Therapeutic approach to emotional reactions accompanied with thermal skin injury - from basic to epidemiological research.

In this editorial, we discuss the status of a therapeutic approach to emotional reactions accompanying thermal skin injuries. Burns are considered a major health problem, as well as an economic and social problem, with potentially devastating and life-changing consequences. They affect a wide range of patients with different damage mechanisms, varied depths, and localizations of the burns. The most common are thermal burns, with more than 11 million occurrences annually according to the World Health Organization data. Thermal skin injuries are among the most tragic and catastrophic injuries, almost unsurpassed in terms of severity, morbidity, and mortality, as well as functional, aesthetic, social, economic, and psychological consequences. Burn survivors face stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body deformity, social isolation, unemployment, financial burden, and family problems. The advances in acute burn care have allowed researchers and physicians to pay more attention to other effects of burns, focusing on psychological consequences in particular. Apart from the significant improvements in routine protocols, it seems useful to take care of psychological disturbances that occur simultaneously but may emerge as the most lasting outcome of those injuries. In that sense, various standards and additional approaches may be involved to achieve overall recovery.

Complex Hippocampal Response to Thermal Skin Injury and Protocols with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Filipendula ulmaria Extract in Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations of the hippocampal function that may be related to anxiogenic response to thermal skin injury, including the morpho-functional alterations, and the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Filipendula ulmaria (FU) extract in the treatment of anxiety-like behavior that coincides with thermal skin injury. A rat thermal skin injury experimental model was performed on 2-month-old male Wistar albino rats. The evaluated therapeutic protocols included HBO and/or antioxidant supplementation. HBO was applied for 7 days in the hyperbaric chamber (100% O2, 2.5 ATA, 60 min). Oral administration of FU extract (final concentration of 100 mg/kg b.w.) to achieve antioxidant supplementation was also applied for 7 days. Anxiety level was estimated in the open field and elevated plus-maze test, which was followed by anesthesia, sacrifice, and collection of hippocampal tissue samples. HBO treatment and FU supplementation significantly abolished anxiogenic response to thermal skin injury. This beneficial effect was accompanied by the reduction in hippocampal pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic indicators, and enhanced BDNF and GABA-ARα2S gene expression, previously observed in untreated burns. The hippocampal relative gene expression of melatonin receptors and NPY positively responded to the applied protocols, in the same manner as µ and δ opioid receptors, while the opposite response was observed for κ receptors. The results of this study provide some confirmations that adjuvant strategies, such as HBO and antioxidant supplementation, may be simultaneously applied in the treatment of the anxiety-like behavior that coincides with thermal skin injury.

Simultaneous Administration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Antioxidant Supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria Extract in the Treatment of Thermal Skin Injuries Alters Nociceptive Signalling and Wound Healing.

Background and Objectives: Thermal skin injuries are a prevalent cause of skin damage, potentially leading to severe morbidity and significant mortality. In this study, we intended to estimate the effects of HBO (hyperbaric oxygen treatment) and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract, individually and simultaneously, in the treatment of thermal skin injuries. Materials and Methods: As a thermal skin injury experimental model, we used two-month-old male Wistar albino rats. Thermal injuries were made with a solid aluminium bar at a constant temperature of 75 °C for 15 s. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was performed in a specially constructed hyperbaric chamber for rats (HYB-C 300) for seven consecutive days (100% O2 at 2.5 ATA for 60 min). Antioxidant supplementation was performed with oral administration of Filipendula ulmaria extract dissolved in tap water to reach a final concentration of 100 mg/kg b.w. for seven consecutive days. Results: Simultaneous administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and histopathological characteristics of the wound area and healing. Also, this therapeutic approach decreased the local expression of genes for proinflammatory mediators and increased the expression of the µ-opioid receptor and the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the wound area and spinal cord, with a consequent increase in reaction times in behavioural testing. Conclusions: In conclusion, the presented results of our study allow evidence for the advantages of the simultaneous employment of HBO and antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of thermal skin injuries, with special reference to the attenuation of painful sensations accompanied by this type of trauma.

Scaling up human mesenchymal stem cell manufacturing using bioreactors for clinical uses.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells and an attractive therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine and intensive clinical research. Despite the great potential, the limitation that needs to be overcome is the necessity of ex vivo expansion because of insufficient number of hMSCs presented within adult organs and the high doses required for a transplantation. As a result, numerous research studies aim to provide novel expansion methods in order to achieve appropriate numbers of cells with preserved therapeutic quality. Bioreactor-based cell expansion provide high-level production of hMSCs in accordance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) and quality standards. This review summarizes current knowledge about the hMSCs manufacturing platforms with a main focus to the application of bioreactors for large-scale production of GMP-grade hMSCs.

Oral Health and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Oral disorders, frequently observed in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, can profoundly affect patients' daily lives and well-being, as oral health represents a fundamental part of general health. Saliva plays an essential part in maintaining and protecting oral health, so the decrease in its quantity and quality leads to chronic oral discomfort alongside a broad spectrum of problems. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the oral health of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and establish its effect on the different domains of their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Materials and Methods: The research was designed as an observational case-control study with prospective data collection. Eighty patients, divided into two groups based on their oral status, participated in the study. All subjects underwent a complete oral examination. The OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results: The most prevalent oral manifestation was exfoliative cheilitis, while 30% of subjects complained of chewing and swallowing difficulties. The OHIP-14 summary score was significantly higher in the patients with oral lesions (26.0 (5.0) vs. 17.0 (4.0), respectively; p < 0.001). Oral manifestations, systemic involvement, medication, and periodontal indexes were significantly associated with OHIP-14 scores. Conclusions: Patients with oral alterations had a substantially decreased OHRQoL. These findings emphasize the importance of oral diseases for patients' well-being. Therefore, it is essential for dentists to be included in the multidisciplinary teams managing primary Sjögren's syndrome, as improving patients' oral status would lead to better oral health and enhanced OHRQoL.

Effects of Combined Allogenic Adipose Stem Cells and Hyperbaric Oxygenation Treatment on Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis in Knee Joint Induced by Monoiodoacetate.

The beneficial effects of HBO in inflammatory processes make it an attractive type of treatment for chronic arthritis. In addition, the effects of combination therapy based on adipose stem cells and HBO on OA progression have not been fully investigated. The current study explored the efficacy of intra-articular injection of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) combined with hyperbaric oxygenation treatment (HBO) in a rat osteoarthritis (OA) model. The rat OA model was induced by intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetate (MIA) and 7 days after application of MIA rats were divided into five groups: healthy control (CTRL), osteoarthritis (OA), ADMSCs (ADS), the HBO+ADS21day and HBO+ADS28day groups. A single dose of 1 × 106 allogeneic ADMSCs suspended in sterile saline was injected into the knee joint alone or in combination with HBO treatment. Rats were sacrificed at 3 or 4 weeks after MIA injection. Treatment outcomes were evaluated by radiographic, morphological and histological analysis and by specific staining of articular cartilage. We also measured the level of inflammatory and pro/antioxidative markers. We confirmed that combined treatment of ADMSCs and HBO significantly improved the regeneration of cartilage in the knee joint. Rtg score of knee joint damage was significantly decreased in the HBO+ADS21day and HBO+ADS28day groups compared to the OA. However, the positive effect in the HBO+ADS28day group was greater than the HBO+ADS21day group. The articular cartilage was relatively normal in the HBO+ADS28day group, but moderate degeneration was observed in the HBO+ADS21day compared to the OA group. These findings are in line with the histopathological results. A significantly lower level of O2-. was observed in the HBO+ADS28day group but a higher NO level compared to the HBO+ADS21day group. Moreover, in the HBO+ADS28day group significantly higher concentrations of IL-10 were observed but there was no significant difference in proinflammatory cytokine in serum samples. These results indicate that a single intra-articular injection of allogeneic ADMSCs combined with HBO efficiently attenuated OA progression after 28 days with greater therapeutic effect compared to alone ADMSCs or after 3 weeks of combined treatment. Combined treatment might be an effective treatment for OA in humans.

Criteria for the Classification of the Interradicular Septum Shape in Maxillary Molars with Clinical Importance for Prosthetic-Driven Immediate Implant Placement.

The aim of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the morphometric properties of the interradicular septum (IRS) in the maxillary molar region that may be indicative for prosthetic-driven implant placement. Following the repetitive algorithm based on the visual identification of IRS shapes, we described the following IRS shapes: arrow, boat, drop, and palatal and buccal convergence. The incidence of IRS shapes showed significant differences for the first and second maxillary molars (the highest frequency for the arrow shape, and the lowest for the drop shape) with no significant difference between the molars. The most prominent width indicative for implant placement was observed in the palatal convergence shape, whereas the height criteria were the most satisfying in the buccal convergence-shaped IRS for both molars. Apart from the parameters in the coronal view, the image analysis in the axial view revealed that IRS surface area, required for the implant placement, was the most prominent in the palatal convergence shape for the first, and boat shape for the second molars. Our results showed the benefits of CBCT diagnostics in posterior maxilla morphometric analysis. IRS shape classification may be helpful in achieving more rapid and accurate planning for interventions in this region.

Assessment of Maxillary Molars Interradicular Septum Morphological Characteristics as Criteria for Ideal Immediate Implant Placement-The Advantages of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interradicular septum bone morphometric characteristics using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to establish quantitative shortcuts to allow clinicians to make a faster and more reliable plan for immediate implant placement in the maxillary molars area. This retrospective quantitative study was conducted on CBCT images obtained from 100 patients. The morphometric analysis of the maxillary molars region was based on the parameters obtained on the sagittal and axial slices. The analysis performed on sagittal slices showed that the first maxillary molars had a wider interradicular septum when compared to the second molars, but the septum height in the first molars was significantly below the height in the second maxillary molars. The axial CBCT slices analysis showed that both interradicular septum perimeter and surface area were significantly more pronounced in the first than in the second maxillary molars. The interradicular furcation angle significantly correlated with the surface area (positively) and septum height (negatively) for both molars. The results of this study may recommend CBCT image analysis as a useful tool in predefining the circumstances that can allow for substantially better planning of immediate implant placement procedures in the region of maxillary molars.

Orally administered fluorescent nanosized polystyrene particles affect cell viability, hormonal and inflammatory profile, and behavior in treated mice.

Commercially manufactured or generated through environmental degradation, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) considerably contribute to environmental pollution. There is a knowledge gap in how exposure to MPs/NPs changes cellular function and affects animal and human health. Here, we demonstrate that after oral uptake, fluorescent polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles pass through the mouse digestive system, accumulate and aggregate in different organs, and induce functional changes in cells and organs. Using cochlear explant as a novel in vitro system, we confirmed the consequences of PS-MP/NP interaction with inner ear cells by detecting aggregates and hetero-aggregates of PS particles in hair cells. The testes of treated males accumulated MPs/NPs in the interstitial compartment surrounding the seminiferous tubules, which was associated with a statistically significant decrease in testosterone levels. Male mice showed increased secretion of interleukins (IL-12p35 and IL-23) by splenocytes while cyto- and genotoxicity tests indicated impaired cell viability and increased DNA damage in spleen tissue. Males also showed a broad range of anxiogenic responses to PS nanoparticles while hippocampal samples from treated females showed an increased expression of Bax and Nlrp3 genes, indicating a pro-apoptotic/proinflammatory effect of PS treatment. Taken together, induced PS effects are also gender-dependent, and therefore, strongly motivate future research to mitigate the deleterious effects of nanosized plastic particles.

Comparison of Hydroxyapatite/Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and Hydroxyapatite/Polyethyleneimine Composite Scaffolds in Bone Regeneration of Swine Mandibular Critical Size Defects: In Vivo Study.

Reconstruction of jaw bone defects present a significant problem because of specific aesthetic and functional requirements. Although widely used, the transplantation of standard autograft and allograft materials is still associated with significant constraints. Composite scaffolds, combining advantages of biodegradable polymers with bioceramics, have potential to overcome limitations of standard grafts. Polyethyleneimine could be an interesting novel biocompatible polymer for scaffold construction due to its biocompatibility and chemical structure. To date, there have been no in vivo studies assessing biological properties of hydroxyapatite bioceramics scaffold modified with polyethyleneimine. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo effects of composite scaffolds of hydroxyapatite ceramics and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and novel polyethyleneimine on bone repair in swine's mandibular defects, and to compare them to conventional bone allograft (BioOss). Scaffolds were prepared using the method of polymer foam template in three steps. Pigs, 3 months old, were used and defects were made in the canine, premolar, and molar area of their mandibles. Four months following the surgical procedure, the bone was analyzed using radiological, histological, and gene expression techniques. Hydroxyapatite ceramics/polyethyleneimine composite scaffold demonstrated improved biological behavior compared to conventional allograft in treatment of swine's mandibular defects, in terms of bone density and bone tissue histological characteristics.

Periapical lesions in two inbred strains of rats differing in immunological reactivity.

AIM: To investigate the influence of strain differences in immune responses on the pathogenesis of experimental periapical lesions in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) inbred strains of rats. METHODOLOGY: Periapical lesions were induced in male DA and AO rats by pulp exposure of the first mandibular right molars to the oral environment. Animals were killed 21 days after pulp exposure. The mandibular jaws were retrieved and prepared for radiographic, pathohistological, immunohistochemical analysis, real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Blood samples and the supernatant of periapical lesions were collected for measurement of cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U non-parametric tests or parametric One-Way anova and Independent Samples T-test to determine the differences between groups depending on the normality of the data. A significant difference was considered when p values were <.05. RESULTS: DA rats developed significantly larger (p < .05) periapical lesions compared to AO rats as confirmed by radiographic and pathohistological analysis. The immunohistochemical staining intensity for CD3 was significantly greater in periapical lesions of DA rats compared to AO rats (p < .05). In DA rats, periapical lesions had a significantly higher (p < .05) percentage of CD3+ cells compared to AO rats. Also, the percentage of INF-γ, IL-17 and IL-10 CD3+CD4+ cells was significantly higher in DA rats (p < .05). DA rats had a significantly higher Th17/Th10 ratio. RT-PCR expression of IL-1ß, INF-γ and IL-17 genes was significantly higher in periapical lesions of DA compared to AO rats (p < .05). The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio was higher in DA compared to AO rats with periapical lesions (p < .05). Systemic levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in DA compared to AO rats (p < .05). Levels of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduced glutathione were significantly higher (p < .05) in the supernatant in the periapical lesions of DA rats. CONCLUSION: After pulp exposure, DA rats developed much larger periapical lesions compared to AO rats. Genetically determined differences in immunopathology have been demonstrated to be a significant element defining the severity of periapical lesions.

The Shape of Nasopalatine Canal as a Determining Factor in Therapeutic Approach for Orthodontic Teeth Movement-A CBCT Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) shape and its morphometric characteristics on expected teeth movement by assessing the distance to maxillary central incisors (MCIs) according to NPC type. The retrospective study was performed on 133 CBCT images. The following parameters were obtained: the antero-posterior diameter (A-P) of the nasal foramen (NF), canal length, A-P and mediolateral diameter (M-L) of the incisive foramen (IF), and the distance between NPC and MCIs. With the exception of being hourglass-shaped, each NPC shape showed specific impacts of NPC shape on the relationship between NPC diameters at different sections and distances to MCIs. In banana-shaped NPC, a significant correlation was observed for A-P NF diameter, while in cylindrical-shaped NPC, a significant correlation was observed for NPC length. The increase in M-L IF, A-P IF, A-P NF, and NPC length in funnel-shaped NPC may be a risk factor for interventions that could result in teeth movement. According to the results, it seems that the proposed methodological approach for analysis of CBCT slices in the anterior maxilla may offer detailed information that could be an additional tool in planning the procedures that result in expected teeth movement.

Transgenic Overexpression of Galectin-3 in Pancreatic ß Cells Attenuates Hyperglycemia in Mice: Synergistic Antidiabetic Effect With Exogenous IL-33.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has diverse roles in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. There is evidence that Gal-3 plays a role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While the role of Gal-3 expression in immune cells invading the pancreatic islets in the experimental model of type 1 diabetes mellitus has been already studied, the importance of the overexpression of Gal-3 in the target ß cells is not defined. Therefore, we used multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ)-induced diabetes in C57Bl/6 mice to analyze the effect of transgenic (TG) overexpression of Gal-3 in ß cells. Our results demonstrated that the overexpression of Gal-3 protected ß cells from apoptosis and attenuated MLD-STZ-induced hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and ketonuria. The cellular analysis of pancreata and draining lymph nodes showed that Gal-3 overexpression significantly decreased the number of pro-inflammatory cells without affecting the presence of T-regulatory cells. As the application of exogenous interleukin 33 (IL-33) given from the beginning of MLD-STZ diabetes induction attenuates the development of disease, by increasing the presence of regulatory FoxP3+ ST2+ cells, we evaluated the potential synergistic effect of the exogenous IL-33 and TG overexpression of Gal-3 in ß cells at the later stage of diabetogenesis. The addition of IL-33 potentiated the survival of ß cells and attenuated diabetes even when administered later, after the onset of hyperglycemia (12-18 days), suggesting that protection from apoptosis and immunoregulation by IL-33 may attenuate type 1 diabetes.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell: A Friend or Foe in Anti-Tumor Immunity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, multipotent stem cells that regulate the phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in anti-tumor immunity. MSCs modulate the antigen-presenting properties of dendritic cells, affect chemokine and cytokine production in macrophages and CD4+ T helper cells, alter the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and regulate the generation and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T regulatory cells. As plastic cells, MSCs adopt their phenotype and function according to the cytokine profile of neighboring tumor-infiltrated immune cells. Depending on the tumor microenvironment to which they are exposed, MSCs may obtain pro- and anti-tumorigenic phenotypes and may enhance or suppress tumor growth. Due to their tumor-homing properties, MSCs and their exosomes may be used as vehicles for delivering anti-tumorigenic agents in tumor cells, attenuating their viability and invasive characteristics. Since many factors affect the phenotype and function of MSCs in the tumor microenvironment, a better understanding of signaling pathways that regulate the cross-talk between MSCs, immune cells and tumor cells will pave the way for the clinical use of MSCs in cancer immunotherapy. In this review article, we summarize current knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are responsible for the MSC-dependent modulation of the anti-tumor immune response and we discuss different insights regarding therapeutic potential of MSCs in the therapy of malignant diseases.

Alteration of Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers alterations in the rat prefrontal cortex influence behavioral response induced by cisplatin and N-acetylcysteine in the tail suspension test.

Cisplatin therapy is often accompanied by neurotoxicity manifestation, and since the prefrontal cortex is strongly involved in emotion regulation, the aim of this study was to analyze the alterations in the oxidative and apoptotic status of this brain region, with its behavioral impact in rats, following cisplatin administration, with or without N-acetylcysteine supplementation. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups: control, cisplatin group (single dose of 7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), on the fifth day), N-acetylcysteine group (500 mg/kg i.p., on the first and the fifth day), cisplatin + N-acetylcysteine group. Behavioral testing was performed in the tail suspension test. Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers were determined in the prefrontal cortex tissue samples. Cisplatin administration increased lipid peroxidation and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the prefrontal cortex. Also, cisplatin induced increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 relative gene expression. Simultaneous application of N-acetylcysteine diminished cisplatin-induced alterations in oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. The results obtained in the tail suspension test that nominally resembles antidepressant action of cisplatin (attenuated by N-acetylcysteine), should be attributed to strong motor expression of anxiogenic response to cisplatin (also reversed by N-acetylcysteine). The antioxidant supplementation with NAC diminished cisplatin-induced oxidative damage and pro-apoptotic action in the prefrontal cortex, and significantly influenced specific behavioral alterations.

The Antioxidant Supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria Extract Attenuates the Systemic Adverse Effects of Nanosized Calcium Phosphates in Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the systemic toxicity of three nanosized calcium phosphates (CaPs): hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in rats. Since those metallic compounds are widely used as bone replacement materials, including their use in oral surgery, CaPs were applied (per os) equimollary (17.8 mg/kg, 11 mg/kg, and 9.65 mg/kg b.w., respectively) for 30 days in order to mimic the previously described release rate from dental composites. Also, we employed antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria (FU) extract. All the applied CaPs significantly increased serum calcium, triglycerides, LDL, and LDH, while serum levels of testosterone and LH declined, with no alterations in the liver enzymes. The evaluation of oxidative stress markers (in the liver, kidney, and testicle) showed an increase in TBARS values, while SOD and CAT activities and GSH levels were significantly reduced. The relative gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was shifted to proapoptotic action, accompanied by intense characteristic histological changes in architecture in all investigated organs. The toxic effects were most prominent in groups treated by ACP. FU administration attenuated the majority of nanosized CaP-induced adverse effects, thus recommending this therapeutic approach to minimize nano-CaP systemic toxicities.

Morphological and Morphometric Characteristics of Anterior Maxilla Accessory Canals and Relationship with Nasopalatine Canal Type-A CBCT Study.

This study aimed to evaluate principal morphological and morphometric characteristics of accessory canals (ACs) of the anterior maxilla, as well as to analyze the relationship with nasopalatine canal (NPC) type. The results of our study showed that ACs were observed in almost 50% of participants. They were mostly presented bilaterally and in a curved shape, with a palatal foramen position. The morphometric characteristics of ACs were significantly influenced by NPC type. NPC type had the strongest impact on the distance between the NPC and AC, as well as on the distance between the AC and the facial aspect of buccal bone wall, in inferior parts of the alveolar ridge. On the other hand, the distance between the AC and central incisors was not significantly influenced by NPC shape in the lower region of the anterior maxilla. However, the participants with the banana-type of the NPC expressed the reduction in distance from the AC to the central incisor at the upper part in comparison with the subjects with the cylindrical-type of the NPC. On the basis of the results of this study, the simultaneous estimation of ACs and the NPC seems reasonable, as this approach may be useful in the prevention of complications which could occur during implant surgery interventions.

Morphological Characteristics of the Nasopalatine Canal and the Relationship with the Anterior Maxillary Bone-A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interconnection between the type of nasopalatine canal (NPC) and morphometric characteristics of the anterior maxilla. The investigation involved 113 subjects, and the morphometric parameters were obtained using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). NPC shapes were classified into four types: banana-, hourglass-, cylindrical-, and funnel-shaped (distribution of approximately 9, 25, 31, and 35%, respectively). The analysis revealed that the NPC shape was significantly connected with the morphometric properties of anterior maxilla horizontal dimensions. In general, a banana-shaped NPC was accompanied with an overall reduction in anterior maxilla diameters when compared to other NPC shapes, with no significant difference between the other three NPC shapes. Furthermore, the morphometric characteristics that depend on NPC shape at the sagittal cross-section were significantly correlated with diameters of the incisive foramen, nasal foramen, and NPC length. According to the results of our study, it seems that the presented analyses of morphometric data may allow useful insight into the algorithms of various interconnections between the measures obtained in the region of the anterior maxilla, which could be of interest for a time rationale approach when planning some surgical procedures, such as immediate dental implant placement planning.

The Beneficial Role of Filipendula ulmaria Extract in Prevention of Prodepressant Effect and Cognitive Impairment Induced by Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates in Rats.

Mineral components of dental composites are used in many medical and dental applications, including preventive, restorative, and regenerative dentistry. To evaluate the behavioural alterations induced by nanosized particles of novel dental composites, by means of depressive level and cognitive functions, experimental groups of rats were chronically administered with nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with or without simultaneous application of Filipendula ulmaria L. (FU) methanolic extract. The significant prodepressant action was observed in groups solely treated with HA and ACP. Besides, prolonged treatment with ACP also resulted in a significant decline in cognitive functions estimated in the novel object recognition test. The adverse impact of calcium phosphates on estimated behavioural functions was accompanied by increased oxidative damage and apoptotic markers in the prefrontal cortex, as well as diminished specific neurotrophin (BDNF) and gabaergic expression. The results of our investigation showed that simultaneous antioxidant supplementation with FU extract prevented calcium phosphate-induced behavioural disturbances, as well as prooxidative and apoptotic actions, with the simultaneous restoration of BDNF and GABA-A receptors in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that FU may be useful in the prevention of prodepressant impact and cognitive decline as early as the manifestation of calcium phosphate-induced neurotoxicity.