Search Results (125)

Moringa oleifera (MO), a nutritionally and pharmacologically potent species, is emerging as a sustainable candidate for applications across bioenergy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine. This review explores recent advances in MO-based biotechnologies, highlighting novel extraction methods, green nanotechnology, and clinical trial findings. Although MO’s resilience offers promise for climate-smart agriculture and public health, challenges remain in standardizing cultivation and verifying therapeutic claims. This work underscores MO’s translational potential and the need for integrative, interdisciplinary research. MO is used in advanced materials, like electrospun fibers and biopolymers, showing filtration, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties—important for the biomedical industry and environmental remediation. In textiles, it serves as an eco-friendly alternative for wastewater treatment and yarn sizing. Biotechnological advancements, such as genome sequencing and in vitro culture, enhance traits and metabolite production. MO supports green biotechnology through sustainable agriculture, nanomaterials, and biocomposites. MO shows potential for disease management, immune support, metabolic health, and dental care, but requires further clinical trials for validation. Its resilience is suitable for land restoration and food security in arid areas. AI and deep learning enhance Moringa breeding, allowing for faster, cost-effective development of improved varieties. MO’s diverse applications establish it as a key element for sustainable development in arid regions. Full article

Background and Clinical significance: Acute leukemias are neoplasms of the hematopoietic system that are caused by the extensive proliferation of immature precursor cells (‘blasts’), mainly in the bone marrow. They frequently manifest with vague and non-specific clinical symptoms, making early diagnosis particularly challenging. Case Presentation: This case report describes the clinical course of a female patient who initially sought dental care due to a persistent toothache—an atypical and misleading symptom. Subsequent investigations revealed a diagnosis of acute leukemia. Although the malignancy was identified promptly and the appropriate therapeutic measures were initiated, the disease progressed with alarming rapidity. The patient ultimately developed a massive intracerebral hemorrhage—a devastating complication likely related to leukemia-associated coagulopathy. Despite emergent neurosurgical intervention, the hemorrhage proved fatal. Conclusions: This case highlights the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion in the presence of unusual symptoms and illustrates the complex interplay between hematologic malignancies and coagulopathic complications. Full article

Background/Aim: Dental treatment is typically performed under general anesthesia for children who have difficulty cooperating, as well as for those with mental or physical disabilities requiring special care. This study aims to categorize and evaluate the systemic disease or syndrome status, age, and gender of children who require dental treatment under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this study, the ages, sexes, disabilities (if any), and systemic diseases of patients requiring dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) between the ages of 1 and 15 were analyzed. The patients were categorized based on having difficulties cooperating or having mental or physical disabilities that require special care. Results: In this study, data from 1666 patients were examined. A total of 955 patients (57.32%) were male, while 711 (42.67%) were female. Overall, 232 (13.9%) patients with disabilities or systemic diseases visited the clinic, including 49 who had epilepsy (2.9%), the highest number among the systemic disease group. This finding was statistically significant in the 4–6 age group (p < 0.00). Conclusions: Among patients with special needs, epilepsy emerged as a disorder that requires the most dental treatment. We believe that providing dental treatment for children with neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, in a fully equipped operating room will be beneficial in managing complications that may arise during treatment. Full article

Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent and challenging clinical issue in pet rabbits, often requiring a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This review collates current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rabbit odontogenic abscesses, with a focus on imaging advances, microbial diversity, and local antimicrobial therapies. Predisposing factors include congenital conformation, inappropriate diet (insufficient abrasiveness, calcium or Vit D deficiencies, etc.), trauma, and neoplasia. Imaging techniques such as CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) enable early detection and surgical planning, while traditional radiography remains useful in general practice. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, surgical curettage, and the use of localized delivery systems such as antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (AIPMMA) beads. Adjunctive therapies like Manuka honey are also discussed. Two original heatmaps summarize bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance from six peer-reviewed studies. These visualizations highlight the polymicrobial nature of these infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Preventive strategies focus on optimal diet, regular dental checks, and owner education. The review also identifies key gaps in the literature, including the underreporting of anaerobes and lack of standardized treatment protocols. This article aims to support veterinary professionals in delivering evidence-based, individualized care to improve outcomes in rabbits with odontogenic abscesses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Miscarriage is a common pregnancy complication that significantly impacts individuals’ health due to its physical and psychological effects. This study aimed to investigate the association between periodontal health and hematological parameters in women who experienced miscarriage before the 20th week of gestation, and to assess the potential predictive value of these parameters for miscarriage risk by comparing them with those of women with an uncomplicated pregnancy course. Methods: This study was a prospective case–control and cross-sectional study. It included a total of 82 participants, comprising 41 women with miscarriage and 41 healthy pregnant controls. The periodontal examinations included measurements of the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), and Simplified Calculus Index (SCI). Additionally, complete blood counts (CBCs) were obtained from all participants. Appropriate statistical analyses, including non-parametric, correlation, logistic regression, and ROC analyses, were conducted, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The primary outcome measure was CAL as an indicator of periodontal disease severity and its association with miscarriage risk. Additional outcomes included Plateletcrit (PCT), the Platelet Count (PLT), and the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) to evaluate systemic inflammatory responses and their correlations with periodontal parameters. CAL was significantly elevated in the miscarriage group (p < 0.001) and emerged as the strongest predictor of miscarriage risk (OR = 0.0537, p < 0.001, AUC = 0.8691). PCT was significantly higher in the miscarriage group (p = 0.017) and positively correlated with the GI (p = 0.041), suggesting a link between systemic inflammation and periodontal health. Conclusions: Considering this study’s limitations, CAL was the strongest predictor of miscarriage, while PLT and PCT had some discriminative power. Collaboration between obstetricians and dentists can facilitate early diagnosis and intervention by promoting routine oral health check-ups before and during pregnancy. Additionally, integrating oral health assessments into prenatal care and developing public health policies could enhance access to dental services during both preconception and pregnancy periods. Full article

Background and Objectives: Aging-related bone loss still lacks interventions. As bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) undergo aging, R-loop-induced DNA replication stress impairs the osteogenic ability of BMSCs. High-mobility group A-2 (Hmga2) acts as a DNA-binding protein, and the understanding of its underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods: Aging mice were used as the experimental model, and mouse BMSCs were isolated from their femurs. Hmga2 was achieved through specific gene delivery methods. R-loop formation was detected using dot blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and DNA–RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) assays. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated. Results: R-loops were highly accumulated in aging BMSCs. Notably, the key regulator Hmga2 reversed the accumulation of R-loops in aging BMSCs. Hmga2 overexpression significantly decreased the senescence and improved the osteogenic differentiation of aging mBMSCs. Mechanistically, R-loop-forming sequence (RLFS) regions were confirmed in key osteogenesis-related genes, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). Hmga2 bound to the RLFS region of Runx2 and promoted its expression by reducing the R-loop level. More, Hmga2 treatment delivered via the AAV system effectively decreased bone loss in aging mice and increased the serum bone turnover biomarkers and collagen remodeling. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that Hmga2 acts as an activator of aging BMSCs, significantly promoting their osteogenic ability by eliminating the aging-induced DNA replication stress caused by R-loops. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of aging-related bone loss, suggesting that Hmga2 may be a new strategy for alleviating the bone loss phenotype in aging individuals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with Down syndrome (DS) have distinct oral care needs and challenges, yet research on their care experiences, exploring caregiver and provider perspectives, is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the barriers and facilitators to oral care for children with DS, as reported by caregivers and dental professionals. Methods: In this qualitative inquiry, semi-structured questions were used to elicit narratives describing oral care experiences from one caregiver focus group (n = 5), individual caregiver interviews (n = 9), and individual dentist interviews (n = 8). The transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed. Results: Three themes emerged in both groups. The first theme, Access, described the challenges in locating a dentist willing and knowledgeable about how to treat children with DS, and the variability in experiences between different contexts (i.e., community-based vs. specialty clinics). The second theme, Pre-visit Preparation, noted the potential impact of dental trauma on dental visits and recommended the use of preparation strategies, such as desensitization appointments, strategic scheduling, and visual or verbal scripts or social stories, to introduce dental encounters. The final theme, Dental Encounters, dealt with the importance of communication and interpersonal connection, as well as concerns about and support for active/passive immobilization techniques and pharmacological intervention. Sensory strategies for auditory, tactile, and vestibular input were discussed, in addition to distraction techniques, the timing and pacing of dental encounters, and parental presence/absence. Conclusions: Tailoring dental care around the unique sensory and behavioral needs of children with DS and building effective partnerships between children, parents, and dentists were emphasized for optimizing the dental care experiences of children with DS. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant disruptions in healthcare services worldwide, including dental care, resulting in increased reliance on antibiotics as a substitute for in-person dental interventions. Aim: This study aimed to examine the prescription of different classes of antibiotics at the University Dental Clinical Center of Kosovo during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare it with prescription trends from the pre-pandemic period. Methodology: This study analyzed antibiotic prescription patterns at the University Dental Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCDCK) from 2019 to 2022, focusing on dental patients. Data were collected using a standardized form and a review of electronic health records. Descriptive statistics were used to examine trends, which were compared to data from other countries facing similar healthcare disruptions. The data is organized into quartiles, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and trends in antibiotic usage over the four-year period. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, clindamycin, and metronidazole, during the pandemic period. Data collected from the university dentistry center showed that the highest frequency of antibiotic prescriptions occurred in 2021 (27.6%), while the lowest was in 2022 (22.8%). Metronidazole (39.4%) and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (38.5%) were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, together accounting for the majority of prescriptions. Amoxicillin alone represented 18.2%, with other antibiotics prescribed at significantly lower rates. These findings highlight the reliance on these antibiotics for dental treatments and underscore the importance of monitoring prescription trends to optimize usage and minimize resistance risks. Conclusions: The study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental antibiotic prescription practices in Kosovo, revealing a concerning increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic use. This underscores the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in dental settings, particularly during public health crises, to prevent the exacerbation of antimicrobial resistance. Ensuring continued access to routine dental care and developing robust protocols for antibiotic prescription during emergencies are essential to mitigate the long-term public health impacts of increased antibiotic use. Full article

Airports are critical global transit points, yet their medical services often overlook emergency dental care—a vital component of comprehensive passenger assistance. This study examines the availability of dental services at 28 European airports accommodating over 20 million passengers annually. Using content analysis of official airport websites, the presence of terms like “dental” and “dentist” was documented. Results reveal that only six airports provide dental services, with Istanbul Airport being the sole facility offering 24/7 emergency care airside. Other airports limit services to landside and operate within standard hours. The lack of widespread dental care in airports highlights a significant gap in passenger health services, with implications for traveler satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall public health. This analysis underscores the need for broader integration of dental facilities into airport infrastructures to meet the diverse and urgent needs of global travelers and staff. Full article

Background: In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University Dental Clinic Vienna switched from routine medical care to emergency operation mode. The study aims to retrospectively compare the characteristics of pediatric patients’ emergency visits before, during, and after lockdown. Methods: All pediatric emergencies that presented at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in the period from the 7 January 2020 to the 31 July 2020 were recorded. Patients were subclassified into three groups with regard to their time of presentation (group 1: before lockdown, group 2: during lockdown, group 3: after lockdown). Then, pediatric patients’ purposes for emergency visit, diagnoses, and the treatments practiced were compared. Results: The number of patients was significantly lower during lockdown but increased again afterward. During lockdown, significantly more patients presented with dental pain, the diagnosis “Extraction: tooth not restorable” increased, and extractions were significantly more often the treatment of choice (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The presented study is the first research on pediatric dental emergency visits during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. The results highlight the negative impact of the pandemic on pediatric dental care as the number of treatments decreased, elective treatments were postponed, and the diagnosis and prognosis of teeth deteriorated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with special healthcare needs (SHCNs) face various physical, developmental, sensory, behavioral, or cognitive challenges affecting oral health and highlighting the need for specialized and more accessible oral and dental care. Mobile health (m-health) applications have emerged as a promising solution to bridge oral health education gaps and improve dental care access. This narrative review aimed to examine the available dental m-health applications designed for children with cognitive and physical impairments, exploring the perspectives of children, parents/caregivers, and dentists regarding their use and potential contribution to oral health. Based on these insights, a concept for a tailored dental m-health app is proposed, considering the interactions between children, caregivers, and dentists to support oral care. Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies on the use of m-health apps in pediatric dentistry for SHCN children. Results: Six studies were included in this review. M-health applications helped manage anxiety, behavioral issues, and compliance in children and were generally well received by parents and caregivers, thus improving oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits, and having the potential to reduce oral health disparities in children with cognitive and physical impairments and their families. However, current apps designed for children are limited and may not fully accommodate the diverse sensory needs of these SHCN children. Conclusions: The development of a tailored dental m-health app that adapts to the individual characteristics of SHCN children could enhance oral health awareness and support better compliance among children, parents/caregivers, and dentists. Full article

(1) Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern associated with various cancers, including a rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Despite the availability of effective vaccines targeting high-risk HPV types, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to contribute to HPV prevention through education, vaccination advocacy, and early detection. (2) Methods: This narrative review synthesized the literature from 2006 to 2024 on HPV epidemiology, pathophysiology, vaccine efficacy, and the role of dental providers in HPV prevention. Sources included peer-reviewed articles listed in Pubmed and Google Scholar, including observational studies and review articles, guidelines, clinical trials, and governmental data. Key barriers to HPV-related care in dental practice and strategies for overcoming them were analyzed. (3) Results: The review underscores the critical role of dentists in HPV-related disease prevention, highlighting their ability to detect HPV-related lesions, promote vaccine uptake, and address patient concerns. Barriers such as limited knowledge, discomfort discussing HPV, and misinformation were identified. Strategies like incorporating HPV education into dental training, utilizing emerging diagnostic tools, and adopting effective communication approaches can enhance the role of dental professionals in reducing HPV-associated cancer risks. (4) Conclusion: By integrating HPV education, vaccination advocacy, and early detection into routine dental care, dental professionals can play a transformative role in public health. A dental provider’s endorsement can increase HPV vaccine uptake and help prevent oral cancer. These efforts align with broader health promotion goals, offering a significant opportunity to reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers and improve long-term patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Infective endocarditis is a severe, life-threatening condition which affects the endocardial lining of the heart. Right-sided IE typically affects the tricuspid valve and, less commonly, the pulmonary valve, often in association with intravenous drug use and intracardiac devices. Enterococcus faecalis, a significant pathogen in healthcare settings, is frequently resistant to several antibiotics, complicating treatment. Results: We present the case of a 69-year-old man diagnosed with isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis, with no identifiable risk factors, good oral hygiene, and no recent dental procedures. In our case, the E. faecalis strain, initially susceptible to ampicillin, acquired resistance during high-dose ampicillin and gentamicin therapy, leading to cardiac surgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: IPE is rare, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness and thorough diagnostic evaluation, especially in patients with endocarditis symptoms and known risk factors. Although ampicillin resistance in E. faecalis is uncommon, its emergence during treatment presents a challenge, necessitating careful antibiotic stewardship to improve outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a limited understanding of the variables relating to dental patients and the treatment provided during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown in our region. This study aimed to qualitatively analyze these patient variables and determine the associations between treatment recommendations and the specialty of the doctor at the point of care. Methods: The present study was retrospective, cross-sectional, and analytical in nature. Data regarding symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the attending specialist were retrieved from the patient management software for patients seeking emergency dental services during the COVID-19 lockdown (23 March 2020 to 23 April 2020) in primary and tertiary public hospitals of the National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The association between exploratory (symptoms, diagnostic tool, specialist at point of care) and dependent variables (given diagnosis and treatment) was assessed using Fisher’s exact test and multinomial regression analysis. Results: A total of 151 dental patients attended the outpatient/emergency clinics during this period. The mean age of the patients in this study was 31.4 (±19.0) years. Compared to physicians, general dentists [OR 0.56, CI 0.29–10.47] were more likely to give an inappropriate diagnosis and treatment, whereas residents [OR 2.70, CI 1.65–98.17] and resident endodontists [OR 2.30, CI 1.28–78.11] were more likely to give an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the need for a greater number of endodontists at the forefront of screening and providing dental care during such health catastrophes. Full article

Introduction: Recent advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies have significantly improved the field of dental medicine. This review examines these new imaging techniques and their impact on enhancing accuracy, enabling early detection, and facilitating effective treatment planning in dentistry. Methods: A bibliometric and content analysis was conducted on 61 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Scopus database, published between 2019 and 2024. The selection criteria focused on studies exploring advances in dental diagnosis through innovative imaging methods and personalized techniques for identifying oral pathologies. The bibliometric approach analyzed publication trends, while content analysis categorized emerging technologies and their clinical applications. Results: Our findings indicate a notable shift towards integrating cutting-edge technologies, including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), artificial intelligence (AI), and biosensors. These advancements have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly in complex cases such as periodontal diseases, dental fractures, and oral infections. Studies demonstrate that molecular diagnostics and AI-driven algorithms enhance the personalization of treatment plans, optimizing patient outcomes. Conclusions: Emerging diagnostic technologies have the potential to enhance both the quality and efficiency of dental care. However, their implementation is challenged by high costs, the need for specialized training, and disparities in access. Future research should focus on refining AI-driven diagnostic models, addressing regulatory considerations, and expanding the clinical validation of novel imaging tools. As these technologies evolve, they are expected to increase diagnostic specificity, leading to more precise, patient-centered treatment approaches. Ultimately, these advancements offer substantial opportunities to transform dental practice by providing faster, less invasive, and more reliable diagnoses. Full article