Method for converting measurement value of saliva, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To convert a measurement value using one of stimulus saliva and under-resting-condition saliva into a converted value when using the other of the stimulus saliva and the under-resting-condition saliva.SOLUTION: A method for converting a measurement value pertaining to saliva comprises acquiring, from a measurement value of a predetermined measurement item using one of stimulus saliva and under-resting-condition saliva collected from a subject, on the basis of a correlation obtained in advance between an index measurement value measured in advance for the predetermined measurement item using stimulus saliva and an index measurement value measured in advance for the predetermined measurement item using under-resting-condition saliva, a converted value obtained when using the other of stimulus saliva and under-resting-condition saliva collected from the subject. At least one predetermined measurement item is selected from tooth decay-causing bacteria and ammonia.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for converting a measurement value of saliva, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Knowing the risk or level of oral disease is important for preventing or treating oral disease. The risk of oral disease refers to, for example, the risk of dental caries, i.e., the degree to which the oral cavity is susceptible to caries, and the risk of periodontal disease, i.e., the degree to which the oral cavity is susceptible to periodontal disease. The level of oral disease refers to, for example, the risk of dental caries and the level of periodontal disease. The risk or level of oral disease is examined by using saliva collected from a subject as a test sample and measuring individual components or properties in the test sample that reflect the risk or level of oral disease.

[0003] A commonly used method for collecting saliva is to collect saliva that has been stored in the mouth for a certain period of time and then spat out (called resting saliva or unstimulated saliva). In addition, a commonly used method is to collect saliva secreted and spat out by chewing gum or the like (called stimulated saliva) in order to collect a large amount of saliva quickly and easily. Meanwhile, in recent years, a method has been developed in which mouthwash is placed in the mouth, the mouth is rinsed, and the saliva is spat out (called mouthwash exhaled saliva) to collect saliva more simply, and this method can be used for subjects who cannot chew gum or who have difficulty secreting saliva, and devices that use mouthwash exhaled saliva to measure individual components or properties are also known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 175673 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 090995 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a test is performed to know the risk or level of oral disease, one of the above-mentioned saliva collection methods has been performed. On the other hand, if the saliva collection method is different, even if the saliva is collected from the same subject, the amount of components (measurement items) in the test sample or the ratio between components may differ. Therefore, even if the measurement items are the same, the measurement results (measurement values) may differ. For this reason, in a saliva test, when the measurement items are measured multiple times on the same subject, it has been recommended to fix the saliva collection method so that it can be compared with past measurement results. However, depending on the saliva collection environment, it may be difficult to collect saliva using the same collection method every time. For example, there may be cases where there is no gum to obtain stimulated saliva or no mouthwash to obtain mouthwash, or there is no time to store saliva in the oral cavity for a certain period of time.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a conversion method, information processing device, and program capable of converting a measurement value using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva for a specified measurement item into an equivalent value using the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of extensive efforts, the inventors of the present application have discovered that for certain measurement items, there is a high correlation between measurements using stimulated saliva and measurements using resting saliva, leading to the invention described below.

[0008] [1] Based on a previously obtained correlation between an index measurement value of a measurement item measured using stimulated saliva and an index measurement value of the measurement item previously measured using resting saliva, a conversion value is obtained from the measurement value of the measurement item using one of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from a subject, when the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject is used; The measurement item is at least one selected from among dental caries bacteria and ammonia. A method for converting saliva-related measurements. [2] The method for converting as described in [1], wherein the measurement item is ammonia. [3] The conversion method described in [1], wherein the measurement value has a reaction system corresponding to the measurement item and is data indicating optical information of a test pad onto which either the stimulated saliva or the resting saliva has been applied. [4] An information processing device including a controller that executes the following operations: obtaining a conversion value from the measurement value of the measurement item using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from a subject, based on a previously obtained correlation between an index measurement value of the measurement item measured using stimulated saliva and an index measurement value of the measurement item previously measured using resting saliva, when the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject is used, and outputting the conversion value; wherein the measurement item is selected from at least one of dental caries bacteria and ammonia. [5] The information processing device described in [4], wherein the measurement value has a reaction system corresponding to the measurement item and is data showing optical information of a test pad onto which either the stimulated saliva or the resting saliva has been applied. [6] The information processing device according to [4] or [5], wherein the controller acquires the conversion value by executing a calculation procedure for determining the conversion value from the measurement value based on the correlation. [7] An information processing device according to [4] or [5], further comprising a storage device that stores information indicating the correlation, wherein the controller obtains the information indicating the correlation by reading the information indicating the correlation from the storage device. [8] An information processing device as described in [4] or [5], further comprising a communication interface for receiving information from an external device, wherein the controller acquires the information indicating the correlation by receiving the information indicating the correlation from the external device through the communication interface. [9] A program that causes a computer to obtain a conversion value from the measurement value of the measurement item using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from a subject, based on the correlation between an index measurement value of the measurement item measured in advance using stimulated saliva and an index measurement value of the measurement item measured in advance using resting saliva, and to output the conversion value, wherein the measurement item is at least one selected from among caries-causing bacteria and ammonia.

[0009] The above program is a computer program, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having the program recorded thereon may also be included in the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, for a measurement item, a measurement value using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva can be converted to a conversion value using the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva, thereby making it possible to estimate the measurement value of saliva collected by one collection method from the saliva collected by the other collection method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1A shows a strip of test paper with a test pad for each measurement item attached, and Figure 1B shows the components involved in the reaction system contained in the test pad for each measurement item. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of an inspection device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is acidity. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is dental caries bacteria. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is occult blood. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is protein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is white blood cells. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is ammonia. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <Saliva collection method> Saliva as a test sample (also called a specimen) collected from the oral cavity includes resting saliva, stimulated saliva, and mouthwash. Resting saliva is collected by spitting out saliva that has accumulated in the oral cavity for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes). Stimulated saliva is collected by, for example, chewing saliva-collecting gum for 5 minutes and spitting out saliva that has accumulated in the oral cavity. Mouthwash is collected by, for example, holding purified water in the mouth and spitting it out. For example, mouthwash is collected by holding 3 mL of purified water (mouthwash water) in the mouth and rinsing the mouth for 10 seconds, and then spitting out the resulting mouthwash. The volume of purified water and the time it is held in the mouth can be changed as needed. The obtained test sample can be used in subsequent operations without any special pretreatment, but additional operations such as dilution may be performed as needed. In the present application, stimulated saliva and resting saliva are used as test samples.

[0013] <Measurement items> Measurement items related to saliva include buffer capacity, acidity, caries bacteria, occult blood, protein, white blood cells, and ammonia. Details of the indicator prescription (measurement principle) for measuring the measured values ​​of these measurement items are as follows, as an example. In this application, at least one selected from among the above seven measurement items, caries bacteria, and ammonia, is adopted as the specified (measurement target) measurement item.

[0014] <Buffer capacity> The measured value of the buffer capacity of saliva is preferably measured using, for example, a pH indicator. The measurement principle is that the test sample is brought into contact with an absorbent carrier containing an acidic buffer and a pH indicator in advance, and the higher the acid buffer capacity of the indicator, the closer the indicated pH is to the original pH of saliva, and the lower the acid buffer capacity, the closer the indicated pH is to the acidic range than the original pH of saliva. The pH indicator may be a mixture of multiple reagents. For example, a composite reagent of bromocresol green and bromoxylenol blue can be used. For example, a non-volatile organic acid can be used as the acidic buffer. For example, non-volatile organic acids include citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, sulfosalicylic acid, sulfanilic acid, benzoic acid, and tricarballylic acid. Of these, tartaric acid is more preferable. For example, an inorganic acid such as metaphosphoric acid can be used as the acidic buffer. For example, the acidic buffer may be a buffer such as a mixture of potassium hydrogen phthalate and potassium phosphate. The concentration of the reagent can be appropriately set, and the reaction time can be appropriately set. In addition, the detection conditions for detecting the buffer capacity using a detection device such as the measuring device 20 described below can be set appropriately.

[0015] <Acidity> The measured value of the acidity of saliva is preferably measured, for example, by a pH indicator. Any known pH indicator can be used as the pH indicator, and it is preferable to use a pH indicator having a color change range in the range of pH 2 to 9, and more preferably to use a pH indicator having a color change range in the range of pH 3 to 8. For example, bromothymol blue sodium or a composite reagent of bromocresol green and bromoxylenol blue can be suitably used. The concentration of the pH indicator can be appropriately set, and the reaction time can be appropriately set. In addition, the detection conditions when detecting with a detection device such as the measuring device 20 described later can be appropriately set.

[0016] <Tooth decay bacteria> The measurement value of dental caries bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) is, for example, the number of dental caries bacteria. Dental caries bacteria can be measured, for example, by a method that utilizes the reduction reaction of resazurin or a method that uses an antibody against Streptococcus mutans. The method that utilizes the reduction reaction of resazurin is called the resazurin method. Resazurin is an oxidation-reduction indicator, and usually exists as resazurin (maximum absorption wavelength 605 nm), which is an oxidized blue pigment, but it is reduced by NADH produced by the metabolism of gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, and converted to resorufin, which is a reddish purple pigment (maximum absorption wavelength 573 nm). In other words, the reduction of resazurin progresses according to the number of live bacteria of Streptococcus mutans. In addition, it is preferable that the measurement reagent when using the resazurin method contains 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium methyl sulfate (methoxy PMS) in addition to resazurin. When methoxy PMS is contained, it is effective for measurement under short reaction conditions at room temperature compared to when it is not contained. The concentration of the reagent can be appropriately set, the reaction time can be appropriately set, and the detection conditions for detection by a detection device such as the measurement device 20 described below can be appropriately set.

[0017] <Occult Blood> Occult blood is blood in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. The measured value of occult blood is, for example, the amount or concentration of blood in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. It is known that occult blood is detected in saliva when gum tissue is destroyed due to periodontal disease, and occult blood is an item that reflects the degree of destruction of periodontal tissue. The greater the amount of occult blood (occult blood volume), the greater the degree of destruction of periodontal tissue and the more severe the stage of periodontal disease. The method for measuring the measured value of occult blood is not particularly limited and can be performed by a known method. For example, it is preferably performed by the hemoglobin contact activation method. The hemoglobin contact activation method utilizes the fact that blood components hemoglobin, myoglobin, or their decomposition products have the ability (peroxidase-like activity) to catalyze the transfer of oxygen from an oxygen donor such as peroxide to an oxygen acceptor. By using an indicator that changes color upon oxidation as the oxygen acceptor, the occult blood is measured through the measurement of the concentration of hemoglobin, etc. by measuring the color reaction. The concentration of the reagent can be appropriately set, the reaction time can be appropriately set, and the detection conditions for detection by a detection device such as the measurement device 20 described below can be appropriately set.

[0018] <Protein> The protein is a protein in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. The measured value of protein is, for example, the concentration of total protein in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. The greater the number of periodontal disease bacteria in the oral cavity, the higher the total protein concentration, so the total protein concentration is an item that reflects the number of periodontal disease bacteria. The higher the total protein concentration, the more severe the stage of periodontal disease tends to be. The method for measuring the measured value of protein is not particularly limited and can be performed by a known method. For example, it is preferably performed by the protein error method. The protein error method is a method in which a pH indicator is used to measure the amount of protein in the oral cavity. This method utilizes the fact that the pH of the solution is higher than the true pH of the solution in proportion to the concentration of the protein, and the protein can be quantified from the color of the indicator. The concentration of the reagent can be set appropriately, and the reaction time can be set appropriately. In addition, the detection conditions when detecting with a detection device such as the measurement device 20 described later can be set appropriately.

[0019] <White blood cells> The white blood cells are white blood cells in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. The measured value of white blood cells is, for example, the number of white blood cells (white blood cell count) in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. It is known that white blood cells gather at sites affected by periodontal disease (inflammation sites), and the white blood cell count is an item that reflects the degree of inflammation in periodontal tissue. The higher the white blood cell count, the higher the degree of inflammation in periodontal tissue and the more severe the stage of periodontal disease. The method for measuring the measured value of white blood cells is not particularly limited and can be performed by a known method. For example, it is preferable to perform the measurement by the white blood cell esterase method. The white blood cell esterase method utilizes the fact that when tissue is inflamed, the white blood cells increase, and the esterase production by the white blood cells also increases accordingly. This is a method for measuring esterase activity by using an ester compound as a substrate and directly coloring the alcohol (phenol) component generated by hydrolysis by esterase (white blood cell esterase) produced by white blood cells, or by coupling the alcohol (phenol) with a diazonium salt to color it. The white blood cells can be calculated based on the measured value of the esterase activity. The concentration of the reagent can be appropriately set, and the reaction time can be appropriately set. In addition, the detection conditions when detecting with a detection device such as the measuring device 20 described later can be appropriately set.

[0020] <Ammonia> Ammonia is ammonia in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. The measured value of ammonia is, for example, the concentration of ammonia (ammonia concentration) in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity. The more actively bacteria including periodontal disease bacteria grow in the oral cavity, the higher the ammonia concentration becomes, so ammonia is an item that reflects the number of bacteria in the oral cavity. The higher the ammonia concentration, the more severe the stage of periodontal disease tends to be. The method of measuring the measured value of ammonia is not particularly limited and can be performed by a known method. For example, it is preferably performed by the microdiffusion method (Conway method). The microdiffusion method is a method used for quantifying ammonia nitrogen, in which ammonia gas volatilized from a test sample made alkaline with an alkaline buffer is trapped in an absorption solution or the like, and the color of the indicator is quantified by a method such as colorimetry. As another method, the ammonia quantification method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7328739 can be applied. The ammonia quantification method is a method in which a glutamic acid synthetase reaction is carried out using an ammonia-containing sample such as saliva, and the amount of ammonia in the ammonia-containing sample is quantified based on the amount of ammonia consumed in the reaction, and a chelating agent is present in the glutamine synthetase reaction system. The type of chelating agent may be any type that can exhibit a chelating effect on calcium ions. Ammonia is consumed by the glutamine synthetase reaction, and the same amount (equimolar) of ADP and phosphate (orthophosphate) as ammonia is produced. Ammonia can be quantified by measuring the amount of ADP or phosphate produced or the amount of the product of the reaction using ADP or phosphate. The ammonia quantification reagent used in the quantification method may be any type that contains the above-mentioned chelating agent, glutamine synthetase, ATP, and glutamic acid. When the amount of ammonia is quantified based on the ADP or phosphate produced by the glutamine synthetase reaction, it is preferable that the ammonia quantification reagent contains a reagent for measuring the amount of ADP or phosphate. The concentration of the reagent can be set appropriately, and the reaction time can be set appropriately. In addition, the detection conditions when detecting using a detection device such as the measurement device 20 described below can be set appropriately.

[0021] <Correlation> In the present application, the above-mentioned measurement items are measured using stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject. It has been found that a measurement value measured using one of stimulated saliva and resting saliva collected from the same subject has a high correlation with a measurement value measured using the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the same subject. Based on this correlation, the present invention obtains a conversion value when the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject is used (i.e., converts the measurement value into a conversion value) from the measurement value of a predetermined measurement item measured using one of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject.

[0022] Here, correlation refers to a relationship in which two things or values ​​are involved, and indicates that when one increases or decreases, the other also tends to increase or decrease. Correlation can be shown, for example, using a simple regression equation (y=ax+b) based on a simple regression analysis using measured values ​​when stimulated saliva is used and measured values ​​when resting saliva is used. In the simple regression equation, x is the explanatory variable, y is the objective variable, a is the regression coefficient, and b is the intercept. The explanatory variable x indicates the measured value of either stimulated saliva or resting saliva, and the objective variable y indicates the measured value of the other, stimulated saliva or resting saliva.

[0023] In this specification, the measured values ​​of stimulated saliva or resting saliva obtained to derive (create) the correlation shown in the above-mentioned simple regression equation are referred to as index measured values. In other words, the measured values ​​of stimulated saliva or resting saliva measured to obtain the regression line in the above-mentioned simple regression equation correspond to index measured values. For example, the above-mentioned simple regression equation is used as a conversion equation. The measured value of one of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject is substituted into the simple regression equation as an explanatory variable x. The objective variable y is calculated by the substitution, and the calculated objective variable y is treated as the converted value of the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva.

[0024] The number of measurements of the index measurement value to obtain the correlation can be any number. The number of measurements of stimulated saliva to obtain the index measurement value and the number of measurements of resting saliva can be the same or different. Furthermore, as long as an increase or decrease in one is shown in association with an increase or decrease in the other, the correlation can be shown using something other than a simple regression equation.

[0025] The index measurement value of a measurement item may be a value indicating primary data used to calculate the measurement value of a specified measurement item. The primary data may have a reaction system corresponding to a specified measurement item, and may be data indicating optical information such as reflectance or transmittance of a test pad on which stimulated saliva or resting saliva is applied. The index measurement value may also be a value indicating the quantity of a specified measurement item calculated from the primary data using a calibration curve or an arithmetic formula. In other words, the index measurement value may be information that directly indicates a quantity indicating the measurement item, or information that indirectly indicates a quantity indicating a measurement item such as reflectance. The specimen provider for obtaining the index measurement value and the subject from whom the measurement value is obtained may be the same person or different people.

[0026] The measured value of the measurement item related to stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject may be a value indicating primary data used to calculate the measured value of a predetermined measurement item, similar to the index measured value. The primary data may have a reaction system corresponding to a predetermined measurement item, and may be data indicating optical information such as reflectance or transmittance of a test pad on which stimulated saliva or resting saliva is applied. The measured value may be a value indicating the quantity of a predetermined measurement item calculated from the primary data using a calibration curve or an arithmetic formula. In other words, the measured value may be information directly indicating a quantity indicating the measurement item, or information indirectly indicating a quantity indicating a measurement item such as reflectance.

[0027] Hereinafter, a method for converting a measurement value related to saliva and an information processing device used therein according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following examples are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the examples.

[0028] Figure 1A shows the indicators (components involved in the reaction system) used to measure the seven measurement items mentioned above. 1 shows an example of a strip-shaped test paper 31 to which test pads 31a to 31g impregnated with are attached. Test pad 31a is used to measure buffer capacity. Test pad 31b is used to measure acidity. Test pad 31c is used to measure caries bacteria. Test pad 31d is used to measure occult blood. Test pad 31e is used to measure protein. Test pad 31e is used to measure white blood cells. Test pad 31f is used to measure ammonia. FIG. 1B shows the components involved in the reaction system contained in the test pads 31a to 31g of each measurement item. When a test sample is applied to the test pads 31a to 31g of the strip-shaped test paper 31, the color changes due to the reaction principle related to each measurement item described above. The color is measured by the measurement device 20 (FIG. 2).

[0029] 2 shows a configuration example of the inspection device 30. The inspection device 30 includes an information processing device 10 and a measuring device 20. The information processing device 10 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer such as a personal computer (PC), a workstation, or a smart device (smartphone, tablet terminal). The information processing device 10 includes a processor 11 (corresponding to a control unit or controller), a storage device 15, an input device 12, a display (display device) 14, and a communication interface (communication IF) 16, which are connected to a bus B. The measuring device 20 and an output device 40 are electrically connected to the bus B of the information processing device 10 via an interface circuit (I / F).

[0030] The measuring device 20 measures the respective measurement values ​​of buffer capacity, acidity, dental caries bacteria, occult blood, protein, white blood cells, and ammonia as predetermined measurement items in a test sample obtained from the oral cavity of a subject. The measuring device 20 measures the color tone of the test pads 31a to 31g onto which the test sample has been applied by reflectometry, and calculates (detects) the reflectance. The measurement value of each measurement item is obtained from the reflectance. As the measuring device 20, for example, a measuring device "SillHa" capable of measuring six of the seven measurement items listed above excluding occult blood, or a measuring device "ST-4910" capable of measuring the seven items listed above (both manufactured by Arkray, Inc.) can be used. In addition, these measuring devices A strip-shaped test paper 31 capable of measuring each measurement item according to the device can be used. The measurement device 20 can be composed of one or more measurement devices capable of measuring one or more measurement items. In addition, the number of strip-shaped test papers and the number of test pads on each strip-shaped test paper are optional, so long as the measurement results of the specified measurement items can be obtained. However, the reflectance photometry is only one example of a method for measuring each measurement item, and a different measurement method may be used, and the measurement device 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. In addition, the measurement method may be appropriately set according to the prescription of the indicator for the measurement item (measurement principle).

[0031] The storage device 15 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The storage device 15 stores programs executed by the processor 11 and data used when executing the programs. The storage device 15 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage device 15 stores information The storage device 15 may be installed (fixedly arranged) in the processing device 10, or may be detachable (such as a USB memory) via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector or the like with the information processing device 10. As described later, the storage device 15 stores information indicating the correlation. For example, when the information indicating the correlation is a simple regression equation, the information indicating the simple regression equation can be stored as data. The information indicating the correlation can be stored in the form of a program that calculates a response variable y (converted value) by substituting an explanatory variable x (measured value), or in the form of reading a corresponding response variable y from a correspondence table in response to an input of the explanatory variable x. Alternatively, the information indicating the correlation can be stored in the form of a program that queries a communication partner (such as a server connected to the information processing device 10 via a network) about a response variable y corresponding to the input explanatory variable x, and receives the corresponding response variable y as a response to the query.

[0032] The input device 12 is a key, button, touch panel, etc., and is used for inputting data. The measured value of the measuring device 20 may be input (received) to the information processing device 10 via an interface as a data signal indicating the measurement result from the measuring device 20, or may be manually input using the input device 12. The display 14 displays data and information. The communication IF 16 can also be used to communicate with an external device, etc., and to obtain information indicating a correlation through communication with the external device. Data indicating the measured value may be obtained through wireless communication with the measuring device 20. The communication IF 16 may be installed (fixedly arranged) in the information processing device 10, or may be detachable via a USB connector, etc.

[0033] The processor 11, which is a controller, is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. Various processes are performed by executing the programs stored in the storage device 15. For example, the processor 11 can convert the measured value into a converted value based on the above-mentioned correlation by executing the programs. That is, a process can be performed to convert the measured value when resting saliva is used into a converted value when stimulated saliva is used based on the correlation. Also, a process can be performed to convert the measured value of the measurement item when stimulated saliva is used into a converted value when resting saliva is used based on the correlation.

[0034] Conversion from a measured value to a converted value can be performed, for example, by substituting the measured value, which is the explanatory variable x, into a simple regression equation (y=ax+b) showing the correlation, and calculating the objective variable y as a converted value, as described above. The storage device 15 can store a program including an algorithm (calculation procedure) for calculating a converted value using a conversion equation from a measured value. For example, when a measured value, which is the explanatory variable x, is acquired by inputting the measured value to the information processing device 10 or receiving the measured value by the information processing device 10, the processor 11 can calculate a converted value, which is the objective variable y, by executing a calculation procedure for calculating the objective variable y using the explanatory variable x and a regression coefficient a and an intercept b previously stored in the storage device 15 through execution of a program. Conversion from a measured value to a converted value can also be performed, for example, by storing a correspondence between the measured value (explanatory variable x) and the converted value (objective variable y) in advance in the storage device 15 using the correlation (simple regression equation) described above, and by the processor 11 reading out a converted value corresponding to the measured value from the storage device 15 when the measured value is acquired. The correspondence can be stored using various data structures, such as a correspondence table between measured values ​​and converted values, or a relational database. In addition, the conversion from a measured value to a converted value may be performed by the processor 11 requesting another device (communication partner) to provide a converted value or inquiring about the converted value when the measured value is acquired, and receiving (acquiring) the converted value transmitted in response to the request or inquiry. The output of the converted value may be displayed on the display 14, output from an output device such as a printer, or transmission of data or a signal indicating the converted value. In addition, in order to perform the above-mentioned conversion, the information processing device 10 may acquire information indicating the correlation by communication using the communication IF 16, and perform the above-mentioned conversion using the acquired information indicating the correlation.

[0035] Furthermore, the processor 11 can determine, for example, the stage of periodontal disease from the measured values ​​or converted values ​​of the measurement items, and generate information indicating the result of the periodontal disease stage determination. The generated information may be displayed on the display 14. Alternatively, the information may be printed by an output device 40 such as a printer. The information may also be transmitted to a communication partner using the communication IF 16 or the like. The processor 11 may be something other than a CPU (such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), etc.). Furthermore, the processing performed by processor 11 may be performed by a combination of multiple types of processors, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0036] <Example> Mouthwash, resting saliva, and stimulated saliva were collected from the oral cavity of the same subject according to the above-mentioned saliva collection method. That is, mouthwash was collected by holding 3 mL of purified water in the mouth and rinsing the mouth for 10 seconds, then spitting out the resulting mouthwash. Resting saliva was collected by spitting out saliva that had been in the mouth for 5 minutes, and stimulated saliva was collected by chewing saliva collection gum for 5 minutes and then spitting out saliva that had been in the mouth. The following experiment was performed to confirm whether there was a correlation between the measured values ​​of each measurement item (buffer capacity, acidity, caries bacteria, occult blood, protein, leukocytes, and ammonia) in the samples collected by these different collection methods, and to obtain a conversion formula for converting the measured values ​​of a specific measurement item measured using one collection method to the equivalent value when using the other collection method, for the collection methods for which a correlation was confirmed. The mouthwash was undiluted (i.e., undiluted), and the resting saliva and stimulated saliva were prepared by diluting the undiluted solution five-fold with purified water (distilled water).

[0037] The number of specimens (n=15) for measuring buffer capacity was 15, the number of specimens for measuring pH and mutans streptococci was 20, the number of specimens for measuring occult blood volume and total protein concentration was 12, the number of specimens for measuring leukocyte count was 17, and the number of specimens for measuring ammonia concentration was 8.

[0038] Strip test paper 31 (Figure 1) and measuring device 20 (SillHa, ST-4910 for occult blood) Using this, the buffer capacity, acidity, dental caries bacteria, occult blood, protein, white blood cells, and ammonia were measured for each sample. The strip-shaped test paper 31 has test pads 31a to 31g corresponding to each measurement item. The test pads 31a to 31g contain components involved in the reaction system corresponding to each measurement item (FIG. 1B), and the reflectance of the test pads 31a to 31g of the strip-shaped test paper 31, on which saliva as the test sample was spotted, was measured by the measuring device 20. The dental caries bacteria, white blood cells, and ammonia were measured once for each sample, and the buffer capacity, acidity, occult blood, and protein were measured twice for each sample, and the average values ​​of the measured values ​​were obtained. In other words, in this embodiment, for dental caries bacteria, white blood cells, and ammonia, the measurement value obtained from a single measurement corresponds to the index measurement value, and for buffer capacity, acidity, occult blood, and protein, the average value of the measurement value obtained from two measurements corresponds to the index measurement value for each specified measurement item.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a graph and a table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity. The graph on the left side of FIG. 3 plots the index measurement value (reflectance of test pad 31a) of buffer capacity for each of mouthwash and resting saliva, and further draws a regression line, showing the correlation between the index measurement value of mouthwash and the index measurement value of resting saliva. The vertical axis of the graph on the left side is the reflectance [%] of the test pad 31a on which resting saliva is applied, and the horizontal axis is the reflectance [%] of the test pad 31a on which mouthwash is applied. The central graph plots the index measurement values ​​of buffer capacity for each of mouthwash and stimulating saliva, showing the correlation between mouthwash and stimulating saliva. The vertical axis of the graph in the center is the reflectance [%] of the test pad 31a on which stimulating saliva is applied, and the horizontal axis is the reflectance [%] of the test pad 31a on which mouthwash is applied. The graph on the right plots the measured values ​​of the buffer capacity index for both resting saliva and stimulated saliva, and shows the correlation between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The vertical axis of the graph on the right represents the reflectance [%] of the test pad 31a to which stimulated saliva has been applied, and the horizontal axis represents the reflectance [%] of the test pad 31a to which resting saliva has been applied. Note that the vertical and horizontal axes may be reversed, that is, the explanatory variable x and the objective variable y of the simple regression equation showing the regression line may be reversed.

[0040] Here, the correlation between samples is said to be correlated when the correlation coefficient of the plot of the index measurement values ​​of each sample is 0.6 or more, and they can be converted into each other. Furthermore, when the correlation coefficient is 0.7 or more, it can be said that there is an even greater correlation, and the accuracy of conversion is high, and further, when the correlation coefficient is 0.8 or more, In this case, it can be said that there is an even greater correlation, and the accuracy when converting between them is very high. The correlation coefficient is not limited to a method of calculation based on the results of plotting the index measurement values ​​of each specimen, and any method can be used as long as it is a method of quantifying a known correlation. Depending on the measurement method and measurement principle, a correlation coefficient of less than 0.6 may be acceptable in some cases, but in this embodiment, a model (y=ax+b) with a correlation coefficient of 0.6 or more was adopted as a conversion formula between specimens. The same applies to items other than buffer capacity.

[0041] The table in FIG. 3 shows the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients were 0.77, 0.27, and 0.37, respectively. As a result, it was determined that there was a correlation only between the mouthwash and resting saliva with regard to buffer capacity. In addition, the model between the mouthwash and resting saliva was y=0.7118x+0.7695 (decision function R 2 = 0.4562) can be used as a conversion formula between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y).

[0042] 4 is a graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is acidity, and has the same format as the graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity described above. Each graph shows a plot of the pH index measurement value (reflectance of test pad 31b) and a regression line, showing the correlation between the index measurements of each sample.

[0043] The table in FIG. 4 shows the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients were 0.73, 0.54, and 0.41, respectively. As a result, it was determined that there was a correlation only between the mouthwash and resting saliva with regard to acidity. In addition, the model between the mouthwash and resting saliva was y=0.6866x+21.105 (decision function R 2 = 0.5305) can be used as a conversion formula between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y).

[0044] 5 is a graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is dental caries bacteria, and has the same format as the graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity described above. Each graph shows a plot of the index measurement value of dental caries bacteria (reflectance of test pad 31c) and a regression line, and shows the correlation between the index measurement values ​​of each sample.

[0045] The table in Figure 5 shows the correlation coefficient between mouthrinse and resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between mouthrinse and stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients were 0.68, 0.66, and 0.74, respectively. As a result, it was determined that there was a correlation between all samples for caries-causing bacteria. In addition, the model between mouthrinse and resting saliva was y = 0.7118x + 0.7695 (decision function R 2 =0.4562) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y). In addition, the model between mouthwash and stimulated saliva, y=0.6211x+1.2692 (decision function R 2 =0.4364) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and stimulated saliva (y). Furthermore, the model between resting saliva and stimulated saliva, y=0.6634x+1.4974 (decision function R 2 = 0.5528) can be used as the conversion equation between resting saliva (x) and stimulated saliva (y).

[0046] 6 is a graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is occult blood, and has the same format as the graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity described above. Each graph shows a plot of the occult blood indicator measurement value (reflectance of test pad 31d) and a regression line, showing the correlation between the indicator measurements of each sample.

[0047] The table in FIG. 6 shows the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and the resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and the stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between the resting saliva and the stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients are 0.7 and 0.8, respectively. 4, 0.61, and 0.19. Regarding occult blood, it was determined that there was a correlation between the mouthwash and the saliva at rest, and between the mouthwash and the saliva at rest. In addition, the model between the mouthwash and the saliva at rest, y = 1.1852x + 6.5379 (decision function R 2 =0.55472) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y). In addition, the model between mouthwash and stimulated saliva was y=0.7237x+22.749 (decision function R 2= 0.3669) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and stimulated saliva (y).

[0048] 7 is a graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is protein, and has the same format as the graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity described above. Each graph shows a plot of the occult blood indicator measurement value (reflectance of test pad 31e) and a regression line, showing the correlation between the indicator measurements of each sample.

[0049] The table in FIG. 7 shows the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients were 0.83, 0.27, and 0.24, respectively. With regard to protein, it was determined that there was a correlation only between the mouthwash and resting saliva. In addition, the model between the mouthwash and resting saliva was y=1.2272x+18.351 (decision function R 2 = 0.5872) can be used as a conversion formula between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y).

[0050] 8 is a graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is white blood cells, and has the same format as the graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity described above. Each graph shows a plot of the white blood cell index measurement value (reflectance of test pad 31f) and a regression line, and shows the correlation between the index measurements of each sample.

[0051] The table in FIG. 8 shows the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients were 0.79, 0.93, and 0.58, respectively. With regard to white blood cells, it was determined that there was a correlation between the mouthwash and resting saliva, and between the mouthwash and stimulated saliva. In addition, the model between the mouthwash and resting saliva was y=1.2594x+1.0453 (decision function R 2= 0.6317) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y). In addition, the model between mouthwash and stimulated saliva was y = 0.8776x + 14.429 (decision function R 2 = 0.8586) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and stimulated saliva (y).

[0052] 9 is a graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is ammonia, and has the same format as the graph and table showing the correlation between samples when the measurement item is buffer capacity described above. Each graph shows a plot of the ammonia index measurement value (reflectance of test pad 31g) and a regression line, and shows the correlation between the index measurements of each sample.

[0053] The table in FIG. 9 shows the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and resting saliva, the correlation coefficient between the mouthwash and stimulated saliva, and the correlation coefficient between resting saliva and stimulated saliva. The correlation coefficients were 0.83, 0.59, and 0.73, respectively. With regard to ammonia, it was determined that there was a correlation between the mouthwash and resting saliva, and between the mouthwash and resting saliva. In addition, the model between the mouthwash and resting saliva was y=0.9156x+5.9977 (decision function R 2 = 0.6812) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and resting saliva (y). In addition, the model between resting saliva and stimulated saliva was y = 0.3189x + 27.477 (decision function R 2 = 0.5326) can be used as a conversion equation between mouthwash (x) and stimulated saliva (y).

[0054] From the above, it was found that conversion is possible for at least one of caries bacteria and ammonia, where the correlation coefficient of the plot of index measurement values ​​between stimulated saliva and resting saliva is 0.6 or higher. It was also found that for ammonia, where the correlation coefficient is 0.7 or higher, the conversion can be said to be highly accurate. A program is installed in the storage device 15 of the information processing device 10 that can convert the measurement value (reflectance) of at least one of caries bacteria and ammonia measured using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva into a conversion value when the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva is used.

[0055] <Inspection equipment measurement> Next, a description will be given of a measurement method using the strip-shaped test paper 31 and the inspection device 30. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the information processing device 10. The processing in each step in Fig. 10 is performed by the processor 11, which is a controller.

[0056] (1) Information on a subject (such as a patient) is input to information processing device 10 using input device 12, and is stored in storage device 15 (S01 in FIG. 10). (2) Saliva samples are collected from the subjects using one of the following methods: collecting mouthwash, collecting resting saliva, or collecting stimulated saliva. (3) The specimen to be used for the measurement is prepared according to the method of collection of the saliva used. Specifically, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the collected specimen is resting saliva or stimulated saliva, the specimen is diluted 5 times with purified water. (4) A sample is applied to the test pads 31a to 31g (FIG. 1) of the strip-shaped test paper 31 for each measurement item. (5) After application of the spot, the strip-shaped test paper 31 is placed in the measuring device 20. (6) The measuring device 20 measures the specified measurement items (in this embodiment, buffer capacity, acidity, caries bacteria, occult blood, protein, white blood cells, and ammonia) and obtains the respective measurement values.

[0057] (7) A signal indicating each measurement value is sent from the measuring device 20 to the information processing device 10, and data indicating each measurement value is stored in the storage device 15 (S02 in FIG. 10). (8) Using the input device 12 or the like, information indicating the saliva collection method (referred to as method A) performed in (2) above is input to the information processing device 10 (S03 in FIG. 10).

[0058] (9) Information designating a saliva collection method (referred to as Method B) different from Method A and information designating the measurement items desired to be converted into measurement values ​​by Method B are input (S04 in FIG. 10). Note that the order in which Method A, Method B, and the measurement method are input is arbitrary, and they can be input at any timing in steps (1) to (8).

[0059] (10) When a conversion trigger occurs in the information processing device 10 (for example, input of an instruction to perform conversion, confirmation of input of method B and measurement item, etc.), the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 executes a program to convert the measured value related to method A into a converted value related to method B (S05 in FIG. 10). As an example, the processor 11 calculates the converted value from the measured value by performing a calculation according to a calculation procedure for calculating the converted value from the measured value of the measurement item.

[0060] (11) The converted value is output (S06 in FIG. 10). The converted value may be displayed on the display 14 under the control of the processor 11, or may be printed by the output device 40. If there are any measured values ​​that were not subject to conversion, those measured values ​​may be displayed or printed together with the converted value. Also, the measured values ​​before conversion may be displayed together with the converted value. Also, the conversion formula may be displayed or printed together with the converted value.

[0061] (12) As other processing (S07 in FIG. 10), the processor of the information processing device 10 uses the measured values ​​and the converted values ​​to obtain information related to the stage of periodontal disease, caries risk, periodontal disease risk, etc. The result of the periodontal disease stage determination can be displayed on the display 14 or printed by the output device 40. In this way, a test for finding out the risk or level of oral disease is provided.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 acquires the reflectance, which is the primary data of the measurement item measured by the measurement device 20, as a measured value, and the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 converts the measured value (reflectance) into a converted value (reflectance). However, the information processing device may acquire a value indicating the quantity of the measurement item calculated from the reflectance as a measured value from the measurement device 20 instead of the reflectance, and convert the measured value into the converted value using a conversion formula based on the value indicating the quantity.

[0063] According to the information processing device of the embodiment, for at least one of the seven measurement items, caries bacteria and ammonia, the measurement value using the sample collected by method A (either stimulated saliva or resting saliva) can be converted to the equivalent value when collected by method B (the other of stimulated saliva or resting saliva). As a result, for example, when performing multiple measurements using resting saliva, even if a certain time for obtaining resting saliva cannot be secured for a certain number of measurements, the measurement value can be converted to the equivalent value to obtain a value using resting saliva. The same is true when performing multiple measurements using stimulated saliva and performing a measurement using resting saliva one or more times. In other words, even if the measurement values ​​using stimulated saliva and the measurement values ​​using resting saliva are mixed, these results can be treated as the results using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva. In other words, it is possible to estimate the measurement value of saliva collected by one collection method from the measurement value of saliva collected by the other collection method. This makes it possible to perform various types of assessments (e.g., assessments related to caries risk and periodontal disease risk) with high accuracy using the measurement results of saliva collected by different collection methods as a test for knowing the risk or level of oral disease. The configurations described in the embodiments can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 information processing device, 11 processor, 15 storage device, 20 measuring device, 30 inspection device, 40 output device

Claims

1. and obtaining a conversion value for the measurement item using one of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from the subject based on a previously obtained correlation between an index measurement value for the measurement item previously measured using stimulated saliva and an index measurement value for the measurement item previously measured using resting saliva, The measurement item is at least one selected from among dental caries bacteria and ammonia. A method for converting saliva-related measurements.

2. The measurement item is ammonia. The method of claim 1 .

3. The measured value has a reaction system corresponding to the measurement item, and is data showing optical information of a test pad on which one of the stimulated saliva or the resting saliva is applied. The method of claim 1 .

4. a controller that acquires a conversion value for a measurement item using one of stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from a subject based on a previously obtained correlation between an index measurement value for the measurement item previously measured using stimulated saliva and an index measurement value for the measurement item previously measured using resting saliva, and outputs the conversion value; The measurement item is at least one selected from among dental caries bacteria and ammonia. Information processing device.

5. The measured value has a reaction system corresponding to the measurement item, and is data showing optical information of a test pad on which one of the stimulated saliva or the resting saliva is applied. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The controller obtains the converted value by executing a calculation procedure for determining the converted value from the measured value based on the correlation.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The method further includes a storage device that stores information indicating the correlation, The controller obtains the information indicating the correlation by reading the information indicating the correlation from the storage device.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5.

8. The device further includes a communication interface for receiving information from an external device; The controller receives the information indicating the correlation from the external device through the communication interface, thereby acquiring the information indicating the correlation.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5.

9. A program that causes a computer to obtain a conversion value from the measurement value of a measurement item using either stimulated saliva or resting saliva collected from a subject, based on a correlation between an index measurement value of the measurement item measured in advance using stimulated saliva and an index measurement value of the measurement item measured in advance using resting saliva, and to output the conversion value, wherein the measurement item is at least one selected from among dental caries bacteria and ammonia.

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