MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2227-9032 13 6 2025 Effects of Trehalose on Halitosis: A Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial 619 EN Hisataka Miyai Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takaaki Tomofuji Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Asahi University Hirofumi Mizuno Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Manabu Morita Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care Momoko Nakahara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Kota Kataoka Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Ichiro Sumita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Yurika Uchida Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Naoki Toyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Reiko Yamanaka-Kohno Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Noriko Takeuchi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Takayuki Maruyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background/Objectives: Halitosis is a condition characterized by an unpleasant malodor. Intra-oral halitosis is caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and can be associated with oral dryness. Trehalose is one of the materials used to relieve oral dryness. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of trehalose on halitosis. Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study enrolled volunteers from Okayama University Hospital. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, with one group receiving trehalose (a 10% trehalose solution) and the other receiving a placebo (distilled water) in a 1:1 allocation. The primary study outcome was the subjective organoleptic test. The secondary outcomes were the concentrations of the VSCs, which were measured using a portable gas chromatography device, and the oral moisture status, which was measured using an oral moisture meter. The planned sample size was 10 participants based on the previous study. Results: The final intention-to-treat analysis was performed using the data from 9 participants. After applying 10% trehalose as an oral spray, the organoleptic score decreased in a time-dependent manner. However, no significant differences were seen between the trehalose and placebo groups. In terms of secondary outcomes, the oral moisture levels increased immediately after the trehalose spray application, and significant differences in the amount of change from the baseline were seen between the trehalose and placebo groups (p = 0.047). No significant differences were seen in any of the other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We could not identify any positive effects on halitosis from a one-time 10% trehalose application as an oral spray in this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. However, the trehalose application immediately improved the oral moisture levels and was useful for treating oral dryness. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2072-6643 16 24 2024 Association Between Change in Prognostic Nutritional Index During Neoadjuvant Therapy and Dental Occlusal Support in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Under Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Retrospective Longitudinal Pilot Study 4383 EN Reiko Yamanaka-Kohno Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Yasuhiro Shirakawa Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Inoue-Minakuchi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kazuhiro Noma Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shunsuke Tanabe Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naoaki Maeda Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background: A high prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is associated with good prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. However, nutritional status often decreases during neoadjuvant therapy. Functional tooth units (FTUs) provide an index for the status of posterior occlusal support. We have previously reported that low PNI is related to low FTUs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine whether the status of occlusal support relates to changes in PNI during neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: This study included 34 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy before esophagectomy (32 men, 2 women; age, 36-82 years) in 2012 at Okayama University Hospital. Patients were divided into the good occlusal support group (FTUs >= 11, n = 18) or poor occlusal support group (FTUs < 11, n = 16), and changes in PNI during neoadjuvant therapy were investigated. Results: PNI decreased significantly after neoadjuvant therapy, particularly in the good occlusal support group, and became more dispersed after neoadjuvant therapy. Decreases in PNI after neoadjuvant therapy showed a significant positive correlation with good occlusal support by multiple regression analysis (p = 0.03). The proportions of patients provided with nutritional intervention (p = 0.02) or early dental intervention (p = 0.04) were lower in the good occlusal support group than in the poor occlusal support group. Conclusions: Even in patients with esophageal cancer with good occlusal support experienced significant declines in PNI during neoadjuvant therapy, potentially due to delayed nutritional and dental interventions. Early multidisciplinary interventions are thus recommended for all patients, regardless of preoperative dental or nutritional status. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0941-4355 32 12 2024 Relationship among cancer treatment, quality of life, and oral function in head and neck cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study 809 EN Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takayuki Maruyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Reiko Yamanaka Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Noriko Takeuchi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Manabu Morita Department of Oral Health Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Purpose Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), such as surgery and chemoradiotherapy, can reduce oral function and affect quality of life (QoL). However, whether HNC treatment affects QoL via the decline of oral function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among cancer treatment, QoL, and actual oral function in HNC survivors. Methods A total of 100 HNC survivors who had completed definitive treatment for HNC at least 6 months prior to enrollment were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. QoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 summary score. Oral diadochokinesis (ODK), tongue pressure, moisture level on the mucosal surface, and mouth opening were measured. Information on age, sex, tumor site, tumor stage, history of HNC treatment, height, body weight, and lifestyle were collected from medical records. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to analyze the indirect/direct associations among HNC treatment, QoL, and oral function. Results In total, 100 HNC survivors (58 males and 42 females; age range, 30–81 years, median, 67 years) were analyzed. Overall, 63 patients (63.0%) were diagnosed as oral cancer, 66 (66.0%) developed advanced cancer (stage 3/4), and 58 (58.0%) underwent reconstruction surgery in 100 HNC survivors. The SEM results supported the hypothesized structural model (root mean square error of approximation = 0.044, comparative fit index = 0.990, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.986). Surgery with neck dissection and reconstruction for advanced cancer had indirect effects on lower QoL via ODK and mouth opening. Conclusion HNC treatment is indirectly associated with QoL via oral function in HNC survivors. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Portfolio Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 14 1 2024 Perioperative gum-chewing training prevents a decrease in tongue pressure after esophagectomy in thoracic esophageal cancer patients: a nonrandomized trial 23886 EN Reiko Yamanaka-Kohno Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Yasuhiro Shirakawa Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Naoaki Maeda Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Shunsuke Tanabe Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Kazuhiro Noma Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Kazuyoshi Shimizu Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Hospital Toshiharu Mituhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yoshihide Nakamura Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Souto Nanba Dental Clinic, Kurashiki Medical Check-Up Center Yurika Uchida Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Takayuki Maruyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Manabu Morita Department of Oral Health Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tongue pressure (TP) decreases significantly after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients (ECPs). Meanwhile, 2 weeks of gum-chewing training (GCT) significantly increased TP in healthy university students. We examined whether perioperative GCT would decrease the proportion of patients exhibiting a decline in TP at 2 weeks postoperatively, and prevent postoperative complications, in thoracic ECPs (TECPs). This was a single-center interventional study, and nonrandomized study with a historical control group (HCG). TECPs who underwent first-stage radical esophagectomy were recruited. Thirty-two patients of 40 in the gum-chewing group (GCG) were completed perioperative GCT in 3 times daily. Propensity score matching was performed with covariates related to TP including preoperative age, sex, body mass index, and the repetitive saliva swallowing test result, and yielded a matched cohort of 25 case pairs. Eleven GCG patients [44.0%] exhibited significantly lower TP at 2 weeks postoperatively than before esophagectomy was significantly fewer than that of 19 patients [76.0%] in the HCG. The median number of fever days (> 38 degrees C) in the 2 weeks after esophagectomy in the GCG was significantly fewer than those in the HCG. Perioperative GCT may prevent postoperative TP decline and postoperative dysphagia-related complications after esophagectomy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2227-9032 12 10 2024 Effect of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on the Tongue Dorsum on Reducing Halitosis and the Duration of the Effect: A Randomized Clinical Trial 980 EN Takayuki Maruyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Junichiro Nagasaki Okayama University Dental School Nanami Sawada Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Manabu Morita Department of Oral Health Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that is gaining popularity in modern clinical medicine. However, little is known about the effect of PDT alone on reducing oral halitosis and the duration of the effect. This trial examined the effect of PDT on the tongue dorsum on reducing oral halitosis and the duration of the effect. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Okayama University Hospital (CRB20-015), and it was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs061200060). Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group and control group. PDT was performed in the intervention group using red laser emission and methylene blue gel on the middle and posterior area of the tongue dorsum. The concentration of volatile sulfur compounds, bacterial count on the tongue dorsum, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and simplified oral debris index score were determined before and 1 week after PDT. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess the significance of the differences in each parameter between the two groups. We found that the hydrogen sulfide concentration and bacterial count on the tongue dorsum were decreased in the intervention group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. These results indicated that performing only PDT on the tongue dorsum may not contribute to reducing halitosis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1660-4601 19 21 2022 The Impact of Oral Health Behaviors, Health Belief Model, and Absolute Risk Aversion on the Willingness of Japanese University Students to Undergo Regular Dental Check-Ups: A Cross-Sectional Study 13920 EN Ichiro Sumita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Naoki Toyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takayuki Maruyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daiki Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoko Uchida-Fukuhara Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Momoko Nakahara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Oral health behaviors, risk aversion, and the health belief model are associated with health behaviors. However, there have been few studies that investigated the association between these factors and the willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between the willingness of Japanese university students to undergo regular dental check-ups and oral health behaviors, the health belief model, and absolute risk aversion. An analysis was conducted with the cooperation of questionnaire respondents (n = 748) who underwent dental check-ups at Okayama University. The students answered questionnaires on oral health behaviors, the health belief model, absolute risk aversion, and willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups. The logistic regression analysis showed significant positive associations (p < 0.05) between oral health behaviors (use of the inter-dental brush and the dental floss) and the health belief model with the willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups. However, there was no significant association with absolute risk aversion (p > 0.05). These results suggest that willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups was associated with oral health behaviors and the health belief model, but not with absolute risk aversion. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Frontiers Media SA Acta Medica Okayama 2235-2988 12 2022 Features of the oral microbiome in Japanese elderly people with 20 or more teeth and a non-severe periodontal condition during periodontal maintenance treatment: A cross-sectional study 957890 EN Naoki Toyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daiki Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Md Monirul Islam Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nanami Sawada Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yukiho Nakashima Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Momoko Nakahara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ichiro Sumita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Introduction The aim of the present study was to characterize the profile and diversity of the oral microbiome of a periodontally non-severe group with >= 20 teeth in comparison with a severe periodontitis group of elderly Japanese people. Methods A total of 50 patients who had >= 20 teeth and aged >= 60 years were recruited, and 34 participants (13 non-severe participants) were analyzed. After oral rinse (saliva after rinsing) sample collection, the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to investigate microbiome composition, alpha diversity (Shannon index, Simpson index, richness, and evenness), and beta diversity using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances. A linear discriminant analysis effect size was calculated to identify bacterial species in the periodontally non-severe group. Results The periodontally non-severe group showed lower alpha diversity than that of the severe periodontitis group (p <0.05); however, the beta diversities were not significantly different. A higher relative abundance of four bacterial species (Prevotella nanceiensis, Gemella sanguinis, Fusobacterium periodonticum, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae) was observed in the non-severe group than that in the severe periodontitis group. Conclusion The oral microbiome in elderly Japanese people with >= 20 teeth and a non-severe periodontal condition was characterized by low alpha diversity and the presence of four bacterial species. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1660-4601 19 20 2022 Trends in Self-Rated Oral Health and Its Associations with Oral Health Status and Oral Health Behaviors in Japanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2011 to 2019 13580 EN Momoko Nakahara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naoki Toyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Noriko Takeuchi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Takayuki Maruyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daiki Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Nanami Sawada Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Yukiho Nakashima Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Self-rated oral health (SROH) is a valid, comprehensive indicator of oral health status. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze how oral health behaviors and clinical oral status were associated with SROH and how they had changed over the course of nine years in Japanese university students. Data were obtained from 17,996 students who underwent oral examinations and completed self-questionnaires from 2011 to 2019. Oral status was assessed using the decayed and filled teeth scores, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), oral health behaviors, and related factors. SROH improved from 2011 to 2019. The logistic regression model showed that university students who were female and had a high daily frequency of tooth brushing, no BOP, no decayed teeth, no filled teeth, and a low OHI-S score and were significantly more likely to report very good, good, or fair SROH. An interaction effect was observed between survey year and regular dental check-ups (year x regular dental check-ups). The improvement trend in SROH might be associated with changes in oral health behaviors and oral health status. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1660-4601 18 1 2021 Living with Family Is Directly Associated with Regular Dental Checkup and Indirectly Associated with Gingival Status among Japanese University Students: A 3-Year Cohort Study 324 EN Momoko Nakahara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kota Kataoka Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Yoko Uchida-Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Daiki Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Terumasa Kobayashi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naoki Toyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikari Saho Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Md Monirul Islam Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiaki Iwasaki Health Service Center, Okayama University Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Although some studies showed that lifestyle was associated with oral health behavior, few studies investigated the association between household type and oral health behavior. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between household type, oral health behavior, and periodontal status among Japanese university students. Data were obtained from 377 students who received oral examinations and self-questionnaires in 2016 and 2019. We assessed periodontal status using the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP), probing pocket depth, oral hygiene status, oral health behaviors, and related factors. We used structural equation modeling to determine the association between household type, oral health behaviors, gingivitis, and periodontitis. At follow-up, 252 students did not live with their families. The mean +/- standard deviation of %BOP was 35.5 +/- 24.7 at baseline and 32.1 +/- 25.3 at follow-up. In the final model, students living with their families were significantly more likely to receive regular dental checkup than those living alone. Regular checkup affected the decrease in calculus. The decrease in calculus affected the decrease in %BOP over 3 years. Living with family was directly associated with regular dental checkups and indirectly contributed to gingival status among Japanese university students. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 1612-9059 18 1 2020 Association of dental occlusal support with the Prognostic Nutritional Index in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy 49 55 EN Reiko Yamanaka-Kohno Division of Hospital Dentistry, Central Clinical Department, Okayama University Hospital Yasuhiro Shirakawa Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Inoue-Minakuchi Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Misato Muro Division of Hospital Dentistry, Central Clinical Department, Okayama University Hospital Hirotaka Kosaki Division of Hospital Dentistry, Central Clinical Department, Okayama University Hospital Shunsuke Tanabe Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background The Prognostic Nutritional Index is useful for predicting surgical risk and overall survival based on preoperative immunological and nutritional status in patients undergoing digestive organ cancer surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the Prognostic Nutritional Index and dental status in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy. Methods This retrospective case–control study included 73 patients who underwent resection of esophageal cancer (69 males, 4 females; age 36–83). General and dental status were evaluated. The Prognostic Nutritional Index was calculated based on the serum albumin concentration and the total lymphocyte count, and subjects were divided into two groups based on index scores: a higher group, characterized by scores ≥ 45 (n = 54); and a lower group, characterized by scores < 45 (n = 19). Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare between groups. Results Total protein, C-reactive protein, the number of sound and total decayed, missing and filled teeth, and the rate of patients with poor dental occlusal support showed significant differences between the lower and higher Prognostic Nutritional Index groups (p < 0.05). Stepwise logistic regression analysis by backward selection approach showed that low total protein, few sound teeth, and poor status of dental occlusal support were significantly associated with the lower Prognostic Nutritional Index (p = 0.007, 0.042, and 0.009, respectively). Conclusion Dental status, especially dental occlusal support and the number of sound teeth, showed a positive relationship with the Prognostic Nutritional Index in esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1660-4601 17 22 2020 Association between Household Exposure to Secondhand Smoke and Dental Caries among Japanese Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study 8623 EN Hikari Saho Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayano Taniguchi-Tabata Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Kouta Kataoka Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daiki Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Naoki Toyama Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Md Monirul Islam Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nanami Sawada Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yukiho Nakashima Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Momoko Nakahara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Junya Deguchi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoko Uchida-Fukuhara Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiki Yoneda Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiaki Iwasaki Health Service Center, Okayama University Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The long-term effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) on dental caries among Japanese young adults remain unclear. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether household exposure to SHS is associated with dental caries in permanent dentition among Japanese young adults. The study sample included 1905 first-year university students (age range: 18-19 years) who answered a questionnaire and participated in oral examinations. The degree of household exposure to SHS was categorized into four levels according to the SHS duration: no experience (-), past, current SHS < 10 years, and current SHS >= 10 years. Dental caries are expressed as the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. The relationships between SHS and dental caries were determined by logistic regression analysis. DMFT scores (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile)) were significantly higher in the current SHS >= 10 years (median: 1.0 (0.0, 3.0)) than in the SHS-(median: 0.0 (0.0, 2.0)); p = 0.001). DMFT >= 1 was significantly associated with SHS >= 10 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.87, p < 0.001). Long-term exposure to SHS (>= 10 years) was associated with dental caries in permanent dentition among Japanese young adults. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Taylor and Francis Acta Medica Okayama 0001-6357 79 2 2020 Association between the incidence of early childhood caries and attending childcare among toddlers in a rural area of Japan: a prospective cohort study 118 123 EN Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Noriko Takeuchi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the incidence of early childhood caries (ECC) and factors of the daytime childcare environment among toddlers in a rural area of Japan. Material and methods This was a prospective cohort study. Data collected from 2011 to 2015 were obtained for initially caries-free, 18-month-old toddlers (N = 640). Dentists recorded the numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth (caries incidence) of toddlers at baseline (age 18 months) and follow-up (age 3 years). In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted on guardians at baseline to record data on lifestyle. Results In total, 159 (24.8%) toddlers had newly identified ECC at follow-up. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the incidence of ECC was significantly associated with receiving daytime care at a nursery school (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–2.30; p = .029), prolonged breastfeeding (OR, 1.71; 95%CI, 1.15–2.55; p = .008), and snacking ≥3 times a day (OR, 2.39; 95%CI, 1.53–3.74; p < .001). Conclusion These findings suggest that receiving daytime care at a nursery school, prolonged breastfeeding, and frequent snacking are associated with an increased risk of ECC among Japanese toddlers in rural areas. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1661-7827 16 19 2019 Influence of Occupational Stress and Coping Style on Periodontitis Among Japanese Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study 3540 EN Md Monirul Islam Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ekuni Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiki Yoneda Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aya Yokoi Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Manabu Morita Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between the influence of occupational stress and coping style on periodontitis among Japanese workers. The study sample included 738 workers (age range: 19-65 years) at a manufacturing company in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. To analyze occupational stress and coping style, all participants answered a self-report questionnaire composed of items on their work environment and oral health behavior. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated dentists. Among all workers, 492 (66.7%) workers were diagnosed with periodontitis, and 50 (6.8%) were diagnosed with a high stress-low coping condition. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the periodontitis and non-periodontitis groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, daily alcohol drinking, monthly overtime work, worker type, and stress-coping style. Logistic regression analysis showed that a high stress-low coping condition was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis (odds ratio: 2.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-7.43, p = 0.039). These findings suggest that a high stress-low coping condition is associated with periodontitis among the 19-65 years of age group of Japanese workers. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.