Aging and Oral Health: Biological and Sociobehavioral Perspectives.

As the life expectancy and growth of the aging population increase globally, efforts to promote healthy longevity become more important. Holistic policy guidelines and actions have been designed to advocate and fortify healthy aging at multiple levels. Oral health, a fundamental contributor of overall health and well-being, forms a core part of the noncommunicable disease agenda within the sustainable development goals set by the World Health Organization. Aging significantly heightens the risk of myriad oral disorders and other noncommunicable diseases. As of 2019, oral disorders accounted for 8.9 million disability-adjusted life-years in individuals older than 60 y. In addition to the development of multidisciplinary aging-friendly policies to promote healthy aging, basic biology and translational research has been encouraged that focuses on deciphering the underlying mechanisms involved in age-related physical and cognitive decline or dysregulation of oral tissues. Given the relevance of oral health aging as a critical component of the One Health Initiative, this special issue encompasses a collection of articles dedicated to recent advances in the behavioral and social implications of age-related oral diseases and tooth loss on several aspects of the quality of life of adults as they age. Furthermore, it includes articles detailing molecular mechanisms associated with cellular aging and their implications for oral tissue health, periodontal disease severity, and the regenerative potential of stem cells.

[Expression level and clinical significance of CD44 and CD33 in 77 patients with benign lymphoadenosis of oral mucosa].

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of CD44 and CD33 in benign lymphoadenosis of oral mucosa(BLOM). METHODS: From January 2017 to March 2020, seventy-seven BLOM wax blocks from the Department of Pathology of Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected as the experimental group, and 63 cases of normal oral mucosal tissue wax blocks during the same period were selected as the control group. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the positive expression of CD44 and CD33 in the two groups.Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the positive expression of CD33 and the positive expression of CD44 in the diseased tissues of BLOM patients.The general information about patients were collected.The relationship between the expression of CD33 and CD44 in the diseased tissues of BLOM patients and the clinicopathological characteristics of BLOM patients were analyzed. SPSS 21.0 software package was used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: The positive expression rates of CD33 in the control group and the experimental group were 95.24% and 63.64%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05). The positive expression rates of CD44 in the control group and the experimental group were 93.65% and 67.53%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the positive expression of CD33 in the diseased tissues of BLOM patients was positively correlated with the positive expression of CD44 (r=0.834, P=0.002). The expression of CD33 and CD44 in the diseased tissues of patients with BLOM were related to clinical type, degree of inflammation, presence or absence of lymphoid follicles, and lymphocyte infiltration(P＜0.05), but not related to age, gender, course of disease, location, and epithelial surface keratinization(P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The positive expression rate of CD33 and CD44 in the BLOM tissues decreased, which was closely related to the clinical type, degree of inflammation, presence or absence of lymphoid follicles, and lymphocyte infiltration.

Nanomaterials-mediated photodynamic therapy and its applications in treating oral diseases.

Oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontitis and oral cancer, have a very high morbidity over the world. Basically, many oral diseases are commonly related to bacterial infections or cell malignant proliferation, and usually located on the superficial positions. These features allow the convenient and efficient application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for oral diseases, since PDT is ideally suitable for the diseases on superficial sites and has been widely used for antimicrobial and anticancer therapy. Photosensitizers (PSs) are an essential element in PDT, which induce the generation of a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon absorption of specific lights. Almost all the PSs are small molecules and commonly suffered from various problems in the PDT environment, such as low solubility and poor stability. Recently, reports on the nanomedicine-based PDT have been well documented. Various functionalized nanomaterials can serve either as the PSs carriers or the direct PSs, thus enhancing the PDT efficacy. Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the features of different oral diseases and discuss the potential applications of nanomedicine-based PDT in the treatment of some common oral diseases. Also, the concerns and possible solutions for nanomaterials-mediated PDT are discussed.

Advancement in therapeutic strategies for immune-mediated oral diseases.

BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated diseases are a diverse group of conditions characterized by alteration of cellular homeostasis and inflammation triggered by dysregulation of the normal immune response. Several immune-mediated diseases exhibit oral signs and symptoms. Traditionally, these conditions are treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents, including azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and thalidomide. Recent research into the developmental pathways of these diseases has led to the exploration of novel approaches in treatment. This review examines newer treatment modalities for the management of immune-mediated diseases with oral presentations. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus have been employed successfully in managing oral lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris. Biologic agents, comprising monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and recombinant cytokines, can provide targeted therapy with fewer adverse effects. Neutraceutical agents comprising aloe vera, curcumin, and honey are commonly used in traditional medicine and offer a holistic approach. They may have a place as adjuvants to current standard therapeutic protocols. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) utilize a specific wavelength of light to achieve desired cellular change. While the use of PDT in immune-mediated diseases is contentious, LLLT has shown positive results. Newer therapeutic modalities involve kinase inhibitors, S1P1 receptor modulators, MSCs, and iRNA providing targeted treatment of specific diseases.

Impacto da biomodificação com extrato de Schinopsis brasiliensis (Braúna) na resistência máxima à tração de um selante resinoso / Impact of biomodification with Schinopsis brasiliensis (Braúna) extract on the maximum tensile strength of a resinous sealant

Introdução: Os selantes resinosos apresentam uma alta taxa de sucesso na prevenção da cárie dentária, porém não possuem atividade antibacteriana, sendo a incidência de novas lesões um dos fatores que ainda causam impacto negativo na qualidade de vida das pessoas. A biomodificação com o extrato da Schinopsis brasiliensis (Braúna) pode ser uma alternativa no aperfeiçoamento das suas características clínicas. Objetivo: Avaliar se a biomodificação do selante Fluroshield® com diferentes concentrações do extrato do caule do Schinopsis brasiliensis afeta sua resistência máxima à tração (resistência coesiva). Metodologia: O extrato foi pesado em balança analítica e misturado ao selante nas concentrações de 0 mg/mL (controle), 20 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL e 1,25 mg/mL e espatulado por 1 min., utilizando uma placa de vidro. Amostras em formato de barra com dimensões de 8 mm (comprimento) x 2 mm (largura) e 1 mm (espessura) foram confeccionadas (n=3) e submetidas ao teste de resistência máxima à tração em máquina de ensaio semi universal (OM 100). Antes da fixação delas nas placas de ensaio, a medida da secção transversal (mm2) foi aferida com paquímetro. Os dados foram obtidos em Kgf e transformados em MPa. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). Resultados: A resistência máxima à tração dos grupos em mediana (mínimo-máximo) dos grupos 0 mg/mL (controle), 20 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL e 1,25 mg/mL foi, respectivamente, 56 (29-56), 53 (45-60), 48 (46-62) e 61 (38-64). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos (p=0,8). Conclusão: A adição do extrato do caule de Schinopsis brasiliensis não reduziu a resistência máxima à tração do selante Fluroshield® (AU).

Introduction: Resin-based sealants have a high success rate in preventing dental caries, but they do not have antibacterial activity, so that a high incidence of caries lesions is observed, which negatively impacts on health quality. The biomodification with the Schinopsis brasiliensis (Braúna) stem extract may be an alternative to improve its clinical characteristics. Objective: To evaluate if the biomodification of the Fluroshield® sealant with different amounts of Schinopsis brasiliensis affects its ultimate tensile strength. Methods: The extract was weighed on an analytical balance and mixed with the sealant in different concentrations: 0 mg/mL (control), 20 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL by mixing for 1 min. Bar-shaped specimens with dimensions of 8 mm x 2 mm x 1 mm were prepared (n=3). The ultimate tensile strength was measured using a microtensile machine (OM100). Before testing, the sectional area (mm2) was obtained with a caliper. Data were obtained in Kgf and transformed into MPa. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: The maximum tensile strength in median (minimum-maximum) of the 0 mg/mL (control), 20 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL groups was, respectively, 56 (29-56), 53 (45-60), 48 (46- 62) and 61 (38-64). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p=0.8). Conclusion: The addition of Schinopsis brasiliensis stem extract did not decrease the ultimate tensile strength of the Fluroshield® sealant (AU).

Child-, Family-, and Community-Level Facilitators for Promoting Oral Health Practices among Indigenous Children.

Despite the preventive nature of oral diseases and their significance for general wellbeing, poor oral health is highly prevalent and has unfavourable ramifications for children around the world. Indigenous children in Australia experience disproportionate rates of early childhood caries compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Therefore, this paper aims to collate parental experiences and generate an understanding of facilitators for Indigenous childhood oral health. This project aggregated stories from parents of Indigenous children across South Australia who were participants in an early childhood caries-prevention trial. This paper explores facilitators for establishing oral health and nutrition behaviours for Indigenous children under the age of three through reflexive thematic analysis. Fisher-Owens' conceptual model for influences on children's oral health is utilised as a framework for thematic findings. Child-level facilitators include oral hygiene routines and regular water consumption. Family-level facilitators include familial ties, importance of knowledge, and positive oral health beliefs. Community-level facilitators include generational teaching, helpful community resources, and holistic health care. Recommendations from findings include the following: exploration of Indigenous health workers and elder participation in oral health initiatives; inclusion of Indigenous community representatives in mainstream oral health discussions; and incorporation of child-level, family-level, and community-level facilitators to increase support for efficacious oral health programs.

Ethnobotanical survey about medicinal plants used in traditional treatment of insomnia, asthenia, and oral and gum infections in the region Fez-Meknes, Morocco.

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among herbalists in the north-central region of Morocco using a questionnaire in order to highlight knowledge and know-how and to establish an inventory of herbal remedies used in the treatment of diseases common in the region and rarely cited in the bibliography: in this case, it is insomnia, asthenia, and oral-gum infections. The results showed that 120 herbalists were interviewed in different areas of the Fez-Meknes region, about 86 species were cited and grouped into 60 families (47 plants to treat asthenia, 25 to treat insomnia, and 21 to treat oral and gum infections). The reported plants have been identified and presented with the binomial name, family, part used, and method of preparation. In addition, the versatility was observed in several plants, indicating that the same plant could be used to treat conditions of different groups. Herbalists are people of both sexes belonging to different age groups and have different socioeconomic and intellectual levels. Eighty percent of surveyed herbalists are willing to provide us information about plants in the studied area. The most cited plants for treating these diseases are Lavandula dentata, Matricaria chamomilla, Rosmarinus officinalis, Allium cepa, Origanum vulgare, Origanum majorana, Marrubium vulgare, Lepidium sativum, and Ocimum basilicum. The Lamiaceae are the most quoted family. The leaves are the most commonly used organs. Infusion is the most common form of preparation. The results of this ethnobotanical study could constitute an important source of information and databases for further research in the fields of phytochemistry and pharmacology in order to find new bioactive molecules. In addition, this document can be used in the protection of indigenous knowledge.

Eficácia de diferentes tratamentos para a síndrome da ardência bucal: revisão sistemática e metanálise em rede / Efficacy of different treatments for burning mouth syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis

O objetivo desta revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) foi avaliar a eficácia dos tratamentos para o alívio da dor da síndrome da ardência bucal (SAB). Cinco bases de dados e literatura cinzenta foram pesquisadas e as listas de referências dos estudos incluídos foram pesquisadas manualmente. Revisores independentes selecionaram estudos, extraíram dados e avaliaram o risco de viés através da ferramenta Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). O principal desfecho foi o alívio da dor. Os desfechos secundários foram efeitos adversos, qualidade de vida, fluxo salivar, níveis de TNF-α e interleucina (IL-6), quando relatados por estudos. Para a meta análise em rede (network meta-analysis - NMA), foram agrupadas quatro intervenções comparáveis em diferentes geometrias para garantir o pressuposto da transitividade: terapia de fotobiomodulação (PBMT), ácido alfa-lipóico (ALA), fitoterápicos e ansiolíticos/antidepressivos. As estimativas de efeitos para dor foram: diferença de média (DM) para desfechos contínuos pois os estudos usaram escalas comparáveis variando de 0 a 10 para dor; e risco relativo (RR) para desfechos binários. Para qualidade de vida, a diferença de média padronizada (DMP) foi calculada pois os estudos usaram escalas diferentes. Para calcular a DM, usou-se a média e desvio padrão (DP) em baseline e no último momento de cada intervenção. Para ambas todas as estimativas, foram calculados os correspondentes intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95%. A certeza da evidência foi avaliada usando a abordagem GRADE para NMA. Para a certeza da evidência, foi avaliado ser havia problemas de risco de viés, inconsistência, evidência indireta, viés de publicação, intransitividade, imprecisão e incoerência. Para imprecisão, foi considerada a diferença mínima importante (minimal importante difference - MID) necessária para tomada de decisão de tratamento comparando intervenção e placebo, sendo este último o comparador. Para dor relatada como DM, o MID foi -1 ou 1, e 0,32 ou 1,68 para RR. A classificação de Cohen foi usada para determinar um MID de grande efeito para a qualidade de vida (DMP): < -0,8 ou >0,8. Para otimizar a interpretação dos resultados da NMA e a aplicabilidade clínica, foram usadas a abordagem GRADE minimamente contextualizada para dor e o parcialmente contextualizada para qualidade de vida. O ansiolítico (clonazepam) provavelmente reduz a dor da SAB quando comparado ao placebo (DM: - 1,88; IC 95%: -2,61; -1,16, certeza moderada). A DM do fluxo salivar aumentou ligeiramente em -0,20 tanto para o ansiolítico quanto para o placebo. A DM, para os níveis de IL-6 e TNF-α, foi maior para PBMT do que placebo, o que significa uma diminuição mais pronunciada nesses níveis para PBMT. Apesar de PBMT, pregabalina e fitoterápicos apresentarem superioridade quando comparados ao placebo, a certeza da evidência foi baixa ou muito baixa. A maioria dos demais tratamentos teve baixa e muito baixa certeza, principalmente devido à imprecisão e evidência indireta. Nenhum tratamento causou impacto na qualidade de vida. Os efeitos adversos foram pouco reportados e não influenciaram o curso dos tratamentos. Mais ECRs comparando tratamentos com placebo são encorajados para confirmar a evidência. Até o momento, o melhor tratamento para SAB é o ansiolítico clonazepam. No entanto, a aplicabilidade relacionada à eficácia, efeitos adversos e qualidade de vida são limitados à 120 dias.

This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to assess the effectiveness of treatments for pain relief of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Five databases and grey literature were searched, and the reference lists of included studies were hand-searched. Independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias (RoB 2.0). The main outcome was pain relief. The secondary outcomes were adverse effects, quality of life, salivary flow, TNF-α and interleukin (IL-6) levels, when reported by trials. For the network meta-analysis (NMA), four comparable interventions were grouped into different geometries to ensure the transitivity assumption: photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), phytotherapics, and anxiolytics/antidepressants. The effect estimate was a mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes instead of the standardized mean difference (SMD), as studies used comparable scales varying from 0 to 10 for pain; and risk ratio (RR) for binary outcomes. The SMD was calculated for quality of life as studies used different scales. To calculate MD, we used mean and standard deviation (SD) at the baseline and at the last time point of each intervention. For both estimates, corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The GRADE approach for NMA was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. We rated down the certainty of evidence if there were problems due to the risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, publication bias, intransitivity, imprecision, and incoherence. We considered the minimal important difference (MID) necessary to a treatment decision comparing intervention and placebo (comparator) to rate imprecision. For pain reported as MD, the MID was -1 or 1, and 0.32 or 1.68 for RR. The Cohen classification was used to determine a MID of large effect for the quality of life (SMD): < -0.8 or >0.8 To optimize the interpretation of results of NMA and clinical applicability, we followed the GRADE minimally contextualized framework for pain and the partially contextualized framework for quality of life. The anxiolytic (clonazepam) probably reduces pain of BMS compared to placebo (MD: - 1.88; 95% CI: -2.61; -1.16, moderate certainty). The MD of salivary flow slightly increased in -0.20 for both the anxiolytic and placebo (Heckmann et al. 2012). The MD for IL-6 and TNF-α levels was higher for PBMT than placebo, which means a more pronounced decrease in these levels for PBMT. Although PBMT, pregabalin and phytotherapics showed superiority compared to placebo, the certainty was low or very low. The majority of the other treatments had low and very low certainty, mainly due to imprecision and indirectness. No treatment improved the quality of life. Adverse effects were rarely reported and did not influence the course of treatments. More RCTs comparing treatments against placebo are encouraged to confirm the evidence. So far, the anxiolytic clonazepam is the best treatment for BMS. However, the applicability of effectiveness, adverse effects and quality of life are limited to 120 days.