Essence of diagnosis and management of sleep bruxism


Risk of an immediate-type allergy to minocycline hydrochloride ointment

Operative Dentistry, Endodontology and Periodontology


Identification of microRNA signatures in peripheral blood of young women as potential biomarkers for metal allergy

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a short (19-24 nucleotide) endogenous non-protein RNA that exists in the body and controls the translation process from genes to proteins. It has become useful as a diagnostic tool and a potential treatment target in cancer research. To explore the function of miRNA in contact dermatitis, female participants with a positive metal allergy diagnosis ( = 3) were enrolled along with additional female participants with no medical history of metal allergy ( = 3). A patch test was performed on each participant. Peripheral blood was collected from all the participants before the patch test and at days 3 and 7 after starting the patch test. After total RNA was obtained from peripheral blood leukocytes and cDNA was generated, microarray analysis was performed to analyze the large-scale circulating miRNA profile. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was then used to clarify the overall target miRNA expression. Downregulation of hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-23b-3p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, and hsa-miR-150-5p was found on day 7. Certain miRNAs were confirmed using RT-PCR. These peripheral blood miRNAs could be diagnostic biomarkers for metal allergies.


Treatment for dental metal allergy patient ~Examinations, Diagnosis, Treatment Plan and Cooperation~

歯科金属アレルギー患者への対応∼検査，診断，治療方針と他科連携∼

The Journal of the Japan Prosthodontic Society


Longitudinal comparison between flipped classroom and team-based learning in a prosthodontic class

Active learning is a concept that allows students to study and learn actively by themselves to get knowledge. There are several methods of active learning, including flipped classroom (FC) and team-based learning (TBL). In FC, students are required to study before classes. In TBL, students also study before class, take individual readiness assurance test (iRAT) and team readiness assurance test (tRAT), then discuss group assignment projects (GAPs) during class. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between FC and TBL.
 The effectiveness of FC and TBL was assessed from the results of the term-end examinations, questionnaires and practice examinations. To check the difficulty of the term-end examinations, control dentists took the same examinations and we calculated the equating score with item response theory.
 Statistical analysis showed that the correct answer rate in term-end examinations was significantly different in comparison with the time of the trial, and for the participants (students and dentists). The term-end examination score of FC and TBL did not show a statistical difference. The student questionnaire showed that TBL had higher scores than FC on various factors such as student positive attitude, preparation, ingenuity of teacher and achieving the class goals. The crown & bridge score from the practice examination of 6th-year students who had FC + TBL were constantly higher than the Japanese national average score. The identification index of FC and TBL did not show the statistical difference and there was no statistical difference on item response theory between FC and TBL.


インドネシアの歯学部における学部教育

インドネシアの歯学部における学部教育

The Journal of Japan Association of Oral Rehabilitation

日本口腔リハビリテーション学会雑誌


CGRP induces differential regulation of cytokines from satellite glial cells in trigeminal ganglia and orofacial nociception

Neuron-glia interactions contribute to pain initiation and sustainment. Intra-ganglionic (IG) secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) modulates pain transmission through neuron-glia signaling, contributing to various orofacial pain conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the role of satellite glial cells (SGC) in TG in causing cytokine-related orofacial nociception in response to IG administration of CGRP. For that purpose, CGRP alone (10 μL of 10 M), Minocycline (5 μL containing 10 μg) followed by CGRP with one hour gap (Min + CGRP) were administered directly inside the TG in independent experiments. Rats were evaluated for thermal hyperalgesia at 6 and 24 h post-injection using an operant orofacial pain assessment device (OPAD) at three temperatures (37, 45 and 10 °C). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), sodium channel 1.7 (NaV 1.7, for assessment of neuronal activation) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker of glial activation). The cytokines released in culture media from purified glial cells were evaluated using antibody cytokine array. IG CGRP caused heat hyperalgesia between 6-24 h (paired- test, < 0.05). Between 1 to 6 h the mRNA and protein expressions of GFAP was increased in parallel with an increase in the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA and NaV1.7 (one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's post hoc test, < 0.05). To investigate whether glial inhibition is useful to prevent nociception symptoms, Minocycline (glial inhibitor) was administered IG 1 h before CGRP injection. Minocycline reversed CGRP-induced thermal nociception, glial activity, and down-regulated IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines significantly at 6 h (-test, < 0.05). Purified glial cells in culture showed an increase in release of 20 cytokines after stimulation with CGRP. Our findings demonstrate that SGCs in the sensory ganglia contribute to the occurrence of pain via cytokine expression and that glial inhibition can effectively control the development of nociception.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences


咬合不全を伴った重度変形性顎関節症症例

咬合不全を伴った重度変形性顎関節症症例

Journal of the Japanese Society for the Temporomandibular Joint


Cross-sectional observational study exploring clinical risk of titanium allergy caused by dental implants

Studies have reported cases of metal allergy caused by titanium-containing materials. We wished to clarify the relationship between titanium allergy and dental implants by describing patients who suffered allergic symptoms after they had received such implants. A total of 270 patients who visited a Dental Metal Allergy Clinic at Tokushima University Hospital from April 2010 to March 2014 were the study cohort. Patch testing with 28 types of metal allergens (including four titanium allergens) was undertaken for patients. A total of 217 patients (80.4 %) exhibited allergy-positive reactions to at least one type of metal allergen. Mercury, palladium, chromium and nickel exhibited a higher prevalence of allergy-positive reactions than other metals. Sixteen patients visited our clinic suffering allergic symptoms after receiving dental implants. Eleven of those patients exhibited allergy-positive reactions for any of the metal allergens, and 4 of these patients had allergy-positive reactions against titanium allergens. The total number of allergy-positive reactions for titanium allergens among all 270 patients was 17 (6.3 %). No patient exhibited a positive reaction only for the titanium allergen. The prevalence of allergy-positive reactions for titanium allergens was lower than for other metal allergens. We suggest examination of pre-implant patients who have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to metals.


Metal allergy patient treated by titanium implant denture: A case report with at least 4-year follow-up

Patch testing with metal reagents was positive on female patient with history of metal hypersensitivity after dental treatment. All of the dental restorations with metal components were removed, and subsequent oral rehabilitation utilizing dental implants and metal-free prostheses was carried out. The treatments alleviate the presenting signs and symptoms.


Validity of peer evaluation for team-based learning in a dental school in Japan

The aim of this study was to determine the validity of peer evaluation for team-based learning (TBL) classes in dental education in comparison with the term-end examination records and TBL class scores. Examination and TBL class records of 256 third- and fourth-year dental students in six fixed prosthodontics courses from 2013 to 2015 in one dental school in Japan were investigated. Results of the term-end examination during those courses, individual readiness assurance test (IRAT), group readiness assurance test (GRAT), group assignment projects (GAP), and peer evaluation of group members in TBL classes were collected. Significant positive correlations were found between all combinations of peer evaluation, IRAT, and term-end examination. Individual scores also showed a positive correlation with group score (total of GRAT and GAP). From the investigation of the correlations in the six courses, significant positive correlations between peer evaluation and individual score were found in four of the six courses. In this study, peer evaluation seemed to be a valid index for learning performance in TBL classes. To verify the effectiveness of peer evaluation, all students have to realize the significance of scoring the team member's performance. Clear criteria and detailed instruction for appropriate evaluation are also required.


Comparison between flipped classroom and team-based learning in fixed prosthodontic education Journal of Prosthodontic Research


口腔ならびに呼吸器症状を呈した歯科用金属によるアレルギーの1例

口腔ならびに呼吸器症状を呈した歯科用金属によるアレルギーの1例

Journal of Japanese Society for Evidence and the Dental Professional


Allergic contact dermatitis caused by titanium screws and dental implants

Titanium has been considered to be a non-allergenic material. However, several studies have reported cases of metal allergy caused by titanium-containing materials. We describe a 69-year-old male for whom significant pathologic findings around dental implants had never been observed. He exhibited allergic symptoms (eczema) after orthopedic surgery. The titanium screws used in the orthopedic surgery that he underwent were removed 1 year later, but the eczema remained. After removal of dental implants, the eczema disappeared completely. Titanium is used not only for medical applications such as plastic surgery and/or dental implants, but also for paints, white pigments, photocatalysts, and various types of everyday goods. Most of the usage of titanium is in the form of titanium dioxide. This rapid expansion of titanium-containing products has increased percutaneous and permucosal exposure of titanium to the population. In general, allergic risk of titanium material is smaller than that of other metal materials. However, we suggest that pre-implant patients should be asked about a history of hypersensitivity reactions to metals, and patch testing should be recommended to patients who have experienced such reactions.


Effects of team-based learning on fixed prosthodontic education in Japan

The aims of this study were to evaluate the quality of team-based learning (TBL) in prosthodontics education for fourth-year dental students at Tokushima University School of Dentistry and to compare this teaching method with traditional lecture-based delivery. Participants in the study were 36 students (22 males and 14 females) who attended the TBL-style fixed prosthodontics course. Ten 60-minute classes were held. The first three were traditional lecture-style classes and were followed by one class introducing the TBL style. The remaining six classes constituted the TBL-format fixed prosthodontics course. The effectiveness of TBL was evaluated through student questionnaires at the end of each class and the results of the term-end examination. The questionnaire revealed high student approval for TBL-style learning, and active group discussion among students during TBL was a key factor in these ratings. In the results of the term-end examination, there were significantly higher scores on the questions that covered TBL-taught material than those covering traditional lecture-taught topics. The results of this study suggest that TBL-style lecture was more effective than traditional-style lecture for teaching fixed prosthodontics and that TBL was a more efficient mode of delivering dental education than traditional lecture-based teaching.


Introduction and Effects of Team-Based Learning on Prosthodontic Education

歯科補綴学授業におけるTeam-Based Learningの導入とその効果

Team-Based Learning (TBL) was introduced into our prosthodontic education for thirdyear dental school students. Forty students (26 males and 14 females) of Tokushima University School of Dentistry attended the TBL-style fixed prosthodontic course. A total of fifteen classes (60 minutes each), which started with six conventional lecture-style classes followed by 8 TBL-style classes, were held. The effectiveness of TBL was evaluated with student questionnaires at the end of each class and with the results of the term-end examination. The results of the questionnaire on some questions and term-end examination exhibited higher score for the TBL. The results of this study showed that TBL-style classes were more effective than that of the conventional lecture-style classes for the fixed prosthodontic course.


Clinical application of removable partial dentures using thermoplastic resin Part II: Material properties and clinical features of non-metal clasp dentures

This position paper reviews physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic resin used for non-metal clasp dentures, and describes feature of each thermoplastic resin in clinical application of non-metal clasp dentures and complications based on clinical experience of expert panels. Since products of thermoplastic resin have great variability in physical and mechanical properties, clinicians should utilize them with careful consideration of the specific properties of each product. In general, thermoplastic resin has lower color-stability and higher risk for fracture than polymethyl methacrylate. Additionally, the surface of thermoplastic resin becomes roughened more easily than polymethyl methacrylate. Studies related to material properties of thermoplastic resin, treatment efficacy and follow-up are insufficient to provide definitive conclusions at this time. Therefore, this position paper should be revised based on future studies and a clinical guideline should be provided.


Clinical application of removable partial dentures using thermoplastic resin-Part I: Definition and indication of non-metal clasp dentures

This position paper proposes a definition and naming standard for removable partial dentures (RPDs) using thermoplastic resin, and presents a guideline for clinical application. A panel of 14 experts having broad experience with clinical application of RPDs using thermoplastic resin was selected from members of the Japan Prosthodontic Society. At a meeting of the panel, "non-metal clasp denture" was referred as the generic name of RPDs with retentive elements (resin clasps) made of thermoplastic resin. The panel classified non-metal clasp dentures into two types: one with a flexible structure that lacks a metal framework and the other having a rigid structure that includes a metal framework. According to current prosthetic principles, flexible non-metal clasp dentures are not recommended as definitive dentures, except for limited cases such as patients with a metal allergy. Rigid non-metal clasp dentures are recommended in cases where patients will not accept metal clasps for esthetic reasons. Non-metal clasp dentures should follow the same design principles as conventional RPDs using metal clasps.


Potential Risk of Metal Allergy Associated with Pierced Earrings Containing Nickel

ニッケル含有ピアスによる金属アレルギー発症の危険性について

Journal of Environmental Dermatology and Cutaneous Allergology

日本皮膚アレルギー・接触皮膚炎学会雑誌


Causal Effect of Earrings for Pierced Ears on Dental Metal Allergy

歯科用金属アレルギーとピアスの関係について

日本皮膚アレルギー・接触皮膚炎学会雑誌


A Useful and Non-invasive Microanalytical Method for Dental Restoration Materials


Assessment of allergic hypersensitivity to dental materials

Some metallic materials in dental prostheses may cause allergic hypersensitivity. Symptoms appear not only in the oral cavity, but also on hands, feet or the entire body. Release of metal ions is thought to cause the allergic reactions; micro-particles of the corrosion products of the metal and/or ionic metal hydroxides/oxides may be the allergens. The study purpose was to review clinical surveillance of dental allergic hypersensitivity in our dental hospital. From July 2000 to June 2005, 212 patients with suspected dental metal allergy were patch tested with 26 reagents, including 19 ready-made patch test reagents (Patch test reagents, Torii Pharmaceutical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and 9 custom-made reagents. One-hundred-and-sixty-seven patients were females (78.8%) and 45 patients were males (21.2%). A total of 148 patients (69.8%) had one or more positive patch test reactions. The most common allergens were nickel (25.0%), palladium (24.4%), chromium (16.7%), cobalt (15.9%) and stannum (12.5%). Typical allergic symptoms and diagnoses were Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris, lichen planus, stomatitis and contact dermatitis. This study indicates that dentists and dental researchers should be concerned about the allergenic potential of dental metal materials.


Investigation on the Allergic Condition among the Dental Professionals


An allergy survey among dental professionals

Purpose: Medical materials in clinical settings could function as risk factors that cause allergic symptoms. This issue is particularly relevant to dental professionals because they are exposed to various allergens. The objective of the present study is to conduct an allergy survey among dental professionals and clarify the actual prevalence and other parameters of allergies.Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to employees and dental students working at the University of Tokushima Dental Hospital (currently, the Department of Dentistry, Tokushima University Hospital).Results: Valid responses were obtained from 294 individuals (145 males and 149 females). The average age of the respondents was 34.0 years. Of the respondents, 61.2% had experienced some subjective symptoms associated with allergy. The most common allergic symptom was allergic rhinitis (40.1%), and 20.4% of the respondents perceived themselves to be allergic to medical gloves.Conclusion: The study results indicated that the prevalence of subjective allergic symptoms was higher among dental professionals than among the general public or other healthcare professionals. This suggests that dental professionals work in an environment where they are likely to be sensitized to different allergens.


スパイラルCTを用いた顎関節の三次元評価法

スパイラルCTを用いた顎関節の三次元評価法

Three-dimensional (3-D) image reconstructed from Computed Tomography (CT) data is an ef>cient method to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphologically. Even the 3-D image reconstructed from spiral CT data has some distortion, typically along to the table feed direction, very few studies were reported about accuracy of reconstructed 3-D image size. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the distortion on 3-D image reconstructed with spiral CT (Somatom Plas4, Siemens Co, Germany) quantitatively. We used three imaging targets, eight ceramic balls placed at corners of cubic frame, a calibration cube that has the CT value nearly equal to cortex bone of human dried mandibular head. We evaluated relation between a threshold level of CT image processing and reconstructed 3-D image size with a custom-made computer program. CT data of ceramic balls clari>ed changes of the reconstructed image, -0.215mm for table feed direction and less than ±0.006mm for the other directions. The calibration cube was used for the arrangement of optimal scanning condition (reconstruction mode, collimation, reconstitution interval) and evaluation of reconstructed image size. The distortion of the image was +0.207mm for table feed direction and less than +0.029mm for the other directions. Changes of dried skull TMJ image reconstructed with the optimal scanning condition were -1.463mm for lateral direction of the condylar head, -0.956mm for back and forth direction and -0.580mm for table feed direction. Results of this research suggested that the level of the 3-D image distortion was mostly affected with the scanning condition. And the size of 3-D image was susceptible to the threshold level of CT image processing. Consequently, we think that the standardization of scanning condition should be concerned for the quantitative evaluation of 3-D TMJ image using CT data.


Comparative study of jaw function in TMD clinic patients and dental students of the University of Tokushima

当科顎関節外来受診患者および本学歯学部学生を対象とした顎機能調査

Journal of the Japanese Society for the Temporomandibular Joint


An epidemiological study of jaw function in dental students of the University of Tokushima

徳島大学歯学部学生を対象とした顎機能診査


Metal Allergy Patients at Fixed Prosthodontic Clinic of The Tokushima University Dental Hospital

徳島大学歯学部附属病院第2歯科補綴科における金属アレルギー患者


顎関節症患者における下顎頭の経時的な骨形態変化に関する一考察

顎関節症患者における下顎頭の経時的な骨形態変化に関する一考察


歯科と金属アレルギー --- ピアスによる金属アレルギー発症リスクについて

歯科と金属アレルギー --- ピアスによる金属アレルギー発症リスクについて


チタンアレルギーの疫学的検討

チタンアレルギーの疫学的検討


歯科用金属による金属アレルギーの臨床病態と補綴学的対応に関する多施設調査

歯科用金属による金属アレルギーの臨床病態と補綴学的対応に関する多施設調査

Journal of the Japanese Association for Dental Science


金属アレルギーの臨床的対応の実際

金属アレルギーの臨床的対応の実際


Kinematic study of the main occlusal area

主機能部位の運動論的検討

The Journal of Japanese Society of Stomatognathic Function


Development of a new method to evaluate jaw function with six-degree-of-freedom jaw movement and three-dimensional reconstructed image of TMJ

6自由度顎運動と顎関節三次元再構築画像による顎機能評価法の開発(D13)


Accuracy of three-dimensional temporomandibular joint reconstruction using spiral CT

スパイラルCTを用いた顎関節の三次元構築精度(B2-8)


The Relation between Dental Metal Allergy and Electromotive Force of Dental Materials

歯科用金属アレルギーと口腔内金属の起電力の関係

The Journal of the Japan Prosthodontic Society


金属アレルギーとピアスの関係について

金属アレルギーとピアスの関係について


関連学会報告 第18回日本顎関節学会総会·学術大会

関連学会報告 第18回日本顎関節学会総会·学術大会


関連学会報告 第24回日本歯科医学教育学会総会·学術大会

関連学会報告 第24回日本歯科医学教育学会総会·学術大会


臨床教育研修 補綴治療のスキルアップ

臨床教育研修 補綴治療のスキルアップ