Search Results (25)

Background: Oral frailty is an emerging determinant of late-life disability. While objective functional measures have been proposed as key indicators, their combined role in predicting frailty among physically active older adults remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of oral frailty and lip pressure, bite force, and denture use. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 192 participants aged 60 years or older from Brazil (n = 131) and Portugal (n = 61), all physically active and with ≥20 natural or rehabilitated teeth. Data were collected through a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and the Oral Frailty Index-8. The clinical assessment included lip pressure, bite force, and denture use. Multiple logistic regression identified independent predictors; model fit and discrimination were examined using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and ROC curve. Results: Participants were mainly female (83.3%), mean age ≈72 years; 76% used dentures and frailty prevalence was ≈49%. Higher lip pressure (OR = 0.986, 95% CI = [0.973–0.999]) and higher bite force (OR = 0.925, 95% CI = [0.885–0.967) were independently protective, whereas denture use (OR = 6.898, 95% CI = [2.994–15.895]) markedly increased oral frailty odds. The model showed good discrimination (AUC 0.779). Conclusions: Even small increases in lip pressure and bite force reduced the likelihood of frailty, while denture use identified individuals at substantially higher risk. These findings highlight orofacial muscle strength and masticatory capacity as core components of oral frailty and support incorporating lip pressure and bite force testing into multidimensional frailty assessment and targeted rehabilitation. Full article

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to quantify the extent of wear of opposing posterior natural enamel in patients with single-unit ceramic crowns. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest through September 2025. A meta-analysis was performed using the inverse variance method. Results: Nine clinical studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 4 prospective studies) involving 203 patients (2015–2025) were included. All studies evaluated monolithic zirconia; two also assessed monolithic lithium disilicate, and three included metal-ceramic restorations with feldspathic veneering. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months. Meta-analysis revealed significant enamel wear from zirconia (p < 0.05; MD: −1.32; 95% CI: −2.06 to −0.57; I² = 94%) and lithium disilicate (p < 0.05; MD: −0.45; 95% CI: −0.71 to −0.19; I² = 2%). Feldspathic ceramics did not show significant enamel wear (p = 0.06; MD: −2.77; 95% CI: −5.66 to 0.13; I² = 96%). Conclusions: Ceramic materials generally cause greater wear on opposing posterior natural enamel than enamel-to-enamel contact. Monolithic zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns produced higher antagonist wear, whereas metal-ceramic restorations with feldspathic veneering appeared more conservative for preserving posterior enamel. Full article

Although subject to annual fluctuations, sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk has decreased to a maximum extent at a rate of approximately 3.4% per decade since the 1970s. Thus far, few studies have focused on projections of sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. This study focused on sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk and examined its past and future characteristics using a climate projection dataset termed the Future Ocean Regional Projection dataset. Historical sea ice areas have been reported to be larger than satellite observations, and some data contain biases of approximately double the actual value. Therefore, a simple bias correction was performed based on the ratio of historical to satellite observation sea-ice areas, and the bias was corrected. Furthermore, we performed future projections using two bias-corrected scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). Results revealed that for the future analysis period of 2006–2100, sea ice loss would be approximately 12.3 (10² km²/year) under RCP2.6 and approximately 37.3 (10² km²/year) under RCP8.5, indicating that under both scenarios, there would be almost no sea ice in the southern Sea of Okhotsk between 2071 and 2100. The results of this study provide useful information for researchers to predict sea ice in related physical fields. Full article

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic compound found in plants of the Cannabis genus, extensively studied for its therapeutic potential. Research has shown that CBD possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, and may contribute to the recovery of neural and bone tissues. In light of the aging population and the resulting rise in neurodegenerative and osteodegenerative conditions, exploring novel therapeutic strategies that promote cellular regeneration is increasingly important. This review aims to compile and critically analyze key studies published in recent decades regarding the effects of CBD on the regeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as bone tissue. Findings from in vivo studies indicate that CBD can attenuate inflammatory responses, inhibit oxidative stress, and modulate cellular pathways involved in tissue repair, thereby supporting neuronal and bone regeneration. Moreover, evidence suggests that CBD may protect cells from structural damage, enhancing the functional recovery of affected tissues. Despite scientific advances highlighting cannabidiol as a promising agent for bone and nerve regeneration, its therapeutic application still faces significant limitations. The primary challenge lies in the lack of robust clinical trials in humans, as most existing evidence is derived from in vitro and in vivo studies, making it difficult to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical contexts. Additionally, CBD’s low bioavailability—due to first-pass hepatic metabolism—hinders dose standardization and reduces the predictability of therapeutic outcomes. Compounding these issues are regulatory constraints and the persistent social stigma surrounding cannabis-derived compounds, which further impede their integration and acceptance in regenerative medicine. Therefore, future research is essential to validate the therapeutic benefits of CBD and to establish its clinical applicability in treating neurological and bone disorders. Full article

This review aims to provide an overview of the role of vitamin D in peri-implant and periodontal tissue. Electronic searches were carried out of the PubMed/Medline database. Since this is a narrative review, no systematic search, meta-analysis, or statistical analysis was performed. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone balance and metabolism, contributing to reducing early implant failure and improving dental implant osseointegration. Vitamin D deficiency poses a challenge to clinical outcomes, and its supplementation can be an effective alternative to overcome this limitation. The results reported in this article show that vitamin D application on implants can improve the osseointegration, bone-to-implant contact, implant stability, and bone density. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation can increase RUNX2, ALP, OPN, and OCN expression, contributing to periodontal tissue health and its regeneration. Together, findings provide an overview of these topics and present future perspectives for clinical practice in dentistry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hydrogels have emerged as strategic biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, especially in the peri-implant context, due to their high biocompatibility, water retention capacity, three-dimensional defect filling, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. These properties allow physical support for regeneration and the incorporation and controlled release of bioactive, immunomodulatory, and osteoinductive agents. Methods: This narrative review aimed to summarize recent advances in developing and applying hydrogels for the repair of peri-implant bone defects. The selection of studies was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases, covering the period from 2010 to 2025. Thus, 14 preclinical and clinical studies were included in this review. Results and Conclusions: Hydrogels show great potential for peri-implant bone regeneration due to their biocompatibility and ability to deliver bioactive agents. While preclinical results are promising, clinical validation remains limited. Further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and ensure the safe translation of these findings into clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases and is often intensified by psychological stress, which can also affect bone metabolism. Although both conditions independently compromise bone health, their combined impact—particularly under acute and chronic stress—remains unclear. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of such stressors on bone structure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: Forty male rats, both normotensive and SHRs, were randomly assigned to control, acute stress, or chronic stress groups. Acute stress involves a single 2 h physical restraint. Chronic stress was induced over 10 days using alternating stressors: agitation, forced swimming, physical restraint, cold exposure, and water deprivation. Tibial bones were analyzed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and histology was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome stains. Results: Micro-CT showed increased trabecular bone volume in normotensive rats under chronic stress, whereas SHRs displayed impaired remodeling under both stress types. Histological analysis revealed preserved connective tissue overall but evident changes in growth plate structure among stressed rats. SHRs exhibited exacerbated trabecular formation and cartilage abnormalities, including necrotic zones. Conclusions: Both acute and chronic stress, especially in the context of hypertension, negatively affect bone remodeling and maturation. Despite the absence of overt inflammation, structural bone changes were evident, indicating potential long-term risks. These findings highlight the importance of further studies on stress–hypertension interactions in bone health as well as the exploration of therapeutic approaches to mitigate skeletal damage under such conditions. Full article

Background: Considering the increasing interest in strategies to prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions, it is relevant to critically assess the existing evidence on the potential benefits of phenolic compounds in wine on bone metabolism. Objectives: This integrative review aims to evaluate clinical and animal studies investigating the influence of wine consumption on bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: The search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases until April 2025. The key question was: “Does wine consumption influence BMD?”. Results: After searching the identified databases, 108 studies were screened, and 7 were included in the final analysis. Conclusions: This review suggests a possible association between light to moderate wine consumption and favorable effects on BMD, particularly in the spine and femoral neck. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the predominance of observational studies. Future RCTs and systematic reviews must clarify wine’s potential role in bone health and explore non-alcoholic or low-alcohol wine alternatives with similar polyphenol content. Full article

This review aims to provide an overview of the types of membranes, bone substitutes, and mucosal substitutes used for GTR and GBR and briefly explores recent innovations for tissue regeneration and their future perspectives. Since this is a narrative review, no systematic search, meta-analysis, or statistical analysis was conducted. Using biomaterials for GTR and GBR provides a reduction in postoperative morbidity, as it contributes to less invasive clinical procedures, serving as an alternative to autogenous grafts. Moreover, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews are essential for the evaluation of new biomaterials. These studies provide more robust evidence and help guide clinical practice in the selection of safer and more effective biomaterials, allowing for the personalization of treatment protocols for each patient. Full article

Support to manage fear of recurrence and progression (FoRP) is a major concern and a commonly unmet need for people with chronic illness. The current study identified profiles of and risk factors for FoRP in people with heart disease. A sample of 241 participants completed 44 cardiac-specific FoRP items and provided demographic, clinical, and psychosocial information. Cluster analysis identified three profiles: a high-, moderate-, and low-FoRP group. Patients who were younger, had a comorbid health condition(s), and higher levels of uncertainty and cardiac-related distress were at the most risk of higher FoRP. By characterizing the nature and correlates of cardiac-FoRP, this study enables health professionals to understand the specific concerns of their patients and assists in identifying those at greatest risk. The findings extend the emerging field of cardiac-FoRP research and will assist in the development of a cardiac-specific screening measure and of tailored and targeted interventions to support cardiac patients in their emotional recovery. Full article

Background: This study investigates the relationship between bite force and grip strength as indicators of frailty in older adults. Frailty syndrome, characterized by increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, poses significant challenges in geriatric care. Objectives: This research builds on previous findings linking oral health to frailty risk, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Methods: A total of 59 older participants, aged 60 years and older, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study conducted at the Egas Moniz School of Health and Science. The participants underwent assessments of bite force using an electric dynamometer and grip strength using a specialized device. Body composition was also measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between bite force and grip strength, even after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI). Age was significantly correlated with bite and grip force (p < 0.05), while BMI was correlated only with handgrip force but not with bite force (coefficient = −0.047, p = 0.737). Notably, bite force was found to be independent of BMI, unlike grip strength, which is generally influenced by body composition. This independence highlights the potential of bite force as a reliable and distinct marker for frailty that is not confounded by BMI-related factors. This study highlights the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being in older adults. Reduced bite force may indicate an increased risk of frailty, which can lead to malnutrition and decreased quality of life. These findings suggest that integrating bite force measurements into clinical assessments may improve the assessment of frailty and inform interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in the older population. Conclusions: This research provides new insights into the association between bite force and grip strength, emphasizing the unique value of bite force as an independent marker of frailty. It advocates for further studies to explore its role in geriatric care strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic exposure to stress has been considered a risk factor for hypertension, which is also associated with increased bone resorption. This review aimed to investigate the effect of acute and chronic stress, associated with hypertension, on the skeletal system. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published in English. We include experimental, clinical, and peer-reviewed studies focused on the relationship between stress, hypertension, and bone resorption. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase and Scopus, with the last search completed on 10 September 2024. Results: The main topics include situations that favor bone loss, such as psychological stress, which can lead to osteoporotic fractures through immunological and endocrine mechanisms. The relationship between psychological stress and loss of bone density, as in osteoporosis, occurs due to the reduction in the number of osteoblasts and loss in the balance between physiological formation/resorption. Conclusions: Chronic stress significantly affects cardiovascular health and bone resorption. This narrative review study highlights the vulnerability of the skeletal system, along with the cardiovascular system, to prolonged stress, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary strategies in preventing stress-related conditions. Effective stress management can help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and bone resorption, emphasizing their role in comprehensive health care. Full article

Background: Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit a bidirectional relationship and are globally significant systemic chronic conditions. The utilization of antibiotics alongside non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) has been a subject of investigation in numerous clinical studies involving human subjects. Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to address the following question: “What is the efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) associated with antimicrobials in patients with type 2 DM and periodontitis?”. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted encompassing databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2024. Additionally, alerts were configured to capture studies published from the initial search until manuscript submission. Randomized clinical trials assessing clinical periodontal parameters in DM patients undergoing SRP and receiving either topical or systemic antibiotics were compared against a control group (SRP only). Two investigators independently screened articles, extracted data, and evaluated their quality. The selection process, study characteristics, risk of bias, impact of antibiotics on clinical parameters, and certainty of evidence were elucidated in both textual and tabular formats. Meta-analysis was performed separately with forest plots generated for treatment modalities, period of evaluation, and type of antibiotics used. Results: Following the analysis of abstracts and full articles, a total of 30 randomized clinical trials were incorporated into this review, comprising 9 studies on the association of topical antibiotics and 21 studies on systemic antibiotic administration. The principal periodontal parameters assessed included probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Conclusions: Analysis of the results led to the conclusion that adjunctive periodontal treatment with either topical or systemic antibiotics confers subtle clinical benefits. Nevertheless, owing to the heightened emergence of resistant bacteria and potential side effects, the use of antibiotic therapy in periodontal treatment should be judiciously administered. Full article

This study evaluates teacher self-efficacy perceptions among students in the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching (MDSE), as well as the variables influencing these perceptions and their connection to the program’s training. The research sheds light on how self-efficacy affects views on concerns, feelings, and attitudes towards diversity and inclusive education in the current educational landscape. Out of 205 female and 100 male MDSE students surveyed, who are either graduates or nearing completion, data were gathered using the “Teacher Education in Secondary Education: Key Elements for Teaching in an Inclusive School for All” (FORPES-IN) questionnaire distributed across Spanish universities. Three primary instruments from the questionnaire were utilized: the Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Short Form (TSES-SF), the Questionnaire for Future Secondary Education Teachers regarding Perceptions of Diversity, and the Revised Scale of Feelings, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education (SACIE-R). Findings suggest that the majority of prospective teachers exhibit moderate-to-high levels of self-efficacy. Variables such as non-formal teaching experiences, the reason for joining the MDSE program, and regular interactions with vulnerable individuals, especially in Social and Health Science domains, moderately influence self-efficacy. This study reveals a strong link between the received training and the perceived level of self-efficacy. In particular, participants with higher self-efficacy feel better equipped to handle classroom diversity and rate the MDSE program positively. Areas for enhancement are identified, such as classroom management and diversified assessment strategies. Finally, a positive correlation is observed between high self-efficacy and positive attitudes toward disability, inclusive education principles, and reduced apprehensions about inclusive teaching. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the density of the dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in oral leukoplakia (OL) and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) by immunohistochemical analysis. We analysed paraffined tissue samples of PVL (n = 27), OL (n = 20), and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (n = 20) as the control group using the immunomarkers for DCs (CD1a, CD207, CD83, CD208 and CD123) and macrophages (CD68, CD163, FXIIIa and CD209). A quantitative analysis of positive cells in the epithelial and subepithelial areas was determined. Our results showed a reduction in CD208+ cells in the subepithelial area of the OL and PVL compared to the control. Additionally, we found a higher density of FXIIIa+ and CD163+ cells in the subepithelial area in PVL compared to the OL and control. Four-way MANOVA revealed a relationship between increased CD123+ cell density in the subepithelial area of “high-risk” samples regardless of disease. Macrophages provide the first line of defence against PVL antigens, suggesting a distinct pattern of innate immune system activation in PVL compared to OL, which may contribute to the complexity and the high rate of malignant transformation in the PVL. Full article