Influence of age on adaptability of human mastication. Improvement in chewing activity reduces energy intake in one meal and modulates plasma gut hormone concentrations in obese and lean young Chinese men. The effect of manual therapy on masseter muscle pain and spasm. A one-year case series of arthrocentesis with hyaluronic acid injections for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Tackling inequalities in obesity: a protocol for a systematic review of the effectiveness of public health interventions at reducing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity among adults Assessment of the Short-Term Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping and Trigger Points Release Used in Functional Disorders of the Masticatory Muscles The influence of mandibular implant-retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency. Oral health and obesity indicators Protocol for systematic reviews of determinants/correlates of obesity-related dietary and physical activity behaviors in young children (preschool 0 to 6 years): evidence mapping and syntheses Early results of low-level laser application for masticatory muscle pain: a double-blind randomized clinical study Etiology of overactive bladder: a diet and lifestyle model for diabetes and obesity in older women. A Systematic Review of Loneliness and Common Chronic Physical Conditions in Adults Effects of implant-based prostheses on mastication, nutritional intake, and oral health-related quality of life in partially edentulous patients: a paired clinical trial. Elevated circulating microRNA-122 is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in young adults. Effects of intentional weight loss in patients with obesity and heart failure: a systematic review. Improvement of early vascular changes and cardiovascular risk factors in obese children after a six-month exercise program. Impact of obesity in asthma: evidence from a large prospective disease management study. Tackling inequalities in obesity: a protocol for a systematic review of the effectiveness of public health interventions at reducing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity amongst children Sleep disturbances in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors Occlusal loading of EBA and MTA root-end fillings in a computer-controlled masticator: a scanning electron microscopic study. Contribution of the functional 5-HTTLPR variant of the SLC6A4 gene to obesity risk in male adults. Parental neglect during childhood and increased risk of obesity in young adulthood Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: Is There a Link?
The objective of this work was to study the influence of age on the ability of subjects to adapt mastication to changes in the hardness of foods . The study was carried out on 67 volunteers aged from 25 to 75 yr ( 29 males , 38 females ) who had complete healthy dentitions .  Surface electromyograms of the left and right masseter and temporalis muscles were recorded simultaneously with jaw movements using an electromagnetic transducer . Each volunteer was asked to chew and swallow four visco-elastic model foods of different hardness , each presented three times in r and om order . The number of masticatory cycles , their frequency , and the sum of all electromyographic ( EMG ) activity in all four muscles were calculated for each masticatory sequence . Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the effects of hardness , age , and gender . Hardness was associated to an increase in the mean number of cycles and mean summed EMG activity per sequence . It also increased mean vertical amplitude . Mean vertical amplitude and mean summed EMG activity per sequence were higher in males . These adaptations were present at all ages . Age was associated with an increase of 0.3 cycles per sequence per year of life and with a progressive increase in mean summed EMG activity per sequence . Cycle and opening duration early in the sequence also fell with age . We concluded that although the number of cycles needed to chew a st and ard piece of food increases progressively with age , the capacity to adapt to changes in the hardness of food is maintained BACKGROUND Mastication is the first step in ingesting food , but the effects of mastication on energy intake and gut hormones in both obese and lean subjects have not been extensively evaluated . OBJECTIVE The current study aim ed to compare the differences in chewing activities between obese and lean subjects and to examine the effects of chewing on energy intake and gut hormone concentrations in both obese and lean subjects . DESIGN Sixteen lean and 14 obese young men participated in the current research . In study 1 , we investigated whether the chewing factors of obese subjects were different from those of lean subjects . In study 2 , we explored the effects of chewing on energy intake . A test meal consisting of 2200 kJ ( 68 % of energy as carbohydrate , 21 % of energy as fat , and 11 % of energy as protein ) was then consumed on 2 different sessions ( 15 chews and 40 chews per bite of 10 g of food ) by each subject to assess the effects of chewing on plasma gut hormone concentrations . RESULTS Compared with lean participants , obese participants had a higher ingestion rate and a lower number of chews per 1 g of food . However , obese participants had a bite size similar to that of lean subjects . Regardless of status , the subjects ingested 11.9 % less after 40 chews than after 15 chews . Compared with 15 chews , 40 chews result ed in lower energy intake and postpr and ial ghrelin concentration and higher postpr and ial glucagon-like peptide 1 and cholecystokinin concentrations in both lean and obese subjects . CONCLUSION Interventions aim ed at improving chewing activity could become a useful tool for combating obesity . This trial was registered at chictr.org as ChiCTR-OCC-10001181 INTRODUCTION Orofacial pain and pain in the muscles of mastication are frequent symptoms of temporom and ibular disorder . The masseter is the closet masticatory muscle to the surface and has the function of raising and retracting the m and ible . This muscle has considerable strength and is one of the main muscles involved in the shredding of food It is therefore of utmost importance in the masticatory cycle and generally the most affected by pain and spasms . OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of manual therapy with transversal and circular movements on pain and spasm in the masseter muscle , using electromyography and a visual analogue pain scale ( VAPS ) .  Eight women who experienced pain upon palpation of the masseter greater than 6 on the VAPS  were selected for participation in the study , which employed electromyography and a VAPS for assessment , followed by manual oral physiotherapy and reevaluation . RESULTS The statistical analysis revealed a reduction in pain , but there was no significant difference in electromyographic activity ( p < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION It was concluded that massage therapy was effective on pain symptoms , but was not capable of altering the electrical activity of the masseter muscle OBJECTIVE The present study presents a case series on the efficacy of arthrocentesis with hyaluronic acid injections for the treatment of temporom and ibular joint osteoarthritis by providing patient evaluations at a one-year follow-up . STUDY DESIGN Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporom and ibular Disorders ( RDC/TMD axis I group IIIb ) underwent a cycle of 5 arthrocenteses with injections ( 1 per week ) of 1 mL hyaluronic acid . A number of clinical parameters ( pain at rest and mastication , masticatory efficiency , maximum nonassisted and assisted mouth openings , functional limitation , subjective efficacy , and tolerability of the treatment ) were assessed by the same blinded operator at the time of the diagnosis ( baseline ) , at each appointment during the treatment , and at 1-week , 1-month , 3-month , 6-month , and 1-year follow-up appointments . RESULTS Descriptive analysis showed improvements which were maintained over time for all the study parameters . Permutation tests evidence d the significance of changes which occurred in many clinical parameters within the first 2 injections . Differences with baseline levels remained significant at the end of the follow-up period , particularly for the masticatory efficiency and pain at mastication ( minimum and maximum ) parameters . CONCLUSIONS Data from the present investigation support findings from studies on other joints , which show the efficacy of serial injections of hyaluronic acid after arthrocentesis to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and to maintain improvements over time Background Socioeconomic inequalities in obesity and associated risk factors for obesity are widening throughout developed countries worldwide . Tackling obesity is high on the public health agenda both in the United Kingdom and internationally . However , what works in terms of interventions that are able to reduce inequalities in obesity is lacking . Methods / Design The review will examine public health interventions at the individual , community and societal level that might reduce inequalities in  obesity among adults aged 18 years and over , in any setting and in any country . The following electronic data bases will be search ed : MEDLINE , EMBASE , CINAHL , PsycINFO , Social Science Citation Index , ASSIA , IBSS , Sociological Abstract s , and the NHS Economic Evaluation Data base . Data base search es will be supplemented with website and gray literature search es . No studies will be excluded based on language , country or publication date . R and omized and non-r and omized controlled trials , prospect i ve and retrospective cohort studies ( with/without control groups ) and prospect i ve repeat cross-sectional studies ( with/without control groups ) that have a primary outcome that is a proxy for body fatness and have examined differential effects with regard to socioeconomic status ( education , income , occupation , social class , deprivation , poverty ) or where the intervention has been targeted specifically at disadvantaged groups or deprived areas will be included . Study inclusion , data extraction and quality appraisal will be conducted by two review ers . Meta- analysis and narrative synthesis will be conducted . The main analysis will examine the effects of 1 ) individual , 2 ) community and 3 ) societal level public health interventions on socioeconomic inequalities in adult obesity . Interventions will be characterized by their level of action and their approach to tackling inequalities . Context ual information on how such public health interventions are organized , implemented and delivered will also be examined . Discussion The review will provide evidence , and reveal any gaps in the evidence base , of public health strategies which reduce and prevent inequalities in the prevalence of obesity in adults and provide information on the organization , implementation and delivery of such interventions . Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number : Chronic face pain syndrome is a diagnostic and therapeutic problem for many specialists , and this proves the interdisciplinary and complex nature of this ailment . Physiotherapy is of particular importance in the treatment of pain syndrome in the course of temporom and ibular joint functional disorders . In patients with long-term dysfunction of masticatory muscles , the palpation examination can localize trigger points , that is , thickening in the form of nodules in the size of rice grains or peas . Latent trigger points located in the muscles can interfere with muscular movement patterns , cause cramps , and reduce muscle strength . Because hidden trigger points can spontaneously activate , they should be found and released to prevent further escalation of the discomfort . Kinesiotaping ( KT ) is considered as an intervention that can be used to release latent myofascial trigger points . It is a method that involves applying specific tapes to the patient 's skin in order to take advantage of the natural self-healing processes of the body . The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the kinesiotaping method and trigger points inactivation on the nonpharmacological elimination of pain in patients with temporom and ibular disorders . The study was conducted in 60 patients ( 18 to 35 years old ) . The subjects were r and omly divided into two subgroups of 30 people each . Group KT ( 15 women and 15 men ) were subjected to active kinesiotaping application . Group TrP , composed of 16 women and 14 men , was subjected to physiotherapy with the release of trigger points by the ischemic compression method . The results show that the KT method and TrP inactivation brought significant therapeutic analgesic effects in the course of pain-related functional disorders of the muscles of mastication . The more beneficial outcomes of the therapy were observed after using the KT method , which increased the analgesic effect in dysfunctional patients OBJECTIVE To evaluate the masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with conventional dentures ( CDs ) or implant-retained m and ibular overdentures .  BACKGROUND Despite the evident benefits of implants on mastication as assessed by subjective patient-based outcomes , the extent of implant overdenture treatment effect on food comminution is not well established . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A r and omised clinical trial was carried out with 29 completely edentulous patients divided into two groups . The first group was rehabilitated with a m and ibular overdenture retained by two splinted implants with bar-clip system , while the second group was rehabilitated with a m and ibular CD . Both groups also were rehabilitated with maxillary CDs .  Masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were assessed 3 months after denture insertion . Masticatory efficiency was evaluated through the colorimetric method with the beads as the artificial test-food . Comparisons for masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were performed using Student 's t-test ( α = 0.05 ) . RESULTS No significant statistical difference was found for masticatory efficiency ( p = 0.198 ) . Patient overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the m and ibular overdenture ( p < 0.001 ) . In addition , m and ibular overdenture patients were significantly more satisfied with chewing experience ( p < 0.05 ) and retention of the lower denture ( p < 0.005 ) . CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that m and ibular overdenture significantly improves chewing experience , although limited effect on masticatory efficiency has been observed Background In western Sweden , the aim was to study the associations between oral health variables and total and central adiposity , respectively , and to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors ( SES ) , lifestyle , dental anxiety and co-morbidity . Methods The subjects constituted a r and omised sample from the 1992 data collection in the Prospect i ve Population Study of Women in Gothenburg , Sweden ( n = 999 , 38- > = 78 yrs ) . The study comprised a clinical and radiographic examination , together with a self-administered question naire . Obesity was defined as body mass index ( BMI ) > = 30 kg/m2 , waist-hip ratio ( WHR ) > = 0.80 , and waist circumference > 0.88 m. Associations were estimated using logistic regression including adjustments for possible confounders . Results The mean BMI value was 25.96 kg/m2 , the mean WHR 0.83 , and the mean waist circumference 0.83 m. The number of teeth , the number of restored teeth , xerostomia , dental visiting habits and self-perceived health were associated with both total and central adiposity , independent of age and SES . For instance , there were statistically significant associations between a small number of teeth ( < 20 ) and obesity : BMI ( OR 1.95 ; 95 % CI 1.40 - 2.73 ) , WHR ( 1.67 ; 1.28 - 2.19 ) and waist circumference ( 1.94 ; 1.47 - 2.55 ) , respectively . The number of carious lesions and masticatory function showed no associations with obesity . The obesity measure was of significance , particularly with regard to behaviour , such as irregular dental visits , with a greater risk associated with BMI ( 1.83 ; 1.23 - 2.71 ) and waist circumference ( 1.96 ; 1.39 - 2.75 ) , but not with WHR ( 1.29 ; 0.90 - 1.85 ) . Conclusions Associations were found between oral health and obesity . The choice of obesity measure in oral health studies should be carefully considered Background The aim of these review s is to inform the design and content of interventions to reduce obesity in young children . The behaviors that are associated with obesity/overweight have been studied extensively ; however , the factors associated with these behaviors in young children ( 0 to 6 years ) have not been systematic ally review ed . Over the past few years the focus of obesity prevention has shifted to preschool children because of the high prevalence of obesity at school entry and recognition that habits formed in early life could track into adulthood . In order to develop effective interventions and change behavior , it is important to underst and the factors that are associated with those behaviors . For example , we need to underst and whether it would be more important to target the family , childcare setting s or the wider environment and identify the most effective way of changing these energy balance related behaviors . Methods / Design Quantitative ( intervention and observational ) and qualitative literature on determinants/correlates of fruit and vegetable intake , sugar sweetened beverage and other unhealthy diet intake , and physical activity and sedentary behaviors in young children will be systematic ally identified , mapped and review ed . A common search strategy ( no language or period restrictions ) will be used to identify papers from eight electronic data bases and this will be supplemented by h and - search ing . Next , studies in developed countries that examine the factors associated with these behaviors in children aged 0 to 6 years ( at baseline ) will be screened and mapped descriptively followed by in-depth data extraction , quality assessment and synthesis . Data from quantitative studies will be summarized using either forest plots or harvest plots and narrative synthesis , and qualitative studies using thematic analysis . Qualitative evidence will be integrated with the quantitative evidence , using a parallel synthesis approach , to provide a deeper underst and ing of effective strategies to influence these energy balance related behaviors . Discussion In addition to updating and mapping current research , these review s will be the first to comprehensively synthesize and integrate both the quantitative and qualitative evidence pertaining to determinants/correlates/barriers/facilitators of obesity related behaviors in this young age group ( 0 to 6 years ) with the aim of informing future interventions . Systematic review registration International Prospect i ve Register for Systematic Review s ( PROSPERO ) Registration number : Background To evaluate the effect of Low Level Laser ( LLL ) application at the points of greatest pain in patients with chronic masticatory muscle pain . Methods A total number of 30 ( 21 women , 9 men , with a mean age of 39.2 ) were selected after the diagnosis of MPDS according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporom and ibular Disorder ( RDC/TMD ) . The patients were r and omly divided into three groups ; laser group I ( n = 10 ) ; patients received the LLL at the point of greatest pain , laser group II ( n = 10 ) ; patients received LLL at pre-established points in the effected muscles and placebo group ( n = 10 ) . LLL and placebo were applied three times per week , for a total of 12 sessions . M and ibular mobility was examined , masticator muscles tenderness were assessed and PPT values were obtained . Subjective pain levels were evaluated using VAS . The measurements performed before the treatment and after the completion of the therapy . Descriptive statistics ( mean , st and ard deviation , and frequency ) Student ’s t-test , Mann – Whitney U-test and paired- sample t-tests were used for analysis . Results In both laser groups , there was a statically significant reduction in PPT values of the muscles , number of muscles without any pain on palpation increased significantly , m and ibular movements ’ ranges were improved . Laser group I demonstrated statistically better results than the Laser group II in all of the measured values . Plasebo group did not show any statistically difference in any of the measured values . Conclusions LLLT can be accepted as an alternative treatment modality in the management of masticatory muscle pain and direct irradiation seems to effect better . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT N31085 , Date of registration 28/08/20145 OBJECTIVE To evaluate a coherent , evidence -based hypothesis that specific modifiable lifestyle factors implicated in the development of diabetes and associated obesity are related to the onset of OAB . METHODS A hypothetical causative model for OAB involving modifiable lifestyle factors implicated in the development of diabetes and obesity was constructed , based on a systematic literature review . Secondary analysis of data was undertaken in a prospect i ve cohort of women aged 40 and over , living in Leicestershire , UK . Subjects included 3,411 women free from OAB at baseline and 277 incident cases of OAB . Reported diet , lifestyle , morbid , and social factors were measured at baseline and incident cases at 1-year follow-up . Graphical chain modeling was used to estimate the associations between variables and identify likely pathways involved . RESULTS All hypothesized lifestyle factors ( physical activity , high glycemic index , and high energy intake ) plus diabetes and obesity were retained within the graph as potential contributors . However , low physical activity was the only direct risk factor linked prospect ively to the onset of OAB ( RR 2.47 ; 95 % CI 1.82 , 3.36 ) , in addition to older age . CONCLUSIONS Poor lifestyle factors causally linked to diabetes and obesity may contribute to the onset of OAB ; low physical activity appears to be an important modifiable causal factor for OAB operating directly as well as indirectly via pathways involving obesity or diabetes . Further research is needed to demonstrate a causal link between lifestyle and OAB Loneliness is a prevalent and global problem for adult population s and has been linked to multiple chronic conditions in quantitative studies . This paper presents a systematic review of quantitative studies that examined the links between  loneliness  and common chronic conditions including : heart disease , hypertension , stroke , lung disease , and metabolic disorders . A comprehensive literature search process guided by the PRISMA statement led to the inclusion of 33 articles that measure loneliness in chronic illness population s.  Loneliness is a significant biopsychosocial stressor that is prevalent in adults with heart disease , hypertension , stroke , and lung disease . The relationships among loneliness , obesity , and metabolic disorders are understudied but current research indicates that loneliness is associated with obesity and with psychological stress in obese persons . Limited interventions have demonstrated long-term effectiveness for reducing loneliness in adults with these same chronic conditions . Future longitudinal r and omized trials that enhance knowledge of how diminishing loneliness can lead to improved health outcomes in persons with common chronic conditions would continue to build evidence to support the translation of findings to recommendations for clinical care PURPOSE This study evaluated the effects of different implant-based prostheses on swallowing threshold , dietary intake , and oral health-related quality of life ( OHRQoL ) . MATERIAL S AND METHODS This prospect i ve paired controlled clinical trial followed partially edentulous subjects , who sequentially used implant-supported removable partial dentures and implant-supported fixed partial dentures ( IFPDs ) .  Swallowing threshold was assessed by counting the masticatory cycles and median particle size ( X₅₀ ) calculation . Nutritional intake was verified by a 3-day food record . OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile ( OHIP-49 ) . Data were evaluated with repeated- measures analysis of variance . RESULTS Twelve subjects ( mean age 62.6 ± 7.8 years ; range , 55 to 87 ) took part in the study . IFPD treatment significantly reduced X₅₀ values and the number of chewing cycles . Higher intake of fiber , calcium , and iron and lower consumption of cholesterol-rich food were observed after IFPD  use . OHIP summary score and OHIP physical pain domain were lower with the IFPD . CONCLUSION IFPD use leads to more efficient mastication and improves dietary intake and OHRQoL. This information will guide dentists to better clinical management of partially edentulous patients OBJECTIVE MicroRNAs ( miRNAs ) are involved in the regulation of adiposity , but functional studies have yielded inconclusive results . Examining the associations of circulating miRNAs levels with obesity and insulin sensitivity in humans may lead to improved insights . DESIGN AND METHODS  Serum  sample s collected from 112 obese and control subjects ( 50.0 % men ) were r and omly divided and combined into four pools ( 28 sample s in each obese or control pool ) . The genome-wide circulating miRNA profiles were detected via microarray . Elevated miR-122 was selected and vali date d in individual serum sample s from 123 obese ( 46.7 % men ) and 107 control ( 50.0 % men ) young adults . Associations between circulating miR-122 levels and parameters related to adiposity , insulin resistance , lipid profiles and hepatic enzymes were further assessed . RESULTS Thirty-four miRNAs were found to be expressed differently in the sera of obese patients compared with control subjects ( P<0.001 ) . Further analyses confirmed that obese patients had 3.07-fold higher circulating miR-122 levels than controls ( P<0.001 ) . Serum miR-122 levels were correlated with BMI ( r=0.469 ) , alanine aminotransferase ( r=0.634 ) , triglycerides ( r=0.448 ) , HDL-cholesterol ( r=-0.351 ) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( r=0.401 , all P<0.01 ) . After controlling for confounding factors , miR-122 remained as an independent risk factor for insulin resistance ( OR=3.379 , 95 % CI=1.141 - 10.007 , P=0.028 ) . CONCLUSIONS Elevated circulating miR-122 is positively associated with obesity and insulin resistance in young adults . These findings provide a better underst and ing regarding the role of miRNAs in adiposity and insulin sensitivity OBJECTIVE Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure , and the two commonly co-exist . The European Society of Cardiology does not provide guidance regarding weight loss strategies in heart failure . The aim of this study was to systematic ally review the evidence for outcomes following intentional weight loss in patients with heart failure and obesity . METHOD A systematic review of English articles was undertaken using data bases PubMed , Embase and CENTRAL . R and omized controlled trials and observational studies reporting outcomes following intentional weight loss by lifestyle , surgical or pharmacotherapy intervention in patients with obesity and heart failure were included . RESULTS Four r and omized controlled trials and seven observational studies were identified . Two r and omized controlled trials used  diet and exercise  as an intervention , one used diet alone and one used a pharmacological intervention ( orlistat ) . All but one reported significant weight loss . Two reported improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life . One reported improvement in New York Heart Association functional class in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction . The observational studies , five of which reported on outcomes following bariatric surgery , despite being small , heterogeneous and high risk of bias , suggested a trend in improvement of left ventricular function , quality of life and exercise capacity following weight loss . CONCLUSION Weight loss is achievable with lifestyle intervention in those with heart failure and obesity and may result in improvements in New York Heart Association classification , quality of life and exercise capacity OBJECTIVES The present study aim ed to assess the effect of a 6-month exercise program  in obese children on flow-mediated vasodilation ( FMD ) carotid intima-media thickness ( IMT ) and cardiovascular risk factors ( RF ) . BACKGROUND Childhood obesity contributes to adult obesity and subsequent cardiovascular disease . Physical inactivity is a major RF for obesity , endothelial dysfunction , and elevated carotid IMT , culminating in early atherosclerotic disease . METHODS Sixty-seven obese subjects ( age 14.7 + /- 2.2 years ) were r and omly assigned to 6 months ' exercise or non-exercise protocol . We examined the influence of exercises ( 1 h , 3 times/week ) on FMD , IMT , and cardiovascular risk profile . RESULTS Compared with lean control subjects , obese children demonstrated at baseline significantly impaired FMD ( 4.09 + /- 1.76 % vs. 10.65 + /- 1.95 % , p < 0.001 ) , increased IMT ( 0.48 + /- 0.08 mm vs. 0.37 + /- 0.05 mm , p < 0.001 ) , and a number of obesity-related cardiovascular RF . Significant improvements were observed in the exercise group for IMT ( 0.44 + /- 0.08 mm , p = 0.012 , -6.3 % ) and FMD ( 7.71 + /- 2.53 % , p < 0.001 , + 127 % ) . This improvement correlated with reduced RF , such as body mass index st and ard deviation scores , body fat mass , waist/hip ratio , ambulatory systolic blood pressure , fasting insulin , triglycerides , low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio , and low-degree inflammation ( C-reactive protein , fibrinogen ) . CONCLUSIONS The present study documented increased IMT , impaired endothelial function , and various elevated cardiovascular RF in young obese subjects . Regular exercise over 6 months restores endothelial function and improves carotid IMT associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile in obese children BACKGROUND asthma and obesity continue to have a significant effect on public health . It is widely accepted that obesity may be an independent risk factor for asthma and affect asthma severity and quality of life ( QOL ) . OBJECTIVE to examine the relationship between body mass index ( BMI [ calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared ] ) and asthma severity , spirometry findings , health care utilization ( HCU ) , and QOL . METHODS this 12-month prospect i ve r and omized controlled trial comparing disease management with traditional care enrolled 902 patients ( 473 pediatric and 429 adults ) representing an underserved population . Data collected at baseline and at 6-month intervals included demographics , asthma severity , medication use , spirometry findings , and HCU . The QOL was assessed using the pediatric and adult versions of the Asthma Quality of Life Question naire and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey .  All HCU was determined by means of patient interview and extensive medical record review . Data were analyzed using negative binomial regression and analysis of variance . RESULTS in children , 45 % were overweight/obese ( 17 % with BMI s > 85th percentile ; 28 % with BMI s ≥ 95th percentile ) . In adults , 58 % were obese ( BMI s ≥ 30 ) . There was no relationship in children between BMI and severity of asthma , spirometry findings , QOL , or HCU . In adults , there was no relationship between BMI and asthma severity or HCU . Higher BMI was associated with a significant reduction in QOL ( P < .001 ) . The BMI had an inverse relationship with forced vital capacity but with no other spirometric values . CONCLUSIONS obesity was not associated with worse asthma severity , spirometry findings , QOL , or HCU in children . In adults with asthma , obesity was associated with lower forced vital capacity and QOL but not with severity or HCU Background There is growing evidence of the impact of overweight and obesity on short- and long-term functioning , health and well-being . Internationally , childhood obesity rates continue to rise in some countries ( for example , Mexico , India , China and Canada ) , although there is emerging evidence of a slowing of this increase or a plateauing in some age groups . In most European countries , the United States and Australia , however , socioeconomic inequalities in relation to obesity and risk factors for obesity are widening . Addressing inequalities in obesity , therefore , has a very high profile on the public health and health services agendas . However , there is a lack of accessible policy-ready evidence on what works in terms of interventions to reduce inequalities in obesity . Methods and design This article describes the protocol for a National Health Service Trust ( NHS ) National Institute for Health Research -funded systematic review of public health interventions at the individual , community and societal levels which might reduce socioeconomic inequalities in relation to obesity amongst children ages 0 to 18 years . The studies will be selected only if ( 1 ) they included a primary outcome that is a proxy for body fatness and ( 2 ) examined differential effects with regard to socioeconomic status ( education , income , occupation , social class , deprivation and poverty ) or the intervention was targeted specifically at disadvantaged groups ( for example , children of the unemployed , lone parents , low income and so on ) or at people who live in deprived areas . A rigorous and inclusive international literature search will be conducted for r and omised and nonr and omised controlled trials , prospect i ve and retrospective cohort studies ( with and /or without control groups ) and prospect i ve repeat cross-sectional studies ( with and /or without control groups ) . The following electronic data bases will be search ed : MEDLINE , Embase , CINAHL , PsycINFO , Social Science Citation Index , ASSIA , IBSS , Sociological Abstract s and the NHS Economic Evaluation Data base . Data base search es will be supplemented with website and grey literature search es . No studies will be excluded on the basis of language , country of origin or publication date . Study inclusion , data extraction and quality appraisal will be conducted by two review ers . Meta- analysis and narrative synthesis will be conducted . The main analysis will examine the effects of ( 1 ) individual , ( 2 ) community and ( 3 ) societal level public health interventions on socioeconomic inequalities in childhood obesity . Interventions will be characterised by their level of action and their approach to tackling inequalities . Context ual information on how such public health interventions are organised , implemented and delivered will also be examined . Discussion In this review , we consider public health strategies which reduce and prevent inequalities in the prevalence of childhood obesity , highlight any gaps in the evidence base and seek to establish how such public health interventions are organised , implemented and delivered . PROSPERO registration number : Purpose The aims of this study are to compare self-reported sleep quality in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors and a population -based comparison group , to identify treatment-related factors associated with sleep disturbances , and to identify the impact of post-treatment obesity and depression on sleep scores in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors . Methods R and omly selected adult survivors of childhood brain tumors ( n = 78 ) and age- , sex- , and zip code-matched population -group members ( n = 78 ) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Brief Symptom Inventory .  Sleep quality and the effect of demographic , treatment , and post-treatment characteristics were evaluated with linear and logistic regression analyses . Results Brain tumor survivors were 2.7 ( 95 % CI , 1.1 , 6.5 ) times more likely than the comparison group to take greater than 30 min to fall asleep . Females in both groups reported worse sleep quality and impaired daytime functioning . Among survivors , post-treatment obesity was associated with daytime dysfunction . Conclusions These results agree with previous studies associating sleep , sex , and obesity and identified longer sleep latency as being a problem among childhood brain tumor survivors . Further study identifying factors contributing to sleep latency , and its impact on quality of life among adult survivors of childhood brain tumors is needed AIM The aim of this investigation was to assess the marginal adaptation of Super-EBA ( EBA ) and Pro Root MTA ( MTA ) root-end fillings and the occurrence of microcracks in resected root-ends of extracted teeth before and after occlusal loading for a five-year equivalent period in a computer-controlled masticator . METHODOLOGY Twenty-four molar teeth were root-filled using lateral condensation and their root-ends resected . Root-end cavities were prepared and either EBA or MTA root-end fillings were placed . All surgical procedures were completed in vitro under an operating microscope . Replicas taken of the root-end fillings and resected root-ends were examined using an SEM before and after they were subjected to in vitro chewing cycles in a computer-controlled chewing simulator for the equivalent of 5 years . Marginal adaptation and integrity of the two root-end filling material s were evaluated and the presence of microcracks recorded . RESULTS Before loading , a continuous margin was observed with 99.4 + /- 2.4 % of EBA and 99.2 + /- 1.6 % of MTA root-end fillings . After loading , the percentage of continuous margin decreased to 93.1 + /- 6.6 % and 98.9 + /- 3.2 % for EBA and MTA , respectively . After occlusal loading , 39.5 % of the EBA root-end fillings were overfilled , whilst 52.6 % of the MTA root-end fillings were underfilled . In total , 12.5 % of the resected root-end surfaces showed microcracking before loading and 25 % after occlusal loading . CONCLUSIONS Both EBA and MTA displayed excellent marginal adaptation before masticatory loading . After loading , the amount of continuous margin for both root-end filling material s decreased slightly but was still high BACKGROUND A polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter ( 5-HTTLPR ) gene SLC6A4 shows functionally important 44-bp insertion/deletion alleles : long ( L ) and short ( S ) . We have previously found that the S allele is a genetic risk factor for obesity in adolescents . OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the S/L variant of the SLC6A4 gene is associated with BMI as a continuous trait and also with obesity in a large sample of adult men of European ancestry included in a cross-sectional , population -based study . METHODS AND PROCEDURES The study group was composed of individuals who were r and omly recruited from a factory in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area and who underwent an annual health examination .  RESULTS We observed that among 1,329 unrelated subjects , aged 34.6 + /- 0.3 years , age-adjusted BMI values ( expressed as mean + /- s.e . ) for each genotype showed statistically significant differences across genotypic groups ( LL : 25.4 + /- 0.2 , LS : 26.0 + /- 0.1 and SS : 26.7 + /- 0.2 , P < 0.0002 ) . In addition , association tests showed that the 5-HTTLPR-genotype distribution was significantly different between 692 lean ( BMI < or = 25 kg/m2 ) and 637 obese ( BMI > or = 27 kg/m2 ) individuals . We found a 1.36 odds ratio ( OR ) ( 95 % CI 1.01 - 1.85 ) for obesity in SS carriers in comparison with LL carriers , P = 0.026 . DISCUSSION In conclusion , our findings indicate that 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be linked with BMI and also with  obesity and /or  overweight in adult male population , reinforcing the role of the serotonin transporter as a risk factor for the obesity phenotype and suggesting potential new avenues for its pharmacological treatment The association of various features of family life with  obesity in childhood is well established , but less is known about the effect of these influences on the risk of later obesity . In this prospect i ve , population -based study , we examined the influence of parental care in childhood on the risk of obesity in the offspring in young adulthood . In 1974 , 1258 pupils aged 9 - 10 years were r and omly selected from the third grade of Copenhagen schools . Information on 987 pupils was obtained from the form teachers on family structure and the perceived support from the parents ; school medical services reported on the child 's general hygiene . 756 ( 86 % ) of the 881 eligible participants were followed up 10 years later . The influence of family factors in childhood on the risk of obesity ( body-mass index > 95th centile ) in young adulthood was estimated by odds ratios with control for age and body-mass index in 1974 , sex , and social background . Family structure ( biological or other parents and number of siblings ) did not significantly affect the risk of adult obesity . Parental neglect greatly increased the risk in comparison with harmonious support ( odds ratio 7.1 [ 95 % CI 2.6 - 19.3 ] ) . Dirty and neglected children had a much greater risk of adult obesity than averagely groomed children ( 9.8 [ 3.5 - 28.2 ] ) . However , being an only child , receiving overprotective parental support , or being well-groomed had no effect . Parental neglect during childhood predicts a great risk of obesity in young adulthood , independent of age and body-mass index in childhood , sex , and social background Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness that is increasing in epidemic proportions worldwide . Major factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes include obesity and poor lifestyle habits ( e.g. , excess dietary intake and limited physical activity ) . Despite the proven efficacy of lifestyle interventions and the use of multiple pharmacological agents , the economic and public health burden of type 2 diabetes remains substantial .  Obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) is a treatable sleep disorder that is pervasive among overweight and obese adults , who represent about two thirds of the U.S. population today . An ever-growing number of studies have shown that OSA is associated with insulin resistance , glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes , independent of obesity . Evidence from animal and human models that mimic OSA provides potential mechanisms for how OSA may alter glucose metabolism . Up to 83 % of patients with type 2 diabetes suffer from unrecognized OSA and increasing severity of OSA is associated with worsening glucose control . However , it is still unclear whether OSA may lead to the development of diabetes over time . More data from large-scale longitudinal studies with rigorous assessment s of diabetes and OSA are needed . In addition , there is still controversy whether continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP ) treatment of OSA  improves glucose metabolism . Large-scale r and omized-controlled trials of CPAP treatment of OSA with well-vali date d assessment s of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance are needed . These studies may reveal that OSA represents a novel , modifiable risk factor for the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Conclusions Most studies revealed a positive association between mastication and obesity among adults .
Background A substantial number of adults suffer from obesity , that is caused by the risk factor , masticatory dysfunction .
The association between mastication and obesity , however , is inconclusive .
This systematic review aims to provide literature regarding the association between mastication and factors affecting masticatory function , and obesity in adults .