Resveratrol is currently considered an option for chemoprevention and treatment of oral cancer, but the instability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics hinder its use in clinical practice. The present study deals with the preparation of resveratrol liposomes by a method that preserves stability and provides payload high enough for chemoprevention and/or treatment of oral cancer. Different temperatures, RSV concentrations and molar fractions, as well as the presence or absence of vitamin C in the hydration media were assayed. Liposome hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity and zeta potential were evaluated by dynamic light scattering. In vitro biocompatibility, antioxidant activity and permeability were evaluated using TR146 cells and PermeaPad® membranes. Liposomes were included in hydrogels and films, and their suitability for buccal application was evaluated. According to the results, a temperature of 37ºC was optima to efficiently produce the resveratrol liposomes. Vitamin C was found to influence the liposome size, while resveratrol concentration significantly influenced the entrapment efficiency. High cell biocompatibility and potent intracellular antioxidant activity were observed and the inclusion of vitamin C reinforced the antioxidant effects. High permeation across PermeaPad® membranes and efficient uptake by TR146 cells was proved for resveratrol loaded liposomes. Liposomal hydrogels and films appropriated for buccal application were obtained and the payload of the formulations was high enough to produce mucosa concentrations above resveratrol IC50 values reported for cancer cells.

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on hemodialysis. Recently, our group described that a new oral nutritional supplement (ONS) for malnourished (or at-risk) hemodialysis patients with a "similar to the Mediterranean diet" model, improved caloric and protein intake, nutritional status and inflammation and oxidation biomarkers. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the new ONS, including probiotics, may produce changes in miRNAs expression and its target genes in malnourished hemodialysis patients, compared to individualized diet recommendations. We conducted a randomized, multicenter, parallel-group study in malnourished hemodialysis patients divided in 3 groups (1: Control -C- individualized diet 2: Oral nutritional supplement -ONS- + placebo -ONS-PL- and 3: ONS + probiotics -ONS-PR). Study registration: NCT03924089. The trial was open to the ONS diet or individual dietary advice, but double-blind for the intake of probiotics supplements. MiRNAs and gene expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. We observed that the expression of miR-29a and miR-29b increased significantly in patients with ONS-PR at 3 months in comparison with baseline, stabilizing at the sixth month. Moreover, we observed differences between studied groups, where miR-29b expression levels were elevated in patients receiving ONS-PR compared to the control group in the third month. Regarding the gene expression levels, we observed a decrease in the ONS-PR group compared to the control group in the third month for RUNX2 and TNFα. TGFB1 expression was decreased in the ONS-PR group compared to baseline in the third month. PTEN gene expression was significantly elevated in the ONS-PR group at 3-months in comparison with baseline. LEPTIN expression was significantly increased in ONS-PL group at 3-month intervention compared to baseline. The new Oral Nutritional Supplement associated with probiotics; increases the expression levels of miR-29a and miR-29b after 3 months of intervention, modifying the expression of target genes with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. This study highlights the potential benefit of this Oral Nutritional Supplement, especially associated with probiotics, in malnourished patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.

The introduction of biologic therapies has led to dramatic improvements in the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Even though the efficacy and safety of the newer biologic agents are difficult to match, oral administration is considered an important advantage by many patients. Current research is focused on development of oral therapies with improved efficacy and safety compared to available alternatives, as exemplified by deucravacitinib, the first oral allosteric Tyk2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults. Recent advances in our knowledge of psoriasis pathogenesis have also led to the development of targeted topical molecules, mostly focused on intracellular signaling pathways, such as AhR, PDE-4 and Jak-STAT. Topical tapinarof, an AhR modulator, and roflumilast, a PDE-4 inhibitor, have exhibited favorable efficacy and safety outcomes have been approved by the FDA for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis. This revision focuses on the most recent oral and topical therapies available for psoriasis and specially on those that are currently under evaluation and development for the treatment of psoriasis.

Purpose: To simplify the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for examination of subsurface morphology in the oral cavity and reduce barriers towards adoption of OCT as a biopsy guidance device. The aim of this work was to develop automated software tools for simplified analysis of the large volume of data collected during OCT. Methods: Imaging and corresponding histopathology were acquired in-clinic using a wide-field endoscopic OCT system. An annotated dataset (n = 294 images) from 60 patients (34 male, 26 female) was assembled to train four unique neural networks. A deep learning pipeline was built using convolutional and modified u-net models to detect the imaging field of view (network 1), detect artifacts (network 2), identify the tissue surface (network 3), and identify the presence and location of the basement membrane (network 4). Results: The area under the curve of the image and artifact detection networks was 1.00 and 0.94 respectively. The Dice similarity score for the surface and basement membrane segmentation networks was 0.98 and 0.83 respectively. Conclusion: Deep Learning (DL) techniques can identify the location and variations in the epithelial surface and basement membrane in OCT images of the oral mucosa. Segmentation results can be synthesized into accessible en face maps to allow easier visualization of changes.

Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia with reproductive-age women being disproportionately affected. Iron plays a crucial role in cellular function and impacts cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are associated with adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Oral iron supplementation has been the standard treatment for IDA for decades often producing sub-optimal outcomes. Many babies are still being born with ID and suffer adverse sequelae due to inadequate iron levels in the mothers. Is it time to consider broad scale-up of parenteral iron as a new standard of care?

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection, often caused by Candida albicans. One of the virulence factors of C. albicans is sterol 14a-demethylase or CYP51. Compounds of anthocyanins (ternatin, cyanin) and flavonoids (rutin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, limocitrin) from the extract of the Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) plant are believed to have potential to inhibit the CYP51 virulence factor of C. albicans to suppress oral candidiasis. The purpose of this research was to investigate the interaction between the ligands of anthocyanins and flavonoids from C. ternatea (butterfly pea) with CYP51. Methods: The in silico study applied molecular docking to examine the molecular interactions (binding affinity) between the anthocyanin and flavonoid ligands of interest from C. ternatea and the CYP51 receptor of C. albicans. Results: Predicted interactions exist between the ligands of anthocyanins (ternatin, cyanin) and flavonoids (rutin, isoquercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, limocitrin) from C. ternatea and the CYP51 receptor of C. albicans. Conclusion: C. ternatea has the potential to provide anti-fungal agents that can inhibit or slow down the occurrence of oral candidiasis, as indicated by in silico studies. However, it is important to conduct additional research regarding the properties of the plant to determine the unknown aspects of its effects to the human body.

This study utilized phytochemical screening to conduct qualitative analysis of plant extracts, aiming to identify various classes of secondary metabolites. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of different types of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts was determined. To achieve the aim of the study, aqueous, ethanolic, and enzymatic extracts were prepared and screened for phytochemical capacity and antioxidant activities. Determination of the antibacterial activity included phenotypic screening of antibiotic susceptibility pattern of oral and food pathogenic bacterial strains, determination of Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration - Microdilution broth test and in vitro valuation of antibacterial efficacies - anti-biofilm properties of the studied herbal extractions. Results: Our study evaluated the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. The analyzed samples contained bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, contributing to the observed strong antioxidant effect. Furthermore, they exhibited notable activity against oral biofilm formation and demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against dental caries microorganisms as well as food pathogens. Despite methodological variations, all extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity and promising antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including resistant strains, while also inhibiting biofilm formation. Although limited to two plant species and facing methodological constraints, the study lays a groundwork for future research, indicating the therapeutic potential of O. vulgare and S. triloba extracts. Further exploration is needed to report on underlying mechanisms and validate efficacy through clinical trials.

Background: Cancer patients require cross-professional care during the diagnosis and treatment periods. Therefore, methods for effectively carrying out case management are essential to tumor care. Purpose: To investigate the effects of using the community software LINE Official Ac-count on oral cancer case management. Methods: An experimental design was used; 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups by using a computer-generated random number table. The experimental group used LINE Official Account, which gave them self-care information, timely messages, and one-on-one health-care consultations. The control group followed standard healthcare practices. Results: The experimental group was satisfied with the self-care information provided by LINE Official Account (86.9%), patients regularly checked the self-care information (89.4%) and would check the information when receiving a push notification (54.3%). Ten patients used the one-on-one consultation(20.0%). LINE Official Account had a significant effect on the rate of participation in support groups. Generalized estimating equations indicated a significant difference between the two groups regarding the overall quality of life over 7 days (P = 0.023). Conclusion: Community software applications used in oncological case management can improve self-management and empower, also enable tracking of long-term follow-up effectiveness and reinforce the case manager’s role as a family therapist. Therefore, this study recommends that case manager systems be incorporated into mobile applications to increase the sustainable management, accessibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction of oncological management systems. This study also provides the value of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Good Health and Well-being, and decreased social withdrawal among patients with oral cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have initiated a new era in the treatment of malignant melanoma. ICIs can be used in various settings, including as first-line, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant therapy. In the scope of this review, we examined clinical studies utilizing ICIs in the context of treating oral mucosal melanoma, a rare disease albeit with an extremely poor prognosis, with a specific focus on unraveling the intricate web of resistance mechanisms. The absence of a comprehensive review focusing on ICIs in oral mucosal melanoma is notable. Therefore, this review seeks to address this deficiency by offering a novel and thorough analysis of the current status, potential resistance mechanisms, and future prospects of applying ICIs specifically to oral malignant melanoma. Clarifying and thoroughly understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the advancement of effective therapeutic approaches and enhance the prospects for patients suffering from oral mucosal melanoma.

Background: During esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed with colonoscopy, gastric and duodenal erythema, erosions, and ulcerations are often observed. This investigation was designed to review the prevalence of gastroduodenal lesions in patients who underwent wireless capsule endoscopy using standard bowel cleansing preparations, but no endoscopy or sedation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients referred for capsule endoscopy. Records and capsule reports were reviewed for patient demographics, preparation prescribed, procedural indications, and gastroduodenal findings. Preparations studied included polyethylene glycol lavage (PEG), PEG plus bisacodyl (PEG+bis), bisacodyl (bis), oral sulfate solution (OSS) and no prep. Results: Among the 1236 records, 498 (40.3%) were men and 738 (59.7%) were women. The mean age was 57 years +/- 17.8 years SD. The percentage of patients with lesions after any bowel preparation was 52.7% for gastric lesions and 23.6% for duodenal lesions. The percentage of patients with gastroduodenal lesions was 58.3% with prep, compared to 38.2% without prep. These findings were statistically significant with RR 1.53 [1.19-1.94] (p-value=0.00004). This difference was more pronounced in the OSS group RR 1.65 [1.29-2.1] and bisacodyl groups RR 1.64 [1.25-2.15] compared to the PEG group RR 0.95 [0.7-1.3]. Conclusion: This study showed that patients undergoing wireless capsule endoscopy who received bowel preparations had a significant increase in gastric and duodenal lesions. Of the preparations studied, OSS was associated with the greater number of gastroduodenal lesions, while PEG was the least associated with lesions with an occurrence similar to the non-prep group. The clinical significance of these lesions remains undetermined.

Oral diseases remain a major health problem worldwide, with the World Health Organisation reporting that oral health neglect affects almost half of the world’s population. Quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) influence oral biofilms in various ways with knowledge of direct oral QSM-host interaction being limited, and such studies could provide more insight into the cross-kingdom communication occurring during oral disease development. This review aims to explore the literature on oral QSM-host interaction and to highlight areas of advancement in this field. QSM CSP-1 produced by Gram-positive oral bacteria was found to interact with T2R receptors, activating NF-kB signalling and leading to remodeling of the cytoskeleton. AI-2 in the oral cavity was found in various studies to elicit an inflammatory response in specific oral cells. Overall AHL detection methods remain an area for development, through which greater understanding of oral QSMs’ influence on host cells can be achieved. In conclusion, from the current literature it can be inferred that that QSMs are utilised by host cells to detect bacterial presence and in the majority of cases elicit an immune response towards the environmental QSMs. This may provide a base to target QSMs as novel treatment of oral diseases.

Vitamin D, sunshine and UVB phototherapy were first reported in the early 1900s to control psoriasis, cure rickets and cure tuberculosis (TB). Vitamin D also controlled asthma and rheumatoid arthritis with intakes ranging from 60,000 to 600,000 International Units (IU)/day. In the 1980s interest in treating psoriasis with vitamin D rekindled. Since 1985 four different oral forms of vitamin D (D2, D3, 1-hydroxyvitaminD3 (1(OH)D3) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 (calcitriol)) and several topical formulations have been reported safe and effective treatments for psoriasis—as has UVB phototherapy and sunshine. In this review we show that many pre-treatment serum 25(OH)D concentrations fall within the current range of normal, while many post-treatment concentrations fall outside the upper limit of this normal (100 ng/ml). Yet, psoriasis patients showed significant clinical improvement without complications using these treatments. Current estimates of vitamin D sufficiency appear to underestimate serum 25(OH)D concentrations required for optimal health in psoriasis patients, while concentrations associated with adverse events appear to be much higher than current estimates of safe serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Based on these observations, the therapeutic index for vitamin D needs to be reexamined in the treatment of psoriasis and other diseases strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency, including COVID-19 infections, which may also improve safely with sufficient vitamin D intake or UVB exposure.

Many countries are facing the advent of super-aging societies, where sarcopenia and frailty will become emerging problems. Elderly people suffer from various diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia. The prevalence of comorbidities is a major problem in countries with aged populations. Underlying diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and also dementia are associated with sarcopenia and frailty, and they are frequent causes of falls, fractures, and a decline in activities of daily living. Fractures in the elderly people are associated with bone fragility, which is influenced by diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Nutritional support for chronic disease patients and sarcopenic individuals with adequate energy and protein intake, vitamin D supplementation, blood-glucose-level management for individuals with diabetes, obesity prevention, nutritional education for healthy individuals, and the enlightenment of society could be crucial to solving the problems in super-aging societies.

Many countries are facing the advent of super-aging societies, where sarcopenia and frailty will become emerging problems. Elderly people suffer from various diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia. The prevalence of comorbidities is a major problem in countries with aged populations. Underlying diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and also dementia are associated with sarcopenia and frailty, and they are frequent causes of falls, fractures, and a decline in ADL. Fractures in the elderly people are associated with bone fragility. Diabetes and chronic kidney disease are associated with bone fragility. Nutritional support for chronic disease patients and sarcopenic individuals with adequate energy and protein intake, vitamin D supplementation, blood-glucose-level management for individuals with diabetes, obesity prevention, nutritional education for healthy individuals, and the enlightenment of society could be crucial to solving the problems in super-aging societies.

Abstract: Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by painless bilateral expansion of the mandible and maxilla. We present an unusual case of a 50-year-old female patient with Ramon syndrome, a rare variant of cherubism, accompanied by gingival fibromatosis. The patient exhibited symptoms of short stature, mental retardation, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, hirsutism, and gingival enlargement. Clinical examination revealed generalized gingival inflammation with plaque and attachment loss. Radiographically, bilateral defined multilocular radiolucencies were observed in the mandibular body and ramus. The patient underwent a non-surgical phase, including oral hygiene motivation and periodontal debridement, followed by a surgical phase involving gingivoplasty and internal bevel gingivectomy with open flap debridement. Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of fibroblasts, multinucleated giant cells, and fibrous connective tissue. The patient's son also presented with bilateral facial swelling and similar radiographic findings, indicating familial inheritance of cherubism. The case demonstrates the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features of cherubism associated with gingival fibromatosis and highlights the challenges in diagnosis and management. Regular follow-up and maintenance are essential for long-term stability and prevention of recurrence. This report contributes to the limited literature on cherubism in older patients and emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention in affected individuals.

The oral cavity is the gateway for microorganisms into your body where they disseminate not only to the directly connected respiratory and digestive tracts, but also to the many remote organs. Oral microbiota, traveling to the end of the intestine and circulating our body through blood vessels, not only affect a gut microbiome profile, but also many systemic diseases. By gathering information accumulated from the era of focal infection theory to the age of revolution in microbiome research, we propose a pivotal role of “leaky gum”, as an analogy of “leaky gut”, to underscore the importance of the oral cavity in systemic health. The oral cavity has unique structures, the gingival sulcus (GS) and the junctional epithelium (JE) below the GS, which are rarely found anywhere else in our body. The JE is attached to the tooth enamel and cementum by hemidesmosome (HD), which is structurally weaker than desmosome and is thus vulnerable to microbial infiltration. In the GS, microbial biofilms can build up for life, unlike the biofilms on the skin and intestinal mucosa that fall off by natural process. Thus, we emphasize that the GS and the JE are the weakest leaky point for microbes to invade human body, making the leaky gum just as important as, or even more important than, the leaky gut.

Background: Strengthening adherence to self-care behaviors in patients with periodontal disease (PD) and reducing plaque index is crucial for improving PD treatment. We evaluated the effectiveness of a theory of planned behavior (TPB)-based health education intervention involving planning strategy on self-care behaviors in patients with PD. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted; 158 and 139 patients comprised the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), respectively. Both groups received a leaflet, and the EG also received a planning intervention, which was a brief one-on-one counseling session with a planning sheet. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Between-group comparisons of TPB measures revealed significant differences in all domains when controlling for baseline covariates. The EG exhibited significantly higher levels of action and coping planning than the CG at 2-week follow-up (effect size (ES) = 5.54 and 5.57, respectively) and 6-week follow-up (ES = 5.66 and 5.66, respectively). Between-group differences in changes of brushing behaviors increased significantly. More frequent use of dental floss was observed in the EG than in the CG at 2-week and 6-week follow-ups (24.7% and 22.8%, respectively). Conclusions: The intervention involving planning strategy effectively promoted adherence to self-care behaviors in patients with PD.

The evolution of manual grooming and its implications have received little attention in the quest to understand the origins of simian primates and their social and technical intelligence. All simians groom manually, whereas prosimians groom orally despite comparable manual dexterity between some members of the two groups. Simians also exhibit a variable propensity for the manipulation of inanimate, non-food objects, which has culminated in tool making and tool use in some species. However, lemuriform primates also seem capable of tool use with training. Furthermore, lemuriforms appear to understand the concept of a tool and use their own body parts as “tools”, despite not using inanimate objects. This suggests that prosimian primates are pre-adapted for proprioceptive object manipulation and tool use, but do not express these cognitive abilities by default. This essay explores the paleontological, anatomical, cognitive, ethological, and neurological roots of these abilities and attempts to explain this behavioural divide between simians and prosimians. Common misconceptions about early primate evolution and captive behaviours are addressed, and chronological inconsistencies with Machiavellian Intelligence are examined. A “licking to picking” hypothesis is also proposed to explain a potential link between manual grooming and object manipulation, and to reconcile the inconsistencies of Machiavellian Intelligence. Bayesian decision theory, the evolution of the parietal cortex and enhanced proprioception, and analogies with behavioural changes resulting from artificial selection may help provide new insights into the minds of both our primate kin and ourselves.

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) from cancer cells play a key role in mediating the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) microenvironment. The objective aimed to investigate how long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 affects OSCC angiogenesis through exosomal miR-421. Global miRNA microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed to determine the level of miRNAs in OSCC cells-derived exosomes. Cell migration, invasion, tube formation, immunohistochemistry and hemoglobin concentration were used to study the effects of exosomal miR-421 in angiogenesis. Western blotting was used to determine the expression level of HS2ST1 and VEGFR2-related downstream proteins. MiRNA array and qRT-PCR identified upregulation of miR-421 in OSCC cell-derived exosomes. Furthermore, exosome-miR-421 can be taken up by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and then targets HS2ST1 through VEGF-mediated ERK and AKT phosphorylation, thereby promoting HUVEC migration, invasion, and tube formation. Additionally, enforced expression of lncRNA MEG3 in OSCC cells reduced exosomal miR-421 levels and then increased HS2ST1 expression, thereby reducing the VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway in HUVEC. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which lncRNA MEG3 can act as a tumor suppressor and regulate endothelial angiogenesis through the exosomal miR-421/HS2ST1 axis, which provides a potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC angiogenesis.

Background: Granular cell tumor is a benign neurogenic tumor of the subcutaneous and submucosal area. The tongue is the most affected site of the oral cavity. The clinical presentation is non-specific and manifests as a submucosal nodule or mass. Because of its non-specific presentation, a definitive diagnosis an only be established after a histopathological examination and an immunohistochemical study to search for a neurogenic origin. Methods: We report the case of a 48-year-old man who was referred for the management of a nodular lesion on the tip of his tongue that had increased in size over the previous three months. Results: A complete surgical excision was performed for the histopathological exam, and an immunohistochemical study confirmed a strong expression of S100 and CD68. A diagnosis of granular cell tumor was confirmed. There was no recurrence et three years follow-up. Conclusion: the GCT is a rare tumor of nervous origin of the oral mucosa, it is non-specific in expression, with a good prognosis after complete excision. the histological and immunohistochemical diagnosis of the lesion is essential for the diagnosis.

The prevalence of allergic diseases, including food allergy, is increasing, especially in developed countries. Implementation of an elimination diet is not a sufficient therapeutic strategy in patients with food allergy, whose quality of life is significantly impaired. In recent years, new effective therapeutic strategies have been developed, such as the application of oral, sublingual, and epicutenous immunotherapy. Oral immunotherapy is the most often applied strategy because of its effectiveness and ease of application, with an acceptable safety profile. The effectiveness of oral immunotherapy in patients with egg, cow's milk and peanut allergy has been proven both in terms of raising of the threshold and the development of tolerance, and in some patients, the development of sustainable unresponsiveness. Although oral immunotherapy is an effective treatment for food allergy, several limitations, including long duration and a significant rate of reported adverse events, reduces its success. Therefore, new therapeutic options, such as treatment with biologicals, either as combinations with food allergen immunotherapy or as monotherapy with the aim of improving the efficacy and safety of treatment are being investigated..

The role of desmoglein-3 (DSG3) in oncogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to uncover molecular mechanisms through comparative transcriptome analysis in oral cancer cells, defining potential key genes and associated biological processes related to DSG3 expression. Four mRNA libraries of oral squamous carcinoma H413 cell lines were sequenced and 599 candidate genes exhibited differential expression between DSG3-overexpressing and matched control lines, with 12 genes highly significantly differentially expressed, including 9 upregulated and 3 downregulated. Genes with known implications in cancer, such as MMP-13, KRT84, OLFM4, GJA1, AMOT, and ADAMTS1, were strongly linked to DSG3 overexpression. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the DSG3-associated candidate gene products participated in crucial cellular processes such as junction assembly, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix formation, intermediate filament organization, and keratinocyte differentiation. Validation of RNA-Seq was performed through qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy meticulously examined desmosome morphology, revealing slightly immature desmosome structure in DSG3-overexpressing cells compared to controls. No changes in desmosome frequency and diameter were observed between the two conditions. This study underscores intricate and multifaceted alterations associated with DSG3 in oral squamous carcinoma cells, implying a potential oncogenic role of this gene in biological processes that enable cell communication, motility and survival.

CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor crucial in tumor progression, although the angiogenic role of CXCR4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been investigated. Here we show that CXCR4 is crucial for tumor angiogenesis thereby supports tumor survival in OSCC. Immunohistochemistry on human clinical specimens revealed that CXCR4 and a tumor vasculature marker CD34 were co-distributed in tumor vessels in human OSCC specimens. To ask the effects of CXCR4 inhibition, we treated the OSCC-xenografted mice with AMD3100, so-called plerixafor, an antagonist of CXCR4. Notably, we found a unique pathophysiological structure defined as Tumor Angiogenic Inhibition Triggered Necrosis (TAITN) induced by the CXCR4 antagonism. Treatment with AMD3100 increased necrotic area with the induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the xenografted tumors, suggesting that AMD3100-induced TAITN was involved in hypoxia and ischemia. Taken together, we demonstrated that CXCR4 plays a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis required for OSCC progression, whereas TAITN induced by CXCR4 antagonism could be an effective anti-angiogenic therapeutic strategy in OSCC treatment.

Lipid-based drugs are emerging as an interesting class of novel anticancer drugs with the potential to target specific cancer cell metabolic pathway linked to their proliferation and invasiveness. In particular, ω−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derivatives such as epoxides and their bioisosteres have demonstrated the potential to suppress growth and promote apoptosis in triple-negative human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. In this study 16-(4’-chloro-3’-trifluorophenyl)carbamoylamino]hexadecanoic acid (ClFPh-CHA), an anticancer lipid derived from ω−3,17,18-epoxyeicosanoic acid, was formulated as a stable nanoemulsion with size around 150 nm and narrow droplet size distribution (PDI<0.200) through phase-inversion emulsification process followed by high pressure homogenization in view of an oral administration. The ClFPh-CHA-loaded nanoemulsions were able to significantly decrease the relative tumor volume in mice bearing an intramammary tumor xenograft at all doses tested (2.5, 10 and 40 mg/kg) after 32 days of daily oral administration. Furthermore, absolute tumor weight was decreased to 50% of untreated control at 10 and 40 mg/kg, while intraperitoneal administration could achieve a significant reduction only at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg. Results suggest that oral administration of ClFPh-CHA formulated as a nanoemulsion has a sufficient bioavailability to provide an anticancer effect in mice and that the activity is at least equal if not superior to that obtained by a conventional parenteral administration of equivalent doses of the same drug.

Leptin is the archetypal adipokine that promotes a negative whole-body energy balance largely through its action on brain leptin receptors. As such, the sustained weight loss and food intake suppression induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery have been attributed to enhancement of leptin receptor signalling. We formally revisited this idea in Zucker Fatty fa/fa rats, an established genetic model of leptin receptor deficiency, and carefully compared their body weight, food intake and oral glucose tolerance after RYGB with that of sham-operated fa/fa (obese) and sham-operated fa/+ (lean) rats. We found that RYGB rats sustainably lost body weight, which converged with that of lean rats and was 25.5 % lower than that of obese rats by the end of the 4 week study period. Correspondingly, daily food intake of RYGB rats was similar to that of lean rats from the second postoperative week, while it was always at least 33.9 % lower than that of obese rats. Further, oral glucose tolerance of RYGB rats was normalized at the forth postoperative week. These findings assert that leptin is not an essential mediator of the sustained weight loss and food intake suppression as well as the improved glycemic control induced by RYGB, and instead point to additional circulating and/or neural factors.

Epidemiological data indicate that 5.8% of cancer deaths world-wide are attributable to alcohol consumption. The risk of cancer is higher in tissues in closest contact on ingestion of alcohol, such as the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus. The risk of these cancers is increased even in people who have only one alcoholic drink per day. However, since ethanol is not mutagenic and the carcinogenic metabolite of ethanol (acetaldehyde) is mostly produced in the liver, it is not clear why alcohol use preferentially exerts a local carcinogenic effect. It is well known that ethanol causes cell death at the concentrations present in alcoholic beverages; however, this effect has been overlooked probably because dead cells cannot give rise to cancer. Here I discuss that the cytotoxic effect of ethanol on the cells lining the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus activates the division of the stem cells located in deeper layers of the mucosa to replace the dead cells. Every time stem cells divide, they become exposed to unavoidable errors associated with cell division (e.g., mutations arising during DNA replication and chromosomal alterations occurring during mitosis) and also become highly vulnerable to the genotoxic activity of endogenous and exogenous DNA-damaging agents (e.g., reactive oxygen species, acetaldehyde and tobacco carcinogens). Alcohol consumption probably increases the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus by promoting the accumulation of cell divisions in the stem cells that maintain these tissues in homeostasis. Because the cytotoxic activity of ethanol is concentration-dependent, the risk of these cancers will not only increase with increasing amounts of ethanol, but also with increasing concentrations; an ounce of whisky is probably more carcinogenic when taken undiluted than when taken mixed with non-alcoholic beverages. The local cytotoxic effect of ethanol can also explain the known synergistic effect of alcohol and tobacco use on the risk of these cancers. Understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenicity of alcohol is important to reinforce the epidemiological evidence and to raise public awareness of the strong link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

The basis of modern teeth whitening systems is the use of a whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of chemical and modified office teeth whitening systems on the mineral metabolism of oral fluid and to determine a safer method. The study covered 81 patients aged 22 to 35 years of both sexes with teeth color A2 and darker on the Vita Classic scale. Determination of the concentration of calcium and phosphates in the oral fluid was carried out on a spectrophotometer using ready-made Human kits. Chemical tooth whitening was performed using a gel based on 40% hydrogen peroxide. After the procedure, remineralization therapy with enamel-sealing liquid was performed for 14 days. The obtained results indicate that the most pronounced changes in the content of calcium (+74.4%, p &lt;0.001) and рhosphates (phosphorus) (-23.07%, p &lt;0.001) were observed when using a chemical bleaching system. After the teeth whitening procedure using a modified technique, less pronounced changes in the concentrations of calcium (+29.07, p &lt;0.001) and phosphorus (-14%, p &lt;0.001) were observed. The use of remineralizing agents led to a faster recovery of the initial levels of calcium and phosphates in the oral fluid. Both bleaching systems caused similar changes in the chemical composition of the oral fluid.

Introduction: Some of the practices in medicine are carried out of habit without proven benefits. This is the case of premature babies from 30 to 34 weeks of gestation who are always given parenteral fluids, even though this practice has been associated with an increase incidence of infection. At the end of 2017, we started a protocol of rationalization in the use of parenteral fluid. To administer nutrition/fluids, we used oral fluids by suction if this was possible or otherwise by oral/nasogastric tube at volumes of 70-80 mL/Kg/day divided every 3 hours, with 5 mL increments every 12-24 hours until 200 mL/K/day was achieved, always using breast milk when possible. Material and methods: The present study sought to compare results before and after this new policy. For this work, we review all premature babies between 30-34 weeks of gestation in two time periods, the first from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2017 and the second from 01/01/2018 to 08/15/2022. The number of cases with and without parenteral fluids (PF), the incidence of infection, the weight at admission and discharge, and the change in the weight Z score between birth and discharge were compared. Both the anthropometric and outcome variables were compared using the different statistical methods according to each variable. Results: were found 920 cases with the described characteristics. The groups before and after the intervention did not show significant differences in their general demographic characteristics. We observed a decrease use of PF in the second period, from 425 cases (82.0%) before to 297 (26.2%) after implementation, p <0.0001 and fewer days of use (4.1 days/average before vs 1.3 after, p <0.0001) of PF. The weight at discharge and the change in weight Z-score were the same in both groups. Infections went from nine cases before to two cases after but it was not statistically significant. There were no complications due to less use of PF. Discussion: This study showed that the use of PF is not associated with significant changes in outcomes of interest, which reinforces that its use does not generate any benefit for the patient. Larger number of cases is required to detect differences in low incidence events such as infections.

Induction of jasmonate-mediated plant defense against insect herbivory is initiated by a combination of both, mechanical wounding and chemical factors. In order to study both effects independently on plant defense induction, SpitWorm, a computer-controlled device which mimics the damage pattern of feeding insect larvae on leaves and, in addition, can apply oral secretions (OS) or other solutions to the ‘biting site’ during ‘feeding’, was developed and evaluated. The amount of OS left by a Spodoptera littoralis larva during feeding on Phaseolus lunatus (lima bean) leaves was estimated by combining larval foregut volume, biting rate, and quantification of a fluorescent dye injected into the larvae’s foregut prior to feeding. For providing OS amounts by SpitWorm equivalent to larval feeding, dilution and delivery rate were optimized. The effectiveness of SpitWorm was tested by comparing volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions of P. lunatus leaves treated with either SpitWorm, MecWorm or S. littoralis larvae. Identification and quantification of emitted VOCs revealed that SpitWorm induced a volatile bouquet that is qualitatively and quantitatively similar to herbivory. Additionally, RT-qPCR of four jasmonic acid responsive genes showed that SpitWorm, in contrast to MecWorm, induces the same regulation pattern as insect feeding. Thus, SpitWorm mimics insect herbivory almost identical to real larvae feeding.

This paper presents a proof-of-concept study on the biocolonization of 3D-printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Three-dimensional (3D) printed biomimetic bone structure made of Calcium Deficient HydroxyApatite (CDHA) intended as future bone graft was made from newly developed composite material for FDM printing. The biopolymer polyvinyl alcohol serves in this material as a thermoplastic binder for 3D molding of the printed object with a passive function and is completely removed during sintering. The study presents the material, the process of fused deposition modeling (FDM) of CDHA scaffolds and its post-processing at three temperatures (1200, 1300, 1400 °C), as well it evaluates the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of scaffolds with MTT and LDH release assays after 14 days. The study also includes a morphological evaluation of the cellular colonization with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in two different filament orientations (rectilinear and gyroid). The results of the MTT assay showed that the tested material was not toxic, and cells were preserved in both orientations, with most cells present on the material fired at 1300°C. Results of the LDH release assay showed a slight increase in LDH leakage from all samples. Visual evaluation of SEM confirmed the ideal post-processing temperature of the 3D-printed FDM framework for samples fired at 1300°C and 1400°C, with a porosity of 0.3 mm between filaments. In conclusion, the presented fabrication and colonization of CDHA scaffolds have great potential to be used in the tissue engineering of bones.

The oral microbiome is a diverse and complex ecosystem essential for maintaining oral and systemic health. Our study is the first to define the oral microbial community in Egyptian young adults and investigate the effects of natural antimicrobials on the oral microbiome. SuperMint (SM) is a proprietary blend of peppermint, Japanese mint, bergamot mint, and spearmint essential oils encapsulated in a tiny soft beadlet. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of SM beadlets on the oral microbiome. This study recruited twenty healthy participants. A baseline investigation of the oral microbiome of the selected participants was performed by collecting saliva and swab samples before treatment. Treatment included chewing four SM beadlets twice a day for 7 days, and then post-administration saliva and swab samples were collected at the end of treatment. The oral microbiome samples were analyzed by high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, and the community composition was determined. The results showed that the abundance of some microbial genera and families decreased after using SM, including Prevotella, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Haemophilus. However, some genera showed inconsistent patterns. We also found that the subject's gender and SM usage were significantly associated with diverse microbial composition. The results suggest that SM treatment decreased the abundance of several bacteria associated with halitosis and periodontal diseases, such as Actinomyces and Streptococcus. Furthermore, Corynebacterium species increased while Streptococcus decreased after SM usage. More research is needed to fully understand the antimicrobial effects of mint oils and their potential applications in maintaining good oral health.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by oral ingestion of gluten, with certain gluten residues resistant to digestive tract enzymes. Within the duodenum, the remaining peptides incite immunogenic responses, including the generation of autoantibodies and inflammation, leading to irreversible damage. Our previous exploration unveiled a glutenase called Bga1903 derived from the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia gladioli. The cleavage pattern of Bga1903 indicated its moderate ability to mitigate the toxicity of pro-immunogenic peptides. The crystal structure of Bga1903, along with the identification of subsites within its active site, was determined. To improve its substrate specificity toward prevalent motifs like QPQ within gluten peptides, the active site of Bga1903 underwent site-directed mutagenesis according to structural insights and enzymatic kinetics. Among the double-site mutants, E380Q/S387L exhibits an approximately 38-fold increase in its specificity constant toward the QPQ sequence, favoring glutamines at the P1 and P3 positions compared to the wild type. Not only does the heightened specificity of E380Q/S387L improve the hydrolytic activity against pro-immunogenic peptides, but also holds this version of the enzyme as a promising candidate as an oral therapy enzyme for celiac disease.

Caries are lesions caused by acidic compounds derived from the metabolism of bacteria such as streptococci. It is not merely the presence of acidogenic bacteria that causes caries but an imbalance in the oral biofilm microhabitat and its behavior. One factor underlying biofilm formation is quorum sensing (QS), that in gram-positives relies on peptidic molecules, whereas in gram-negatives is driven by small diffusible signals. Strategies based on QS inhibition have been proposed as alter-natives to antimicrobial therapies. Here, we investigate the antibiofilm potential of the lactonase enzyme Aii20J, previously reported as effective against biofilms of periodontal disease origin. We generated in vitro polymicrobial biofilms dominated by gram-positive taxa using supragingival samples from caries-free and caries-active children. The effect of Aii20J on the biofilms was evalu-ated regarding its biomass-reducing ability, as assessed with crystal violet assay, and its effects on the bacterial composition of the polymicrobial biofilms, as assessed by 16S community profiling. We describe significant biomass reductions upon Aii20J exposure without significant changes in bac-terial composition at the genus level. Our results support the use of Aii20J to prevent oral biofilm formation while highlighting the influence of the polymicrobial environment on bacterial commu-nities and their response to antibiofilm treatments.

Complementary and alternative treatment approaches are becoming more common among children with chronic conditions. The pravelance of CAM use among US adults was estimated to be around 42% in 2015, and around 44% to 50% among adults with neurologic disorders. Studies report children with chronic illnesses such as cancer, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), genetic disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated with complementary and alternative treatments at higher rates. Dietary therapies are gaining increasing popularity in the mainstream population, due to the heavy media involvement. Although, majority of “fad” diets do not have enough supporting evidence, some dietary therapies have been utilized for decades and have numerous published studies. The objective of this review is to describe the dietary interventions used in children with the specific chronic conditions, to evaluate their efficacy based on published data, and to encourage pharmacist involvement in the management and care of such patients.

The gut plays a key role in drug absorption and metabolism of orally ingested drugs. Additionally, characterization of intestinal disease processes are increasingly gaining more attention as gut health is an important contributor to our overall health. The most recent innovation to study intestinal processes in vitro is the development of gut-on-a-chip (GOC) systems. Compared to conventional in vitro models they offer more translational value, and many different GOC models have been presented over the past years. Here, we reflect on the almost unlimited choices in designing and selecting a GOC for preclinical drug (or food) development research. Four components that largely influence the GOC design are highlighted, namely 1) the biological research questions, 2) chip fabrication and materials, 3) tissue engineering, and 4) the environmental and biochemical cues to add or measure in the GOC. Examples are presented of GOC studies in the two major areas of preclinical intestinal research: 1) intestinal absorption and metabolism to study the oral bioavailability of compounds, and 2) treatment-orientated research for intestinal diseases. The last section of this review presents an outlook on the limitations to overcome in order to accelerate preclinical GOC research.

Background: Metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor patient prognosis. Metastasis is a complex process involving various proteins, tumor cell alterations including changes caused by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate a combined protein marker system consisting of connexin 43 (Cx43), EMMPRIN (CD147), E-cadherin and vimentin during the invasive metastatic process of OSCC and the possibility of using this system for prognosis prediction. Methods: The protein expression profiles of Cx43, EMMPRIN, E-cadherin and vimentin were investigated by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 24 OSCC patients. The metastatic process was mapped through different regions of interest (ROI) of adjacent healthy oral mucosa (OM), center of primary OSCC, invasive front (IF), and local cervical lymph node metastases (LNM). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary clinical endpoints. Results: Significant changes in the expression profiles of the different marker proteins were detected between the different ROIs (all p values &lt; 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed a significant effect of increased EMMPRIN expression towards IF on DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.023). The combined predictive analysis showed a significant predictive value of the marker system for DFS (p = 0.0017) and OS (p = 0.00044). Conclusions: The combined marker system was able to significantly predict patient prognosis. An increase in EMMPRIN expression towards IF showed the strongest effect and could be an interesting new antimetastatic therapy approach.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent human malignancies and a global health concern with a poor prognosis despite therapeutic advances, highlighting the need for a better understanding of its molecular background. The genomic landscape of OSCC is well-established and recent research has focused on miRNAs, which regulate gene expression and may be useful as non-invasive biomarkers. A plethora of findings regarding miRNA expression have been generated, posing challenges for their interpretation and identification of disease-specific molecules. Hence, we opted to identify the most important miRNA molecules by bridging genetics and epigenetics, focusing on the key genes implicated in OSCC development. Based on published reports, we have developed a custom panel of 15 major oncogenes and a second panel of 5 major tumor suppressor genes. Following a miRNA/target interaction analysis and a comprehensive study of the literature, we selected the miRNA molecules, which target the majority of each gene panel and are reported to be downregulated or upregulated in OSCC, respectively. As a result, miR-34a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-1-3p and miR-16-5p appeared to be the most OSCC-specific. Their expressional patterns, their verified targets and the signaling pathways affected by their dysregulation in OSCC, are thoroughly discussed in this review.

The demand for dietary supplements containing collagen has been growing for years. The speciality and uniqueness of the dietary supplement (DS) examined in our study is the presence of L-arginine and hyaluronic acid alongside collagen and vitamin C. The individual mechanisms of action and physiological role of these compounds are understood, but they have not yet been tested in the combination and amounts of the dietary supplement used in this study. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of the DS in elderly patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Somatometric, body composition, physiotherapy and laboratory tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. The two-month study involved 30 people, randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). All subjects consumed 25 ml DS per day and EG members also participated in physiotherapy 3 times a week. Alongside the DS, blood lipid levels changed: LDL decreased, HDL increased, LDL/HDL ratio significantly decreased in both groups. For EG, the results improved more markedly. In 3 items of the body composition test, there was a significant improvement in both groups, which was attributed to the use of the dietary supplement. For the EG, there were significant changes in 5 additional test items, which we attribute to the addition of regular physical activity. Knee and hip joint range of motion (ROM) showed significant improvements in the study group, while in the CG the DS can cause significant improvements in joint range of motion in a passive condition as well.

Background: The ever-growing emergence of antibiotic resistance associated with tuberculosis (TB) has become a global challenge. In 2012, USFDA has given expedited approval to bedaquiline (BDQ), as a new treatment for drug-resistant TB in adults when no other viable options are available. BDQ is a diarylquinoline derivative and exhibits targeted action on mycobacterium tuberculosis but due to poor solubility desired therapeutic action is not achieved. Objective: To develop a QbD-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of Bedaquiline using various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Methods: The quality target product profile (QTPP) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were identified with a patient-centric approach which facilitated the selection of critical material attributes (CMAs) during pre-formulation studies and initial risk assessment. Caprylic acid as a lipid, propylene glycol as a surfactant and Transcutol-P as a co-surfactant were selected as CMAs for the formulation of Bedaquiline fumarate SNEDDS. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to determine the optimal ratio of oil and Smix. To optimize the formulation, a Box-Benkhen design (BBD) was used. The optimized formulation (BDQ-F-SNEDSS) was further evaluated for parameters such as droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), percentage transmittance, dilution studies, stability studies, and cell toxicity through the A549 cell. Results: Optimized BDQ-F-SNEDDS showed well-formed droplets of 98.88±2.1 nm with a zeta potential of 21.16 mV. In vitro, studies showed enhanced drug release with a high degree of stability at 25 ± 2 ºC & 60 ± 5 % and 40 ± 2 ºC & 75± 5 %. Furthermore, BDQ-F-SNEDDS showed promising cell viability in A549 cells indicating BDQ-F-SNEDDS as a safer formulation for oral delivery. Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that the utilization of a QbD approach in the development of BDQ-F-loaded SNEDDS offers a promising strategy to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of the drug, resulting in potential cost and time savings.

Adult X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) patients present with specific symptoms, including enthesopathies (e.g., ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL), osteophytes around the large joint, and enthesopathy in the Achilles tendon), the development of severe secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT/THPT) and the subsequent progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, these patients exhibit the typical phenotypes of osteomalacia, such as pseudofracture and fracture in weight-bearing bones, odontitis, and tooth abscess. The mechanism underlying enthesopathy development is unknown; however, a common underlying mechanism among XLH and autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets, ARHR1.2, due to mutations in PHEX, DMP1, and ENPP1, is assumed. Clarification of the pathogenesis and drug discovery for this complication is an urgent issue to address, as many adult XLH patients suffer subsequent debilitating nervus symptoms or impingement syndrome, and existing treatments are ineffective. Severe SHPT and THPT are associated with conventional therapy, including active vitamin D and phosphate supplementation, and complicated and careful adjustment of the dosage by experienced clinicians is required to avoid SHPT/THPT. Burosumab is a very effective therapy without risk for the development of SHPT/THPT. However, the indication of this drug should be carefully considered along with the cost-effectiveness, guidelines or recommendations and health care system of each country.

Human exposure to infectious aerosols results a transmission of diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Most dental procedures generate a significant number of aerosolized particles, increasing transmission risk in dental settings. Since the generation of aerosols in dentistry is unavoidable, many clinics started using intervention strategies such as area-filtration units and extraoral evacuation equipment, especially under the relatively recent constraints of the pandemics. However, the effectiveness of these devices in dental operatories has not been studied. Therefore, the dental personnel's ability to position and operate such instruments efficiently is also limited. To address these challenges, we utilized a real-time sensor network for assessment of aerosol dynamics during dental restoration and cleaning producers with and without intervention. The strategies tested during the procedures were (i) local area high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters and (ii) extra-oral suction device (EOSD). The study was conducted at the University of Washington School of Dentistry using a network of thirteen fixed sensors positioned within the operatory and one wearable sensor worn by the dental operator. The sensor network provides time and space-resolved particulate matter (PM) data. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization informs aerosol persistence in the operatory. It was found that area filters did not improve the overall aerosol concentration in dental offices significantly. An average of 16% decrease in PM concentration was observed when EOSD equipment was used during the procedures. The combination of real-time sensors and 3D visualization can provide dental personnel and facility mangers with actionable feedback to effectively assess aerosol transmission in medical settings and develop evidence-based intervention strategies.

Background:Although highly strict social distancing and viral spread protection guidelines are in force, the reported numbers of COVID-19 cases across the world are still increasing. This indicates that we are still unable to completely understand the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2. One of the possible routes that can play a significant role is the fecal-oral transmission since SARS-CoV-2 can replicate in the intestines as demonstrated by isolation of infectious virus from fecal samples of COVID-19 cases. Scope and approach:In this review, we compare the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 with the distinctive characteristics of enteric foodborne viruses. We also discuss and respond to the arguments given in some reports that downplay the importance of foodborne transmission route of SARS-CoV-2. Key findings and conclusions:Enteric viruses such as human noroviruses (HuNoVs) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are known to transmit through foods such as fresh produce and berries, leading to frequent multistate foodborne disease outbreaks all over the world. SARS-CoV-2 was found to share four distinctive characteristics of foodborne viruses that allow them to transmit through foods. This similarity in characteristics, recent report of detecting SARS-CoV-2 particles from frozen food packages in China, and recent suspected foodborne COVID-19 case in New Zealand, indicate that foodborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is more evident than previously thought possible. To support or deny this route of transmission, urgent research needs to be undertaken to answer two primary questions and many secondary ones as described in this review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2/2019-nCoV) infection is an emerging pandemic. The virus binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and TMPRSS2 which are abundantly expressed on various human cells including lung epithelial cells and intestinal cells and the virus can infect these cells. Currently no specific treatments or vaccines are available for this disease. A per oral live attenuated vaccine can be beneficial in SARS-Cov-2 infection because the attenuated virus initially infects the gut, stimulates the mucosa associated immune system sparing the respiratory system during the initial immune response. The live virus can also spread in the community boosting herd immunity.