Effects of using the computer-based training program, DAAGS, on the ability of students to assess periodontal health status in a program for school nurses

本研究では,看護学生の養護教諭資格取得講座を履修している学生を対象に,コンピュータ・トレーニングソフト『歯グキを見る眼を養おう』(ダーグズ)を2 度(初回時ならびに3 週間後)体験させ,学生の歯周状態の判断成績の変化を見るとともに,ダーグズの歯科保健教育に対する有用性についてアンケート調査を行った.その結果,歯周状態の判定指標である一致数,再現数,的はずれ回答数のいずれにおいても成績の向上が確認されたことから,ダーグズを用い学生がトレーニングに取り組み,歯周状態判断力が向上したことが推察された.また,終了後のアンケート調査の結果では,「歯グキの健康管理に役立てたい」,「将来学校等で活用してみたい」等の肯定的な回答が得られたことから,このソフトは学生の歯科保健教育に対して有用である可能性が示唆された.In this study, students in a program for school nurses underwent twice with a three-week interval thecomputer-based training program, Development of Ability to Assess Gingival Status (DAAGS),to see ifthere would be any change in their scores on the assessment of periodontal status.A questionnairesurvey was also conducted about the usefulness of DAAGSfor dental health education.As a result, students'scores showed an improvement in every one of the assessment indicators ofPeriodontal Health Status (correct answers, reproducibility and irrelevant answers), suggesting thattraining by means of DAAGSincreased their ability to assess periodontal status. Furthermore, the resultsof the questionnaire survey included such positive responses as “Would like to put [DAAGS] to use in thehealth care of the gums"and “Would like to make good use of [DAAGS] at school in the future",indicating the usefulness of DAAGSfor the dental health education of students

Purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic characterization of the α2,6-sialyltransferase from Photobacterium sp. JT-ISH-224

Crystallization of the α2,6-sialyltransferase from Photobacterium

Reliability of Seven Oral Health-Related Factors of PRECEDE-PROCEED Model

本研究経費の一部は平成16年度文部科学省科学研究費補助金(基盤研究C2,課題番号16592090)によって行われた

Editorial: Conflicts

The Editorial Board reflects on the theme of 'conflict', as observed in the work published in this issue, and in the wider world

Clinical background factors as predictors of the efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acid suppositories in patients with ulcerative colitis

Introduction: Although the efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acid (ASA) suppositories for ulcerative colitis (UC) has been reported in many studies, many studies have also described poor adherence to 5-ASA suppository regimens. We aimed to identify the clinical background factors that influence adherence to 5-ASA suppositories to improve adherence and efficacy of the treatment. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 61 patients with active UC who were using 5-ASA suppositories. All patients underwent endoscopy and rectal biopsy for histological diagnosis prior to 5-ASA suppository treatment. The efficacy of 5-ASA suppository treatment was compared in relation to clinical background factors (sex, age, disease duration, disease type, clinical activity, Ulceratve colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity, histological activity, serum C-reactive protein level, concomitant use of immunomodulators, history of steroid use, and dose of oral 5-ASA). Results: The efficacy of 5-ASA suppositories was significantly related to low Lichtiger Colitis Activity Index (LCAI) scores and proctitis type prior to its use. In terms of sex, females tended to show higher efficacy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using these three factors showed high predictive value for the efficacy of 5-ASA suppositories (AUC, 0.788; sensitivity, 87.2%; and specificity, 63.7%). Discussion/Conclusion: This study is the first to extract clinical background factors for predicting the efficacy of 5-ASA suppositories. The use of 5-ASA suppositories in patients who are expected to show efficacy will be effective in improving patient co-operation

Role of PSCs in Regeneration of Remnant Pancreas after PX

Background and objectives Mechanism of regeneration of remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy (PX) is still unknown. In this study, effect of siRNA against the collagen specific chaperone, HSP47, which inhibits collagen secretion from activated pancreas stellate cells (aPSCs), and induces their apoptosis, on regeneration of remnant pancreas was determined. Methods Pancreatectomy was performed according to established methods. Proliferation of cells was assessed by BrdU incorporation. Immunostaining of HSP47 was employed to identify PSCs. Progenitor cells were identified by SOX9 staining. Acinar cells were immunostained for amylase. Co-culture of acinar cells with aPSCs were carried out in a double chamber with a cell culture insert. siRNA HSP47 encapsulated in vitamin A-coupled liposome (VA-lip siRNA HSP47) was delivered to aPSCs by iv injection. Results In remnant pancreas of 90% PX rat, new areas of foci were located separately from duodenal areas with normal pancreatic features. After PX, BrdU uptake of acinar cells and islet cells significantly increased, but was suppressed by treatment with VA-lip siRNA HSP47. BrdU uptake by acinar cells was augmented by co-culturing with aPSCs and the augmentation was nullified by siRNA HSP47. BrdU uptake by progenitor cells in foci area was slightly enhanced by the same treatment. New area which exhibited intermediate features between those of duodenal and area of foci, emerged after the treatment. Conclusion aPSCs play a crucial role in regeneration of remnant pancreas, proliferation of acinar and islet cells after PX through the activity of secreted collagen. Characterization of new area emerged by siRNA HSP47 treatment as to its origin is a future task