The effectiveness of autologous demineralized tooth graft for the bone ridge preservation: a systematic review of the literature.

Resorption of alveolar ridge after tooth extraction often compromises dental implant placement and esthetic. Alveolar ridge preservation is a common procedure performed in order to preserve the pontic site for a prosthetically ideal position. This procedure has already become an indisputable need. Tooth matrix as bone substituted material poses osteoconduction and osteoinduction properties and as autologous graft, this material is free of antigenic reaction. This biomaterial allows the threedimensional reconstruction of the bone, is easy to prepare and has a low cost. The aim of this review is to summarize and put in evidence the properties of tooth as bone substitute and its use in alveolar ridge preservation. Keyword: autologous tooth, autologous graft, bone regeneration, bone substitute, alveolar ridge preservation, alveolar ridge augmentation, socket preservation.

The integumentary system and its microbiota between health and disease.

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the essential physiological functions of the skin microbiota in human health and diseases. The main characteristics of the normal microbiota in the different anatomical sites have been reported in relation to the main factors, such as the effect of age, on its composition and stability for the eubiosis condition. Moreover, the present overview analyzed the functions and composition and the correct functionality of the skin microbiota in the light of current knowledge. According to several evidence is important preserving the eubiosis of the commensal microbes of the microecosystem (symbiotic and pathogenic), and probiotics are able to counteract the conditions of dysbiosis. Also, it has been shown that there is a crosstalk between gut and skin microbiota that affects human health and is still being studied, and its relationship to the current pandemic SARS-CoV-2.

IL-1 haplotype analysis in periodontal disease.

Numerous studies have established statistical associations of the IL-1 gene cluster polymorphisms with various inflammatory diseases. Deriving from that, the present study was intended to determine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these gene are also associated with periodontal disease in a Linkage disequilibrium analysis. This investigation also created two haplotype blocks, both consisting of two different SNPs. Recent theoretical analyses indicate that research with an interpretation of periodontal disease as a complex, oligogenic disorder, with IL-1 genetic variation contributes an important but not exclusive influence on disease risk. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to understand the mechanisms behind the observed association between IL-1 SNPs and periodontal disease.

Microbiological results of improvement in periodontal condition by administration of oral probiotics.

Oral bacteria that degrade sulphur-containing amino acids (cysteine, cystine, and methionine) produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs = hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulphide) highly correlated with halitosis. When these bacteria are given the right environment, i.e. periodontal disease, cariogenic biofilm or food source they can grow in number very quickly and will start to convert proteins to VSC that, together with volatile fatty acids are largely responsible for oral malodor. Recently, the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases using various probiotics has been attempted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics based on in vitro analysis, such as antibacterial activity, and to evaluate the neutralizing effect of probiotics on halitosis, the levels of VSCs were measured by gas chromatography. .

Lights and shadows of dental implants: focus on mucositis and perimplantitis and their biological markers.

The increase in oral rehabilitation by means of dental implants has required an evolution of the related managing protocols and correct updating of the skills of dental professionals. Postsurgical management of the clinical case is aimed to stabilize the obtained results and preserve them from adverse conditions: a healthy implant prosthesis is maintained thanks to the huge number of consolidated protocols of oral hygiene. This practice plays a decisive role in the prevention of perimplant pathologies, forming a strong basis to ensure long implant life and avoid unnecessary and painful new surgical procedures. Furthermore, dental companies, in order to satisfy the new needs of professionals in oral hygiene, have produced new instrumentations and targeted drugs, in agreement to the cutting-edge scientific literature, thus creating a new market attracting huge interests in healthcare. The purpose of this topical review is to briefly comment on the state of the art of post-surgical dental implant management. This research is aimed to report the current protocols available to reduce the risk of oral diseases and prevent the progression of perimplant complications. Special focus has been dedicated to the most effective surgical and non-surgical protocols for treating mucositis and perimplantitis.

Orthodontic forces modulate insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 changes in gingival crevicular fluid.

Orthodontic tooth movement results from the response of the periodontal tissue to orthodontic force, which leads to modeling and remodeling of the surrounding alveolar bone. The response is considered to occur through the activation of specific signaling pathways, many of which are known, all acting to ultimately result in tooth movement. Much is known about the actions of these two cells, and the signaling pathways that affect them, both in bone and orthodontic literature, however, to date, little work has been carried out to examine the effect of the insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) in orthodontics. Therefore, we investigated the presence of IGFBP-5 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of 6 healthy subjects, and assessed the effects of orthodontic treatment on the levels and molecular state of this protein.

Periodontal disease and bone pathogenesis: the crosstalk between cytokines and porphyromonas gingivalis

Periodontal disease is the most frequent cause of tooth loss among adults. It is defined as a plaque-induced inflammation of the periodontal tissues that results in a loss of support of the affected teeth. This process is characterized by destruction of the periodontal attachment apparatus, increased bone resorption with loss of crestal alveolar bone, apical migration of the epithelial attachment, and formation of periodontal pockets. Although the presence of periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis is a prerequisite, the progression of periodontal disease is dependent on the host response to pathogenic bacteria that colonize the tooth surface. Nowadays, a growing body of literature has accumulated to investigate the association between bone diseases, periodontal pathogens and periodontal diseases. The integration of pathogen-associated molecular patterns from microorganisms with their surface receptors in the immune cells, induces the production of several cytokines and chemokines that present either a pro- and/or anti-inflammatory role and the activation of mechanisms of controlling this and the related disease, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review focuses on the evidence and significance of bone host cell invasion by Porphyromonas gingivalis in the pathogenesis of bone disorders, as well as the different lines of evidence supporting the role of cytokines in bone diseases.

Behaviour of dental pulp stem cells on different types of innovative mesoporous and nanoporous silicon scaffolds with different functionalizations of the surfaces.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are stem cells found in the dental pulp. The ability of DPSCs to differentiate towards odontoblastic and osteoblastic phenotype was reported first in the literature, then in the following years, numerous studies on odontogenesis were carried out, starting from mesenchymal stem cells isolated from tissues of dental and oral origin. The aim of this research was to evaluate the behaviour of DPSCs grown on silicon nanoporous and mesoporous matrices and differentiated towards the osteogenic phenotype, but also to investigate the use of DPSCs in pilot studies focused on the biological compatibility of innovative dental biomaterials. Twenty-eight silicon samples were created with standardized procedures. These scaffolds were divided into samples made of silicon bulk, nanoporous silicon, mesoporous silicon, nanoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and methanol (MeOH), nanoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS)/toluene, mesoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and methanol (MeOH) andmesoporous silicon functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) Trimethoxysilane (APTMS)/toluene. DPSC proliferation on the tested silicon scaffolds was analyzed at 3 and 5 days. The assay showed that DPSCs proliferated better on mesoporous scaffolds functionalized with APTMS/toluene compared to a silicon one. These results show that the functionalization of silicon scaffold with APTMS/toluene supports the growth of DPSCs and could be used for future applications in tissue engineering.

A study survey on molnupiravir treatment in COVID-19 patients at home in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE: Molnupiravir (MOV) is an oral antiviral drug that received use authorization in Vietnam for the treatment of mild COVID-19 (F0). There was a need to develop alternative approaches that allowed patients to access medication, decongest hospitals, clinics, and facilities, and protect people from infection. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Ninh Thuan Health Authorities implemented the home delivery of medication by community health workers. This study conducted in collaboration with two important Italian entities [the Aldo Moro University of Bari City and the 118 Department of Territorial Emergency System (118 SET) of Taranto City] aimed to evaluate the implementation of home delivery F0 treatment package assessing the rate of infection recovering during the coronavirus pandemic in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A convergent mixed methods research, based on a longitudinal study with quantitative research and qualitative assessments, evaluated four implementation outcomes: the feasibility, fidelity, coverage, sustainability, and effectiveness of the initiative. Data sources included routinely collected data, a telephonic survey of patients, an analysis of set-up and recurrent costs, as well as descriptive exploratory qualitative and quantitative analysis. RESULTS: After taking the MOV for 5 days, only 35 out of the initial 400 F0 patients remained positive, while 365 patients (91.2%) were negative (CT≥30). Whilst, the successful rate after using the drug during the course accounted for 99.85% and 100% after the entire treatment course, without any death. After 5 days of taking the drug, a positive test result (CT<30) was associated with age group ≥60 (OR=2.7) and comorbidities (OR=3.0) (p<0.05) compared to negative and positive results (CT≥30). Negative factors impacting F0 at home include a shortage of healthcare workers, inadequate supply of thermometers and SpO2 meters, and insufficient financial support for healthcare workers. CONCLUSIONS: MOV caused a reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death in mild COVID-19 patients, and molnupiravir was also found to be well tolerated and safe without any major adverse events during the administration period.

The human microbiota key role in the bone metabolism activity.

Data collection has suggested a complex correlation between the gut microbiota (GM) and bone homeostasis involving host-microbiota crosstalk. Although the GM is known to affect bone metabolism, the mechanisms linked with these effects remain unclear. The aim of this review is to current insight advances regarding how gut-derived hormones regulate bone homeostasis in humans, emphasizing gut-bone axis and bone regeneration. The GM may be engaged in bone metabolism and fracture risk. Additional investigations of the fundamental microbiota-related pathways in bone metabolism may uncover treatment strategies and enable the prevention of osteoporosis. A better knowledge of gut hormones' action on bone homeostasis may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating skeletal frailty related to age.

Gender medicine: the impact of probiotics on male patients.

PURPOSE: Numerous studies in the literature confirm the importance of the use of probiotics in inflammatory states of the prostate in humans. Our pilot study aimed to test probiotics strains ability to improve urinary bacterial load in male subjects. METHODS: Twenty healthy men aged 55-65 years, with recurrent urinatory infections were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. Urine culturing to detect Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia Coli and Enterococcus faecalis) was performed at baseline and at 12 weeks after the starting of the study. RESULTS: We found that taking the probiotic reduces the bacterial load of E. coli and E. faecalis in urine cultures. The use of the probiotic in these inflammatory states does not affect the change in weight in the tested subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm and improve the main results reported in the scientific literature on the importance of taking probiotics in prostatitis.

The role of PIAS3, p-STAT3 and ALR in colorectal cancer: new translational molecular features for an old disease.

OBJECTIVE: Human colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by a sequence of biological events that determine its induction and progression. Gut microbiota has an important role in this multistep model of carcinogenesis, as well as constitutive activation of Signal Transducer and Activator Factors 3 (p-STAT3) and Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT3 (PIAS3), which negatively controls STAT3. It has been reported that a liver growth factor, the Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR), an anti-apoptotic, anti-metastatic factor, exerts protective/cell survival and anti-metastatic activities and has been detected highly expressed in neoplastic cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, p-STAT3, PIAS3 and ALR expression in neoplastic human tissues from CRC patients, grouping the data in accordance with the histological alterations (G1, G2 and G3) and metastasis presence. Western blot (WB) analysis of ALR was also determined in neoplastic and surrounding tissues. Finally, cell proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (Bcl-2) were determined. RESULTS: Colon cancer tissue samples showed: (1) ALR and p-STAT3 strongly over-expression in 100% of G1 tissue samples, reducing in G2 and G3 tissue samples; (2) PIAS3 immunological determination was poorly expressed in G1 tissue samples and highly expressed in the 100% of colorectal tissues from group G2 and G3. Ki-67 progressively increases with the importance of the anatomic-pathological alterations and Bcl-2 resulted higher in G3 tissue samples compared to G1 neoplastic tissues. WB data evidenced, in neoplastic tissues, compared to the tumour-surrounding tissues, ALR over-expressed in G1 neoplastic tissues and down-expressed in G3 neoplastic tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate a different dynamism of the investigated factors in relation to the severity of CRC histological findings. We hypothesize that the positive expression of ALR and p-STAT3 in the neoplastic tissue samples from CRC G1 group, associated to the absence of PIAS3, could be useful marker to identify an early stage of the disease. Based on these data and on our previous studies on gut microbiota in precancerous intestinal lesions, we are confident that, after microbial priming, a cascade of molecular events is started. So, the detectable molecules acting in these initial steps should be considered for the study of CRC progression and therapy.

The alteration of stress-related physiological parameters after probiotics administration in oral surgeons with different degrees of surgical experience.

PURPOSE: Stress is a multifactorial and complex pathway, gaining growing attention from the healthcare community. Surgeons are subjected to higher levels of stress, due to surgical procedures that are demanding and repetitive; unfortunately, high-stress levels may also cause side-effects, as surgical mistakes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of specific probiotics strains formula on stress levels in oral and maxillofacial surgeons, to improve their quality of life. METHODS: We have investigated the hormonal (salivary Cortisol; sC), immune (salivary Immunoglobulin A; sIgA) and cardiovascular (Heart rate, HR, and systolic blood pressure, SBP) responses induced by stress conditions in 40 oral surgeons, randomly selected and allocated, according to their experience level, in three categories: senior, expert, and junior. RESULTS: The results described how the number of heartbeats/ minute and SBP are slightly raised in all surgeons at different timepoints. Such data allow us to assess that work-related stress can induce an increase in cardiovascular parameters, even if they are not significantly modified by the use of probiotics. On the other hand, our data indicate that 10 weeks of probiotic integration may induce the improvement of other stress-related physiological parameters in oral surgeons with different degrees of surgical experience, such as the salivary cortisol levels, even under stress conditions. Moreover, in the test group (probiotics administration), the immunoglobulin levels were higher than the control (placebo administration) group: this happens as a consequence of the regular use of probiotics, which may induce an increased number of IgA producing cells. DISCUSSION: Our data indicated that 10 weeks of probiotics-enriched diet modify some stress-related physiological parameters in oral surgeons with different degrees of surgical experience, but it does not impact on the overall cardiovascular risk.

An unusual foreign body in the upper aerodigestive tract: esophageal obstruction due to bran impaction.

Foreign bodies of the upper aerodigestive tract are common problems encountered by the otolaryngologist and general surgeons. While the diagnosis seems straightforward, it is sometimes delayed until after serious complications have occurred. The treatment of choice is endoscopic retrieval under general anesthesia. The procedure should be preceded by the completion of appropriate studies (radiographic and other specifically indicated for the patient) planned and performed by the endoscopy team. Time invested in preparation and planning will usually yield a speedy recovery of the patient. Bran is a natural fiber that undergoes considerable expansion and thickening when hydrated. Due to this property, it has been used in "weight loss" tablets that in the stomach undergo expansion and are expected to cause early satiety. These tablets are usually marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) diet products by a number of pharmaceutical manufacturers. These supplements consisting primarily of dietary fibers, so common and inoffensive-seeming, rarely may have severe side effects, such a sudden esophageal obstruction. We report a case of a bran dietary product impacted in the cervical esophagus in a 45 year old woman, presenting as an emergency complaining of retrosternal discomfort and difficult to swallow or drink. The technique for removal of such object that is also reported.

Secondary pathologic fractures in osteosarcoma: prognosis and evolution.

Secondary or pathologic fractures, associated with osteosarcoma, have been considered for a long time to be a negative prognosis regarding its evolution in the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic importance of such pathologic fractures in osteosarcoma patients receiving new therapies as well as the best conditions for surgery aiming at "limbs salvage". On a total of 22 patients affected by osteosarcoma, we performed a retrospective study with 12 patients showing pathologic fractures caused by osteosarcoma and 10 patients without any pathologic fracture. The patients enrolled into Timisoara University Hospital have been followed up along 5 years or until a reappearance of either the disease or metastases, distant or local.

Effect of probiotics on the occurrence of nutrition absorption capacities in healthy children: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Recent advances in the translational research showed that dietary nutrients have critical importance to the microbioma balance in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the alteration of the intestinal microbiota in order to achieve, restore, and maintain favorable balance in the ecosystem, and the activity of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract is necessary for the improved health condition of the host. The objective of this translational study was to evaluate, in a pediatric population, the efficacy and safety of prophylactic probiotics for a better nutritional absorption capacity in the view to enhance their overall health and immunity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 40 pediatric patients between the ages of 14 and 18 years were enrolled in the study and divided under two categories (treated/active group and placebo group). Three-time points clinical evaluations were performed: a baseline assessment (Time 0), a second evaluation at 5 weeks after the start of probiotic use (Time 1), and a final evaluation at the timeline after 10 weeks (Time 2). In the initial phase of the study, the recruited subjects underwent a panel of initial T0 clinical tests. For each of the patients, a blood sample was taken in order to evaluate the following biochemical measurements: Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Calcium, Zinc, and Iron. Moreover, an initial nutritional evaluation was carried out through which the nutritionist estimated the body composition of the subject (weight and body mass index), the caloric needs and dietary behaviour of each recruited patient. RESULTS: Eligible participants were randomized into placebo (n = 20) or treated/active (n = 20) treatment conditions by random allocation using a computerized random number generator, ensuring all investigators remained blind to the treatment distribution. The data were compared within and between groups using statistical methods. The results confirmed that the probiotic supplementation was effective in increasing the overall blood biomarkers levels of vitamins, calcium, and mineral absorption from baseline to 10 weeks of treatment, compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics may be suggested as supplements to improve biomarkers serum concentration if administered for a period of at least ≥ 5 weeks. However, further studies are required for optimal recommendations in patient treatment.