Salivary, acidic and enzymatic degradation of resin composite subjected to different finishing and polishing systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different finishing and polishing systems on the surface roughness of a resin composite subjected to simulated saliva-, acid-, and enzyme-induced degradation. METHODS: 160 specimens (n= 40) were fabricated with Filtek Z350 XT nanofilled composite and analyzed for average surface roughness (Ra). The specimens were finished and polished using: AD - Al2O3-impreginated rubberized discs (medium, fine, and superfine grit, Sof-Lex); SD - silicon carbide and Al2O3-impregnated rubberized discs (coarse, medium and fine grit, Jiffy,); MB - 12- and 30-multiblade burs. The control group (CT) (n= 40) comprised specimens with a Mylar-strip-created surface. Specimens from each group were immersed in 1 mL of one of the degradation methods (n= 10): artificial saliva (ArS: pH 6.75), cariogenic challenge (CaC: pH 4.3), erosive challenge (ErC: 0.05M citric acid, pH 2.3) or enzymatic challenge (EzC: artificial saliva with 700 µg/mL of albumin, pH 6.75). The immersion period simulated a time frame of 180 days. Ra measurements were also performed at the post-polishing and post-degradation time points. The data were evaluated by three-way ANOVA for repeated measures and the Tukey tests. RESULTS: There was significant interaction between the finishing/polishing system and the degradation method (P= 0.001). AD presented the greatest smoothness, followed by SD. After degradation, CT, AD and SD groups became significantly rougher, but not the MB group, which presented no difference in roughness before or after degradation. CT and AD groups showed greater roughness in CaC, ErC and EzC than in ArS. The SD group showed no difference in roughness when the specimens were polished with CaC, EzC or ArS, but those treated with ErC had greater roughness. In the MB group, the lower roughness values were found after using CaC and EzC, while the higher values were found using ErC or ArS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As far as degradation resistance of nanofilled composite to hydrolysis, bacterial and dietary acids and enzymatic reactions is concerned, restorations that had been finished and polished with Al2O3-impregnated discs had the smoothest surfaces.

Salivary immunoglobulin levels and periodontal indices in Brazilian children with and without type 1 diabetes.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between salivary immunoglobulins, plaque index, and gingival index in Brazilian children with and without type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for the reporting of observational studies was followed. The DM1 group had 38 children, and an equal number of volunteers matched by sex and age were recruited as controls. Clinical examination was performed for plaque index and gingival index determination. Non-stimulated whole saliva was collected. Concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM were determined by ELISA test. Data were tested by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman tests and a multiple linear regression model (p<0.05) was performed. Gingival index was higher in the Control (DM1: 0.16±0.17; Control: 0.24±0.23, p=0.040). In DM1, there was a correlation between IgA and age (rho=0.371, p=0.024), IgM and IgG (rho=0.459, p=0.007), and IgM and gingival index (rho=0.394, p=0.014). In DM1, multiple linear regression showed that age (p=0.041; ß=0.363), gingival index (p=0.041; ß=0.398), and plaque index (p=0.008; ß=-0.506) were good predictors of IgA levels in saliva. Thus, IgA was the only researched immunoglobulin that was directly associated with plaque and gingival indices in Brazilian children with DM1, but not in control subjects.

Turn-off enzyme activity of histidine-rich peptides for the detection of lysozyme.

An assay that integrates histidine-rich peptides (HisRPs) with high-affinity aptamers was developed enabling the specific and sensitive determination of the target lysozyme. The enzyme-like activity of HisRP is inhibited by its interaction with a target recognized by an aptamer. In the presence of the target, lysozyme molecules progressively assemble on the surface of HisRP in a concentration-dependent manner, resulting in the gradual suppression of enzyme-like activity. This inhibition of HisRP's enzyme-like activity can be visually observed through color changes in the reaction product or quantified using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Under optimal conditions, the proposed colorimetric assay for lysozyme had a detection limit as low as 1 nM and exhibited excellent selectivity against other nonspecific interferents. Furthermore, subsequent research validated the practical applicability of the developed colorimetric approach to saliva samples, indicating that the assay holds significant potential for the detection of lysozymes in samples derived from humans.

Interplay of hormones and metabolite excretion with fern pattern prove saliva as a potent indicator of male reproductive status in Kangayam breed cattle.

Kangayam cattle are one of the drought breeds in India with distinct attributes. Agricultural transformation has led to a decline in many pure-breed indigenous cattle, including the Kangayam breed. Hence, a study on the reproductive physiology of male Kangayam breed cattle is necessary to disentangle problems in the area of livestock improvement. In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum hormones and bio-constituents and ascertained the potential of saliva as an indicator of the reproductive status of Kangayam cattle (Bos indicus). The present study confirms that cholesterol was higher in intact males and lower in prepubertal and castrated males. Testosterone levels were also higher in intact males than in castrated or prepubertal males. Hence, it can be inferred that high cholesterol levels contribute to active derivatization of testosterone in intact males. In contrast, reduced cholesterol availability leads to decreased testosterone synthesis in castrated and prepubertal males. Furthermore, it is reasonable to speculate that testosterone could have influenced salivary fern patterns in intact males, and thus, fern-like crystallization in the saliva was apparent. The unique salivary compounds identified through GC-MS across various reproductive statuses of Kangayam males may advertise their physiological status to conspecifics. In addition, the presence of odorant-binding protein (OBP) in saliva further supports its role in olfactory communication. This study attested to a posssible interlink between gonadal status and serum biochemical profiles. The salivary fern pattern revealed in this study can be used as a predictive tool, and the presence of putative volatiles and OBP adds evidence to the role of saliva in chemical communication.

Evaluation of salivary stress markers and inflammatory cytokine levels in peri-implantitis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Psychological stress has been identified in some observational studies as a potential factor that may modify and affect periodontal diseases, but there are no similar data for peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)α inflammatory cytokines and the psychological stress-related markers, glucocorticoid receptor-α (GRα), and salivary α-amylase (sAA) gene expression levels in saliva samples obtained from healthy implants and peri-implantitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 50 systemically healthy subjects. Peri-implant clinical parameters were recorded and psychological stress level was evaluated with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire forms. Following the evaluations, the patients were divided into 4 groups according their stress and clinical status (Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb). IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IFNα, GRα, sAA gene expression levels in the saliva samples were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: In the group of peri-implantitis who had a high score in stress level assessment scales, significantly higher IL-1ß, IL-6, sAA expression levels were observed (p < 0.001). The IL-10 gene expression levels were lower in the groups with a high score in the stress level assessment scales (p < 0.001). GRα gene was expressed at lower levels in the group of peri-implantitis who had a high score in stress level assessment scales but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065). CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest that psychological stress may increase the inflammation associated with peri-implantitis by affecting cytokine expression levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To prevent peri-implantitis or reduce its prevalence, it could be beneficial to evaluate stress levels and identify individuals experiencing stress.

Female RNA concussion (FeRNAC) study: assessing hormone profiles and salivary RNA in females with concussion by emergency departments in New Zealand: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Females of reproductive age with concussion report a greater number of symptoms that can be more severe and continue for longer than age matched males. Underlying mechanisms for sex differences are not well understood. Short non-coding Ribonucleic Acids (sncRNAs) are candidate salivary biomarkers for concussion and have been studied primarily in male athletes. Female sex hormones influence expression of these biomarkers, and it remains unclear whether a similar pattern of sncRNA expression would be observed in females following concussion. This study aims to evaluate recovery time, the ratio of salivary sncRNAs and symptom severity across different hormone profiles in females presenting to emergency departments (ED) with concussion and, to investigate the presence of low energy availability (LEA) as a potential modifier of concussion symptoms. METHODS: This prospective cohort study recruits participants from New Zealand EDs who are biologically female, of reproductive age (16-50 years) and with a confirmed diagnosis of concussion from an ED healthcare professional. Participants are excluded by ED healthcare professionals from study recruitment as part of initial routine assessment if they have a pre-diagnosed psychiatric condition, neurological condition (i.e., epilepsy, cerebral palsy) or more than three previously diagnosed concussions. Participants provide a saliva sample for measurement of sncRNA's, and online survey responses relating to hormone profile and symptom recovery at 7-day intervals after injury until they report a full return to work/study. The study is being performed in accordance with ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki with ethics approval obtained from the Health and Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC #2021 EXP 11655), Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (AUTEC #22/110) and locality consent through Wellington hospital research office. DISCUSSION: If saliva samples confirm presence of sncRNAs in females with concussion, it will provide evidence of the potential of saliva sampling as an objective tool to aid in diagnosis of, and confirmation of recovery from, concussion. Findings will determine whether expression of sncRNAs is influenced by steroid hormones in females and may outline the need for sex specific application and interpretation of sncRNAs as a clinical and/or research tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) registration number ACTRN12623001129673.

Laser-printed paper ELISA and hydroxyapatite immobilization for colorimetric congenital anomalies screening in saliva.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a fetal protein that can indicate congenital anomalies such as Down syndrome and spinal canal blockage when detected at abnormal levels in pregnant women. Current AFP detection methods rely on invasive blood or serum samples, which require sophisticated equipment. From the many solutions proposed, colorimetric paper-based assays excel in point-of-care settings. The concept of paper-based ELISA (p-ELISA) enhances traditional methods, aligning with the ASSURED criteria for diagnostics in resource-limited regions. Despite success in microfluidic paper-based assay devices, laser printing remains underexplored for p-ELISA. Additionally, modifying the paper surface provides an additional layer of sensitivity enhancement. RESULTS: In this study, we developed a novel laser-printed paper-based ELISA (LP-pELISA) for rapid, sensitive, and noninvasive detection of AFP in saliva samples. The LP-pELISA platform was fabricated by printing hydrophobic barriers on filter paper using a laser printer, followed by depositing hydroxyapatite (HAp) as an immobilization material for the antibodies. The colorimetric detection was achieved using AuNPs functionalized with anti-AFP antibodies and silver nitrate enhancement. The LP-pELISA exhibited a linear response for AFP detection in both buffer and saliva samples over a range of 1.0-800 ng mL-1, with a limit of detection (LOD) reaching 1.0 ng mL-1. The assay also demonstrated good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. The LP-pELISA was further validated by testing spiked human saliva samples, showing its potential for point-of-care diagnosis of congenital disabilities. SIGNIFICANCE: The LP-pELISA is a noninvasive platform showcasing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness, utilizing laser printing, hydroxyapatite modification, and saliva samples to efficiently detect AFP. Beyond its application for AFP, this method's versatility extends to other biomarkers, positioning it as a catalyst for the evolution of paper-based biosensors. The LP-pELISA holds promise as a transformative tool for point-of-care diagnostics, fostering advancements in healthcare with its innovative technology.

Salivary Proteinase 3 as a Biomarker for Caries Severity in Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the relation between salivary proteinase 3 (PR3) concentration and caries severity in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six-to-eight-year age group children, from the Outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive dentistry at PMS Dental College were selected for the study. From these children, three groups each consisting of 28 children were selected according to the dental caries severity. Three groups were: (1) No Dental Caries group, (2) Low Dental Caries group with DMFT/DEFT score of 1-4, and (3) High Dental Caries group with DMFT/DEFT score of 5-15. Thus, a total of 84 children who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected. The concentration of PR3 in saliva of the donors were analyzed using an ELISA kit. One way ANOVA was used for finding the relation of salivary PR3 concentration with caries severity. Pairwise comparison of PR3 concentration and caries severity were analyzed using post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: Severity of caries and concentration of salivary PR3 showed an inverse relation. As the caries severity increases there was a decrease in PR3 concentration and vice versa. CONCLUSION: The children with high caries severity showed lower concentration of PR3 in their saliva compared with those with lower caries severity which indicates that PR3 can be used as a biomarker for assessing caries severity and also paves way to use PR3 as a caries vaccine in future. Nowadays, interest toward noninvasive and personalized dentistry has been increased. Molecular assays using salivary biomarkers can be an effective tool in detecting the caries in earlier stages and assessing a patient's caries risk. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Salivary PR3 can be used as prognostic biomarker for assessing caries severity and after treatment the value of PR3 can be used as a assessment tool to confirm its relation with caries. How to cite this article: Karthika S, George S, Soman A, et al. Salivary Proteinase 3 as a Biomarker for Caries Severity in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):236-240.

Unique and interactive effects of threat and deprivation on latent trait cortisol among emerging adults.

Though considerable work supports the Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology, prior research has not tested whether the dimensions-threat (e.g., abuse) and deprivation (e.g., neglect)-are uniquely related to salivary trait indicators of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity. We examined the unique and interactive effects of threat and deprivation on latent trait cortisol (LTC)-and whether these effects were modified by co-occurring adversities. Emerging adults (n = 90; Mage = 19.36 years; 99.88% cisgender women) provided salivary cortisol samples four times a day (waking, 30 min and 45 min postwaking, bedtime) over three 3-day measurement waves over 13 weeks. Contextual life stress interviews assessed early adversity. Though the effects varied according to the conceptualization of early adversity, overall, threat-but not deprivation, nor other co-occurring adversities-was uniquely associated with the across-wave LTC. Specifically, the incidence and frequency of threat were each negatively related to the across-wave LTC. Threat severity was also associated with the across-wave LTC, but only among those with no deprivation. Finally, the effects of threat were modified by other co-occurring adversities. Findings suggest that threat has unique implications for individual differences in HPA axis activity among emerging adults, and that co-occurring adversities modify such effects.

Effect of lozenge surface texture, taste and acidity on salivary flow rate: A crossover preclinical trial in healthy subjects.

Dry mouth is a multifaceted condition which is caused by reduced salivary secretion. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of different lozenge surface textures, tastes and acidity levels on stimulated salivary secretion for increased oral moistening in participants without hyposalivation. This randomized, double-blind, clinical crossover trial with before and after comparison involved 33 healthy volunteers. Five lozenges, including a baseline control (C), apple (A), sour (S), sour apple (SA) and granular pectin (P) were tested on five different days with all the subjects. Salivary flow, pH value, and subjective feeling (visual analog scale) were measured before and after consuming the lozenge each day. Throughout all trial days the unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF) averaged 0.65 ± 0.26 ml/min. Lozenges S, SA, and P showed higher stimulated whole salivary flow (SWSF) than C (P < 0.001) by more than 0.5 ml/min. Lozenge P, with a rough surface, demonstrated the highest difference between UWSF and SWSF, 2.41 ± 0.69 ml/min. The stimulated saliva with the lozenges containing acidifiers (S, SA and P) was more than 1.4 pH units lower compared to lozenges C and A (P < 0.001). Subjects reported the strongest subjective feeling of increased saliva with lozenges SA and P. Overall lozenges SA and P provided the best objective results in enhancing salivary flow rate and subjective feeling of increased salivary flow.

[The effect of vitamin D deficiency on the content of some soluble signaling molecules in the oral fluid in individuals with dental caries]. / Vliyanie nedostatka vitamina D v organizme na soderzhanie nekotorykh rastvorimykh signal'nykh molekul v rotovoi zhidkosti pri kariese zubov.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the sthudy is to sthudy the level of soluble Immune Checkpoint Molecules (B7.2, CTLA-4, Tim-3, Lag-3, PD-1) in the oral fluid during dental caries with the background of a lack and/or deficiency of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in body. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the research 3 groups of people were formed, each one of them included 17 people aged from 20 to 24 years. The first group included students with high-intensity caries (above 9 DMFt index) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in blood serum >30 ng/ml, the second included students with high caries intensity and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels <30 ng/ml. The control group consisted of students with an average DMFt index of 1.5 (from 0 to 3) and a level of 25(OH)D in the blood more than 30 ng/ml. To determine the content of B7.2 (CD86), CTLA-4, Tim-3, Lag-3, PD-1, the Human Vascular Inflammation Panel 1 multiplex analysis kit from Biolegend (USA) was used. RESULTS: The results of the research showed that during dental caries with a normal level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D there are no significant changes in the content of Immune Checkpoint Molecules. With the background of deficiency and lack of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D there is a decrease in the amount of B7.2, LAG-3, Tim-3 and PD-1. These changes are being aggravated with an increase of the caries intensity. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency leads to a decrease in mucosal immunity of the oral cavity, the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, which in turn, releasing various metabolites, including cytokine-like substances, aggravate the pathological process and intensify carious lesions.

Feeding under fire: Relations between parental stress hormones and controlling feeding behaviors.

Under stress, parents tend to use more controlling feeding behaviors toward their children (Berge et al., 2017; Doan et al., 2022; Loth et al., 2016). However, the majority of prior work focuses on subjective reports of stress, and there is a dearth of research examining parental physiological stress and its impact on feeding behaviors. In the current study, we examined how parental physiological stress reactivity would influence their feeding behaviors under mild stress in a lab-based setting. Parents (n = 83, 50 % females) and their children (59% female, Mage = 42 months, SD = 4.48) participated. Stress was induced using the Trier Social Stress Test in the laboratory (Kirshbaum et al., 1993). Salivary samples were collected at 4 time points during the visit to index stress reactivity and later assayed for cortisol and DHEA. Parent-child interactions during the anticipatory period of the stress test were observationally coded for parent use of controlling feeding behaviors. To examine whether parent stress physiology predicts their feeding behaviors, we ran a Poisson regression using income, parent ethnicity, parent sex (mom/dad), time of day, and DHEA/cortisol ratio as predictors of controlling feeding behavior. Latinx parents used less controlling feeding behaviors, b = -0.323, p = 0.041 than non-Latinx parents. Parents with a higher DHEA/Cortisol ratio were less likely to use controlling feeding behaviors, b = -0.231, p = 0.008. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that for both mothers and fathers, DHEA relative to cortisol has a protective role in controlling feeding practices, and lends support to the role of acute stress reactivity in predicting behavioral outcomes.

Developing an interpretation model for body fluid identification.

Criminal investigations, particularly sexual assaults, frequently require the identification of body fluid type in addition to body fluid donor to provide context. In most cases this can be achieved by conventional methods, however, in certain scenarios, alternative molecular methods are required. An example of this is the detection of menstrual fluid and vaginal material, which are not able to be identified using conventional techniques. Endpoint reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is currently used for this purpose to amplify body fluid specific messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts in forensic casework. Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is a similar method but utilises fluorescent markers to generate quantitative results in the form of threshold cycle (Cq) values. Despite the uncertainty surrounding body fluid identification, most interpretation guidelines utilise categorical statements. Probabilistic modelling is more realistic as it reflects biological variation as well as the known performance of the method. This research describes the application of various machine learning models to single-source mRNA profiles obtained by RT-qPCR and assesses their performance. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR), Naïve Bayes (NB), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to discriminate between the following body fluid categories: saliva, circulatory blood, menstrual fluid, vaginal material, and semen. We identified that the performance of MLR was somewhat improved when the quantitative dataset of the original Cq values was used (overall accuracy of approximately 0.95) rather than presence/absence coded data (overall accuracy of approximately 0.94). This indicates that the quantitative information obtained by RT-qPCR amplification is useful in assigning body fluid class. Of the three classification methods, MLR performed the best. When we utilised receiver operating characteristic curves to observe performance by body fluid class, it was clear that all methods found difficulty in classifying menstrual blood samples. Future work will involve the modelling of body fluid mixtures, which are common in samples analysed as part of sexual assault investigations.

An electrochemical aptasensor for methylamphetamine rapid detection by single-on mode based on competition with complementary DNA.

A simple and rapid electrochemical sensing method with high sensitivity and specificity of aptamers was developed for the detection of methylamphetamine (MAMP). A short anti-MAMP thiolated aptamer (Apt) with a methylene blue (MB) probe at 3'-end was immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode (MB-Apt-S/GE). The electrochemical signal appeared when MAMP presenting in the sample solution competed with cDNA for binding with MB-Apt-S. Under optimized conditions, the liner range of this signal-on electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of MAMP achieved from 1.0 to 10.0 nmol/L and 10.0-400 nmol/L. LOD 0.88 nmol/L were obtained. Satisfactory spiked recoveries of saliva and urine were also obtained. In this method, only 5 min were needed to incubate before the square wave voltammetry (SWV) analysis, which was much more rapid than other electrochemical sensors, leading to a bright and broad prospect for the detection of MAMP in biological sample. This method can be used for on-site rapid detection on special occasions, such as drug driving scenes, entertainment venues suspected of drug use, etc.

Association between sleep pattern, salivary cariogenic bacteria and fungi populations, pH and buffering capacity in children: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep quality has a significant impact on a child's health and is linked to oral and systemic diseases. It affects the circadian rhythm, which plays a crucial role in regulating the balance of the endocrine and hormonal systems. Current research has focused on exploring its role in the development of caries, which is influenced by inherent oral factors such as the composition of the oral microbiome and pH levels. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bacterial population, pH, and buffering properties of saliva and sleep patterns in 8- to 12-year-old children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 elementary school children aged 8-12 years. After obtaining written consent, non-stimulating saliva samples were collected using the spitting method. The participants' sleep pattern information was obtained with the use of the Persian version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Based on the results of the CSHQ, the participants were divided into 2 groups: those with appropriate sleep patterns; and those with inappropriate sleep patterns. The study compared the bacterial population of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and Candida albicans, as well as the buffering capacity and pH of the saliva between the 2 groups. The statistical analysis employed the χ2 test, the independent samples t-test and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: The group with inappropriate sleep patterns had significantly lower pH and buffering capacity (p < 0.001) and significantly higher colony counts of Lactobacillus and S. mutans (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). There was no association between C. albicans and sleep patterns (p = 0.121). CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate sleep patterns increase the population of caries-causing bacteria and reduce salivary pH and buffering capacity. This can be a significant factor in the development of dental caries in children aged 8-12 years.

Nanocubic cobalt-containing Prussian blue analogue-derived carbon-coated CoFe alloy nanoparticles for noninvasive uric acid sensing.

This work describes an electrochemical sensor for the fast noninvasive detection of uric acid (UA) in saliva. The sensing material was based on a cobalt-containing Prussian blue analogue (Na2-xCo[Fe(CN)6]1-y, PCF). By optimizing the ratio of Co and Fe as 1.5 : 1 in PCF (PCF1.5,0), particles with a regular nanocubic morphology were formed. The calcination of PCF1.5,0 produced a carbon-coated CoFe alloy (CCF1.5), which possessed abundant defects and achieved an excellent electrochemical performance. Subsequently, CCF1.5 was modified on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to fabricate the electrochemical sensor, CCF1.5/SPCE, which showed a sensitive and selective response toward salivary UA owing to its good conductivity, sufficient surface active sites and efficient catalytic activity. The determination of UA in artificial saliva achieved the wide linear range of 40 nM-30 µM and the low limit of detection (LOD) of 15.3 nM (3σ/s of 3). The performances of the sensor including its reproducibility, stability and selectivity were estimated to be satisfactory. The content of UA in human saliva was determined and the recovery was in the range of 98-107% and the total RSD was 4.14%. The results confirmed the reliability of CCF1.5/SPCE for application in noninvasive detection.

Interplay of Adolescents' and Parents' Mindsets of Socioeconomic Status on Adolescents' Stress-Related Outcomes.

The reciprocity and variation of values and beliefs are dynamic features of the parent-child relationship. Parents and adolescents may hold congruent or incongruent views regarding the malleability of socioeconomic status (mindset of SES), potentially influencing adolescents' psychological and physiological stress outcomes, as reflected in stress perceptions and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. The current study investigated how patterns of parent-adolescent congruence and incongruence in mindset of SES were associated with adolescents' perceived stress and diurnal cortisol patterns four months later. A total of 253 adolescents (Mage = 12.60, 46.2% girls) and their parents (Mage = 40.09 years, 59.5% mothers) participated in this study. Polynomial regression analyses and response surface analyses showed that adolescents perceived lower levels of stress when they themselves or their parents reported a stronger growth mindset of SES. Additionally, adolescents with a stronger growth mindset of SES also exhibited a steeper diurnal cortisol slope. Moreover, parents' mindset significantly interacted with adolescents' mindset to influence adolescents' diurnal cortisol patterns such that when adolescents hold weaker growth mindset of SES, those with higher parental growth mindsets had significantly higher cortisol awakening response and steeper diurnal cortisol slope. Furthermore, adolescents who showed incongruence with their parents but had averagely stronger growth mindsets of SES reported a significantly steeper diurnal cortisol slope than those who had averagely weaker growth mindsets with their parents. The findings point to the beneficial impacts of the growth mindset of SES on stress-related outcomes among adolescents, as well as the significance of considering both parents' and adolescents' mindsets when exploring these associations.

An on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS method for quantification of nucleobases and nucleosides present in biological fluids.

Solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatographic (LC) separation of nucleobases and nucleosides are challenging due to the high hydrophilicity of these compounds. Herein we report a novel on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS method for their quantification after pre-column derivatization with chloroacetaldehyde (CAA). The method proposed is selective and sensitive with limits of detection at the nano-molar level. Analysis of urine and saliva samples by using this method is demonstrated. Adenine, guanine, cytosine, adenosine, guanosine, and cytidine were found in the range from 0.19 (guanosine) to 1.83 µM (cytidine) in urine and from 0.015 (guanosine) to 0.79 µM (adenine) in saliva. Interestingly, methylation of cytidine was found to be significantly different in urine from that in saliva. While 5-hydroxymethylcytidine was detected at a very low level (<0.05 µM) in saliva, it was found to be the most prominent methylated cytidine in urine at a high level of 3.33 µM. Since on-line SPE is deployed, the proposed LC-MS/MS quantitative assay is convenient to carry out and offers good assay accuracy and repeatability.

Towards voltammetric point of care detection of leucovorin.

Current healthcare trends have seen an increased emphasis on the move towards personalised precision medicine to tailor treatments to the individual and their response to diseases and disease therapies. This highlighting a transition from traditional "one size fits all" to a more nuanced approach. Despite advancements in fundamental knowledge to facilitate personalised prevision approaches, lack of resources to implement such plans remains one of the largest hurdles to overcome. Monitoring of drug therapies is one key aspect that could aid in the evolution of precision medicine alongside the development of drugs and targeted treatment systems. This contribution illustrates the potential of square wave voltammetry (SWV) as a proof-of-concept for monitoring of circulating blood concentrations of treatment therapies within artificial urine, using leucovorin calcium (LV) as a model cancer therapy drug. A low cost, easy-to-use and portable sensor has been developed and successfully employed for the detection of LV over the linear range 0.5-30 µM which represents the therapeutically relevant concentrations for LV within artificial urine without any prior sample preparation required with a limit of detection of 2.63 µM and initial investigations into saliva and serum as biological matrices. The developed sensor describe herein exhibits a proof-of-concept for the engagement of such electrochemical sensors as point-of-care devices, where the sensors ease of use and removal of time-consuming and complex sample preparation methods will ultimately increase its usability by physicians, widening the avenues where electrochemical sensors could be employed.

Oxidative Stress and FOXO-1 Relationship in Stage III Periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: 8-Hydroxideoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a marker of oxidative stress, and Forkhead Box-O1 (FOXO1) is a transcription factor and signaling integrator in cell and tissue homeostasis. This study aims to determine FOXO1 and 8-OHdG levels in serum and saliva samples of periodontitis patients and to evaluate their relationship with clinical periodontal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy individuals, twenty generalized Stage III Grade B periodontitis patients, and nineteen generalized Stage III Grade C periodontitis patients were included in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level (CAL)) were recorded. Salivary and serum 8-OHdG and FOX-O1 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Clinical periodontal parameters showed a statistically significant increase in periodontitis groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). 8-OHdG salivary levels were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups compared to the control group. The salivary FOXO1 levels were significantly lower in both periodontitis groups compared to the control group. Salivary FOXO1 level had a low-grade negative correlation with BOP and salivary 8-OHdG level. CONCLUSIONS: While reactive oxygen species increase in periodontal inflammation, low expression of FOXO1, an important transcription factor for antioxidant enzymes, supports that this molecule plays a vital role in tissue destruction, and FOXO1 can be seen as a potential immune modulator. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The role of FOXO1 in supporting antioxidant defense may suggest that FOXO1 is a candidate target for periodontitis treatment.