Exploring Salivary Biomarkers for Tumor Diagnosis: A Narrative Review.

A promising method for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis is through salivary biomarkers. By utilizing the distinct characteristics of saliva and the progress made in biomarker studies, these markers provide more accurate diagnoses for a wider range of malignancies. An attempt was made to thoroughly investigate the field of salivary biomarkers for tumor prognosis and diagnosis, with an emphasis on their use in various cancer forms. Predetermined search criteria were utilized for a systematic search across numerous databases for peer-reviewed papers from 2009 to 2021. Studies concentrating on the detection, validation, and clinical use of salivary biomarkers for different types of cancers were included in the inclusion criteria. Initially, 238 articles were found, of which 15 relevant articles satisfied the inclusion requirements. Information on study aims, methodology, findings, and conclusions were gathered for data extraction. We identified recurrent themes, patterns, and contradictions by a thematic analysis. We also assessed state-of-the-art salivary biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. One major finding is the identification of biomolecules in saliva linked to several cancer forms, including pancreatic, oral, breast, lung, and stomach cancers. There is an increasing amount of evidence demonstrating the value of saliva-based diagnostics in oncology. This is due to new detection methods and developments in salivary proteomics and genomics. Identification of exosomes and microvesicles as salivary biomarker profiles offered molecular understandings of the etiology and evolution of cancer, thereby opening new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Salivary biomarkers are a non-invasive approach for the early detection and prediction of cancer, thanks to the unique properties of saliva and advancements in biomarker research. This potential revolution could enhance patient outcomes and reduce cancer-related deaths.

Nanomaterial Biosensors in Salivary Diagnosis of Oral Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Oral cancer is among the highest in the Indian subcontinent. Advanced stages of oral cancer are associated with severe morbidity and higher mortality. Salivary diagnosis is novel and non-invasive. It could be employed on patients even with restricted mouth opening. Hence, an attempt was made to retrieve relevant data regarding this clinically relevant topic.  This article has reviewed metal oxide nanoparticles as a biosensor (BS) in salivary diagnosis for oral cancer. Gold, copper oxide, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used in BS applications. A search from the PUBMED database collection (2004 to 2024) was performed to identify the nanoparticle biomarkers and salivary diagnosis in oral cancer. It revealed 30 articles. All the relevant data was extracted and tabulated in this review. We have discussed the relevance of these BS in salivary diagnosis with their corresponding clinical parameters and sensitivity. We hope that this review summarizes the available literature on this topic and incites dedicated research in prompt and early diagnosis of oral cancer, which directly influences the quality of life outcomes in such patients.

Awareness Levels About Specialty Services Offered by the Faculty of Dentistry in Sebha, Libya.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of awareness levels about any hospital is critical to judge its current standings and plan for future development. Limited literature is available about dental health in Libya. AIM: This study aimed to study the awareness and perception of the various specialty services offered by the Faculty of Dentistry (SDC), Sebha University for their quality and preference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a performance monitoring research, and the data was collected by interview using a standardized questionnaire. Non-probability judgmental sampling was used. The offered services included all specialties in dentistry and oral cancer screening. Information relating to the awareness and perception of SDC specialty services was collected with few agree/disagree questions from 450 subjects. Data was collected, tabulated, and analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS v23.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: About 22.7% (n=102) were in the 45-54 years age group. Self-employed (n=108, 24%) and professional (n=108, 24%) were noted in occupation. Forty-eight (n=216) were graduates. Three hundred twenty-eight respondents (72.9%) were aware about the dental services. Four hundred twenty-eight respondents (95.1%) have visited SDC. Three hundred six respondents (68%) were satisfied, and 66 respondents (14.7%) were very much satisfied. Dental health checkups were predominantly known to the respondents (n=302, 67%). For all the other specialties, the awareness level was low. CONCLUSION: The identification of weak areas is crucial for the future planning and development of oral health care rendered by SDC.

Developing Odontoma in the Mandible of an Eight-Year-Old Boy.

Benign mixed odontogenic tumors have been repeatedly classified and reclassified over the past few decades. Odontoma is considered a hamartoma due to its slow growth and non-aggressive nature. We present an interesting case of developing odontoma in an eight-year-old boy. His complaint was a slow-growing swelling in the lower right back tooth region. Clinical examination revealed a carious deciduous second molar. The orthopantomogram revealed a well-defined radiolucency around the unerupted mandibular first premolar and impacted mandibular second premolar. Histopathology revealed an odontogenic epithelial lining overlying myxofibrous stroma with inflammatory cells and calcified structures with few odontogenic rests. Special staining methods including Van Gieson and modified Gallego stains led to the final diagnosis of a developing odontoma.

Exploring Possible Ways to Enhance the Potential and Use of Natural Products through Nanotechnology in the Battle against Biofilms of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens.

Biofilms enable pathogenic bacteria to survive in unfavorable environments. As biofilm-forming pathogens can cause rapid food spoilage and recurrent infections in humans, especially their presence in the food industry is problematic. Using chemical disinfectants in the food industry to prevent biofilm formation raises serious health concerns. Further, the ability of biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens to tolerate disinfection procedures questions the traditional treatment methods. Thus, there is a dire need for alternative treatment options targeting bacterial pathogens, especially biofilms. As clean-label products without carcinogenic and hazardous potential, natural compounds with growth and biofilm-inhibiting and biofilm-eradicating potentials have gained popularity as natural preservatives in the food industry. However, the use of these natural preservatives in the food industry is restricted by their poor availability, stability during food processing and storage. Also there is a lack of standardization, and unattractive organoleptic qualities. Nanotechnology is one way to get around these limitations and as well as the use of underutilized bioactives. The use of nanotechnology has several advantages including traversing the biofilm matrix, targeted drug delivery, controlled release, and enhanced bioavailability, bioactivity, and stability. The nanoparticles used in fabricating or encapsulating natural products are considered as an appealing antibiofilm strategy since the nanoparticles enhance the activity of the natural products against biofilms of foodborne bacterial pathogens. Hence, this literature review is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current methods in nanotechnology used for natural products delivery (biofabrication, encapsulation, and nanoemulsion) and also discuss the different promising strategies employed in the recent and past to enhance the inhibition and eradication of foodborne bacterial biofilms.

Metronomic Chemotherapy in Oral Cancer: A Review.

Treatment of locally advanced oral cancer requires multidisciplinary care, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which varies based on the stage of the disease, site of involvement, and surgical access. Oral cancer usually presents with an increased recurrence rate and potential for distant metastatic spread. It confers a poor prognosis with a 50% mortality rate after five years. Oral metronomic chemotherapy aims to achieve higher patient compliance due to its ease of administration, lower dosage, and lesser side effects than conventional IV regimens of platinum-based drugs. In this review, we have summarized the relevant literature to benefit the readers regarding the potential application of metronomic therapy in the management of oral cancer.

Quantitative estimation of sodium, potassium and total protein in saliva of diabetic smokers and nonsmokers: A novel study.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the difference in sodium, potassium, total protein in whole saliva in diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonstimulated saliva samples were collected from a group of diabetic smokers, diabetic nonsmokers, and controls. Supernatant after centrifugation was used to determine the levels of sodium, potassium, and total protein by using semiautomatic analyzer. RESULTS: There exists a statistical difference in the levels of potassium and total protein between diabetic smokers, nondiabetic smokers, and controls. Difference in the levels of sodium is only significant with nondiabetic smokers and controls. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is known to alter the composition of saliva. The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the levels of salivary potassium, sodium, and total protein in smoker diabetic patients and nondiabetic smokers and controls, and to explore potential of salivary electrolytes [Na+, K+] and total proteins as markers. The estimated values of salivary constituents add to the data already recorded in Indian population. However, further studies using large samples are required to evaluate the findings in our study.