suzuki Department of Stomatgnathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Dentistry, Tokushima University Graduate School Kenji Maekawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshizo Matsuka Department of Stomatgnathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Dentistry, Tokushima University Graduate School Glenn T. Clark Advanced Program in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences OBJECTIVE:<br/> This study aims to verify the associations among sleep bruxism (SB), sleep arousal (SA) and concurrent body movements.<br/> MATERIAL AND METHODS:<br/> Subjects underwent a standard overnight polysomnography test and audio-video recordings. Sleep quality was evaluated according to the Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria, while SA was determined as per the American Sleep Disorders Association criteria. Analyses were performed by an external institution after masking of the subjects' information. SB was assessed based on the presence/absence of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) episodes, which were identified by using electromyography of the masseter muscle. The observed simultaneous movements included lower leg movement (LLM), swallowing, face scratching, head movement, body movement, eye blinking, coughing, licking, sighing, body scratching, lip sucking, somniloquy and yawning. The LLM was determined visually, as well as through an increase in the tibialis electromyogram signal. Other movements were visually assessed using audio-video recordings. The incidences of all the simultaneous movements were compared between RMMA with intercurrent SA (SAwRMMA; RMMA episode derived from a masseter electromyogram showing more than 10% of maximum voluntary contraction) and SA without RMMA (SAw/oRMMA).<br/> RESULTS:<br/> Fourteen subjects were included in this study (females/males: 4/10, mean age: 31.5 ± 5.7 years). Among these, LLM, swallowing, body movement, licking, body scratching and lip sucking were frequently observed in SAwRMMA episodes than in SAw/oRMMA episodes, significantly. However, the non-specific simultaneous movements were higher observed in SAw/oRMMA episodes than that in SAwRMMA.<br/> CONCLUSION:<br/> Our results suggest that SB is concurrently activated with LLM in relation to arousal. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 18831958 63 1 2019 Digital transfer of the subgingival contour and emergence profile of the provisional restoration to the final bone-anchored fixed restoration 125 129 EN Yoko Kurosaki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Mino Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Maekawa Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Izumi SHIKEN Corporation Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences PURPOSE:<br/> This report was written to introduce an attempt at clinical application of our newly developed digital workflow to reproduce the morphology of the subgingival contour and the emergence profile of the provisional restoration within the final bone-anchored fixed restoration, using a bounded unilateral edentulous case.<br/> METHODS:<br/> This digital workflow involves superimposition of the composite images of two specific types of working casts onto the working cast for the provisional restoration namely, a split cast screwed with a titanium base and a split cast screwed with a provisional restoration and integrating these with the whole intraoral surface image, in which the provisional restoration was present. The final restoration fabricated using this technique could be installed without any clinical problems. The results of in silico analysis revealed that the cubic volume ratio of the total discrepancy between the provisional and the final restorations was only 2.4%. Further, sufficient oral hygiene was maintained and the patient was satisfied with the outcome of the treatment.<br/> CONCLUSIONS:<br/> This technical report suggests that our newly developed digital workflow provided clinical applicability and may enable accurate transfer of the morphology of the subgingival contour and emergence profile of the provisional to the final bone-anchored fixed restoration. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research Acta Medica Okayama 1687-966X 2016 2016 Cellular Reprogramming Using Defined Factors and MicroRNAs 7530942 EN Takanori Eguchi Department of Dental Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuo Kuboki Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Development of human bodies, organs, and tissues contains numerous steps of cellular differentiation including an initial zygote, embryonic stem (ES) cells, three germ layers, and multiple expertized lineages of cells. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been recently developed using defined reprogramming factors such as Nanog, Klf5, Oct3/4 (Pou5f1), Sox2, and Myc. This outstanding innovation is largely changing life science and medicine. Methods of direct reprogramming of cells into myocytes, neurons, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts have been further developed using modified combination of factors such as N-myc, L-myc, Sox9, and microRNAs in defined cell/tissue culture conditions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are also emerging multipotent stem cells with particular microRNA expression signatures. It was shown that miRNA-720 had a role in cellular reprogramming through targeting the pluripotency factor Nanog and induction of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). This review reports histories, topics, and idea of cellular reprogramming. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 8 3 2013 OstemiR: A Novel Panel of MicroRNA Biomarkers in Osteoblastic and Osteocytic Differentiation from Mesencymal Stem Cells e58796 EN Takanori Eguchi Ken Watanabe Emilio Satoshi Hara Mitsuaki Ono Takuo Kuboki Calderwood Stuart K. 　MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules of 21–25 nucleotides that regulate cell behavior through inhibition of translation from mRNA to protein, promotion of mRNA degradation and control of gene transcription. In this study, we investigated the miRNA expression signatures of cell cultures undergoing osteoblastic and osteocytic differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) using mouse MSC line KUSA-A1 and human MSCs. Ninety types of miRNA were quantified during osteoblastic/osteocytic differentiation in KUSA-A1 cells utilizing miRNA PCR arrays. Coincidently with mRNA induction of the osteoblastic and osteocytic markers, the expression levels of several dozen miRNAs including miR-30 family, let-7 family, miR-21, miR-16, miR-155, miR-322 and Snord85 were changed during the differentiation process. These miRNAs were predicted to recognize osteogenic differentiation-, stemness-, epinegetics-, and cell cycle-related mRNAs, and were thus designated OstemiR. Among those OstemiR, the miR-30 family was classified into miR-30b/c and miR-30a/d/e groups on the basis of expression patterns during osteogenesis as well as mature miRNA structures. In silico prediction and subsequent qRT-PCR in stable miR-30d transfectants clarified that context-dependent targeting of miR-30d on known regulators of bone formation including osteopontin/spp1, lifr, ccn2/ctgf, ccn1/cyr61, runx2, sox9 as well as novel key factors including lin28a, hnrnpa3, hspa5/grp78, eed and pcgf5. In addition, knockdown of human OstemiR miR-541 increased Osteopontin/SPP1 expression and calcification in hMSC osteoblastic differentiation, indicating that miR-541 is a negative regulator of osteoblastic differentiation. These observations indicate stage-specific roles of OstemiR especially miR-541 and the miR-30 family on novel targets in osteogenesis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 8 12 2013 miRNA-720 Controls Stem Cell Phenotype, Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Cells e83545 EN Emilio Satoshi Hara Mitsuaki Ono Takanori Eguchi Satoshi Kubota Thanh Pham Hai Wataru Sonoyama Shoji Tajima Masaharu Takigawa Calderwood Stuart K. Takuo Kuboki Dental pulp cells (DPCs) are known to be enriched in stem/progenitor cells but not well characterized yet. Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to control protein translation, mRNA stability and transcription, and have been reported to play important roles in stem cell biology, related to cell reprogramming, maintenance of stemness and regulation of cell differentiation. In order to characterize dental pulp stem/progenitor cells and its mechanism of differentiation, we herein sorted stem-cell-enriched side population (SP) cells from human DPCs and periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), and performed a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based miRNA array. As a result, miR-720 was highly expressed in the differentiated main population (MP) cells compared to that in SP cells. In silico analysis and a reporter assay showed that miR-720 targets the stem cell marker NANOG, indicating that miR-720 could promote differentiation of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells by repressing NANOG. Indeed, gain-and loss-of-function analyses showed that miR-720 controls NANOG transcript and protein levels. Moreover, transfection of miR-720 significantly decreased the number of cells positive for the early stem cell marker SSEA-4. Concomitantly, mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which are known to play crucial factors during stem cell differentiation, were also increased by miR-720 through unknown mechanism. Finally, miR-720 decreased DPC proliferation as determined by immunocytochemical analysis against ki-67, and promoted odontogenic differentiation as demonstrated by alizarin red staining, as well as alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin mRNA levels. Our findings identify miR-720 as a novel miRNA regulating the differentiation of DPCs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Publishing Group Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 5 2015 Peptide-modified Substrate for Modulating Gland Tissue Growth and Morphology In Vitro 11468 EN Hiroaki Taketa Ara Sathi Gulsan Farahat Mahmoud Anisur Rahman Kazi Takayoshi Sakai Yoshiaki Hirano Takuo Kuboki Yasuhiro Torii Takuya Matsumoto In vitro fabricated biological tissue would be a valuable tool to screen newly synthesized drugs or understand the tissue development process. Several studies have attempted to fabricate biological tissue in vitro. However, controlling the growth and morphology of the fabricated tissue remains a challenge. Therefore, new techniques are required to modulate tissue growth. RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid), which is an integrin-binding domain of fibronectin, has been found to enhance cell adhesion and survival; it has been used to modify substrates for in vitro cell culture studies or used as tissue engineering scaffolds. In addition, this study shows novel functions of the RGD peptide, which enhances tissue growth and modulates tissue morphology in vitro. When an isolated submandibular gland (SMG) was cultured on an RGD-modified alginate hydrogel sheet, SMG growth including bud expansion and cleft formation was dramatically enhanced. Furthermore, we prepared small RGD-modified alginate beads and placed them on the growing SMG tissue. These RGD-modified beads successfully induced cleft formation at the bead position, guiding the desired SMG morphology. Thus, this RGD-modified material might be a promising tool to modulate tissue growth and morphology in vitro for biological tissue fabrication. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Acta Medica Okayama 11 2015 Compound-protein combination shows promise for arthritis treatment EN Takuo Kuboki No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 4 2014 Functional tooth restoration by next-generation bio-hybrid implant as a bio-hybrid artificial organ replacement therapy EN Masamitsu Oshima Kaoru Inoue Kei Nakajima Tetsuhiko Tachikawa Hiromichi Yamazaki Tomohide Isobe Ayaka Sugawara Miho Ogawa Chie Tanaka Masahiro Saito Shohei Kasugai Teruko Takano-Yamamoto Takashi Inoue Katsunari Tezuka Takuo Kuboki Akira Yamaguchi Takashi Tsuji Bio-hybrid artificial organs are an attractive concept to restore organ function through precise biological cooperation with surrounding tissues in vivo. However, in bio-hybrid artificial organs, an artificial organ with fibrous connective tissues, including muscles, tendons and ligaments, has not been developed. Here, we have enveloped with embryonic dental follicle tissue around a HA-coated dental implant, and transplanted into the lower first molar region of a murine tooth-loss model. We successfully developed a novel fibrous connected tooth implant using a HA-coated dental implant and dental follicle stem cells as a bio-hybrid organ. This bio-hybrid implant restored physiological functions, including bone remodelling, regeneration of severe bone-defect and responsiveness to noxious stimuli, through regeneration with periodontal tissues, such as periodontal ligament and cementum. Thus, this study represents the potential for a next-generation bio-hybrid implant for tooth loss as a future bio-hybrid artificial organ replacement therapy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山歯学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0913-3941 28 1 2009 岡山大学病院周術期管理センター(歯科部門)設立後5ヵ月間の活動内容および今後の展開 37 42 EN Reiko Yamanaka Yoshihiko Soga Kumiko Nawachi Yoshinobu Yanagi Naoki Kodama Takashi Nakata Rumi Miura Misao Hagawa Tetsuo Takeuchi Mieko Yamane Manabu Morita Shogo Takashiba Jun-ichi Asami Shogo Minagi Masahiro Yoshiyama Tsutomu Shimono Takuo Kuboki Akira Sasaki Kiyoshi Morita No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7988 19 3 2012 気管挿管における口腔内偶発症防止対策の必要性 431 432 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 62 1 2008 Dental Implant Treatment for a Patient with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate 59 62 EN Masako Sawaki Takaaki Ueno Toshimasa Kagawa Miwa Kanou Kozo Honda Nobuaki Shirasu Takuo Kuboki Toshio Sugahara Case Report 10.18926/AMO/30987 <p>Dental reconstruction in the cleft space is difficult in some patients with cleft lip and palate because of oronasal fistulas. Most of these patients receive a particle cancellous bone marrow (PCBM) graft to close the alveolar cleft, and secondary bone grafting is also required. Treatment options for the alveolar cleft including fixed or removable prostheses require the preparation of healthy teeth and are associated with functional or social difficulties. Recently, the effectiveness of dental implant treatment for cleft lip and palate patients has been reported. However, there have been few reports on the use of this treatment in bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. We report the case of a patient who had bilateral cleft lip and palate and was missing both lateral incisors. She received dental implant treatment after a PCBM graft and ramus bone onlay grafting (RBOG). A 34-month postoperative course was uneventful.</p> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 121 3 2009 地域の歯科医療関係者に対する支援―口腔インプラント講習会と摂食・ 嚥下リハビリテーション教育― 183 187 EN Tetsuji Azuma Kyoko Arioka Hikaru Arakawa Masahiko Egusa Takuo Kuboki Manabu Morita No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 1990 顎関節部負荷ならびに顎関節構造の対負荷特性に関する生物力学的研究 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.