Synergistic effect of periodontitis and C-reactive protein levels on mortality: NHANES 2001-2004.

Periodontitis is associated with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Although the coexistence of periodontitis and elevated CRP levels may heighten the risk of mortality, previous studies have not confirmed their synergistic effect. Understanding this interaction is crucial for identifying potential interventions to reduce mortality risk in individuals with periodontitis.

Integration of blue light with near-infrared irradiation accelerates the osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells.

Blue light is used less in photobiomodulation than red or near-infrared light because of concerns about its high energy. However, some reports have suggested that blue light releases NO from nitrosated proteins, affects cell signal regulation, and promotes stem cell differentiation. Because blue and red lights could have different mechanisms of action, their combination is expected to have new consequences.

Quantification of three-dimensional facial asymmetry for diagnosis and postoperative evaluation of orthognathic surgery.

Background: To evaluate the facial asymmetry, three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) has been used widely. This study proposed a method to quantify facial asymmetry based on 3D-CT.

Methods: The normal standard group consisted of twenty-five male subjects who had a balanced face and normal occlusion.

Natural Head Postures of Patients With Facial Asymmetry in Frontal View Are Corrected After Orthognathic Surgeries.

Purpose: Although orthognathic surgeries focus on adjustment of facial asymmetry (FA), many clinicians know by experience that the natural head posture (NHP) also is corrected after the surgery. The authors examined whether this was indeed the case by the measuring the NHP during the course of orthognathic treatment. Factors associated with NHP correction also were evaluated.

Additive beneficial effects of losartan combined with simvastatin in the treatment of hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive patients.

Background: Biological mechanisms underlying statin and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker therapies differ. Therefore, we compared vascular and metabolic responses to these therapies either alone or in combination in hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive patients.

Methods And Results: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 3 treatment arms (each 2 months) and 2 washout periods (each 2 months).

Postchallenge hyperglycemia but not hyperinsulinemia is associated with angiographically documented coronary atherosclerosis in Korean subjects.

Although hyperinsulinemia has attracted considerable attention as a possible risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), previous studies have not shown consistent results. Hyperglycemia could be an alternative explanation for the association between type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Since previous studies have been mostly lacking coronary angiographic data, we analyzed the relationship between the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis based on angiography and hyperinsulinemia or hyperglycemia.