Search Results (4,516)

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the malignancies with the most unfavorable prognosis and limited treatment options. The lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis and the asymptomatic nature of the disease contribute to delays in diagnosis and high mortality rates. In recent years, the role of the human microbiota in cancer biology has become increasingly significant, and the oral microbiota in particular has been found to be involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of several neoplasms. This review summarizes the current evidence relating the salivary microbiota to PC in three key areas: screening and diagnostic potential, pathophysiology and tumor progression, as well as presenting prognostic implications and potential influence on therapy. With regard to early diagnosis, it has been reported that patients with PC have reduced levels of Neisseria elongata (N. elongata) and Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis) and elevated levels of Granulicatella adiacens. Several studies have shown that bacteria present in the saliva can migrate from the oral cavity to pancreatic tissue via hematogenous or enteric routes, where they may actively contribute to tumor development and progression. In particular, it has been shown that Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Veillonella atypica (V. atypica) translocate from the mouth to pancreatic tumors, promoting carcinogenesis by inducing a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, some studies have identified certain species associated with prognosis and response to PC treatment. Despite the encouraging results, differences in study methodology, the lack of standardized methods and the scarcity of longitudinal data currently hinder clinical application. Large-scale, multi-omics prospective studies are needed to clarify causality and validate their clinical utility. Overall, the salivary microbiota represents a promising and non-invasive tool for improving early diagnosis, understanding prognosis and enhancing the management of PC. Full article

Heavy metal(loid) pollution in watersheds surrounding mining areas originates from multiple and complex sources, posing persistent threats to terrestrial–aquatic ecosystems and human dietary safety. This study systematically investigated the pollution characteristics, spatial distribution, ecological risks and human health hazards of seven typical heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in the integrated water–soil–vegetable continuum of a mining-affected watershed in Southwest China. Field sampling was carried out in three functional zones with different mining disturbance intensities, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect heavy metal(loid) concentrations in all samples. Multiple pollution evaluation indices and the USEPA human health risk assessment model were adopted for comprehensive quantitative analysis. The results showed that 44.0% of surface water samples exceeded national permissible limits, with high-pollution areas concentrated in intensive mining zones, presenting moderate overall aquatic heavy metal(loid) pollution. Although the average concentrations of seven heavy metal(loid)s in riparian soils complied with Chinese agricultural soil screening standards, localized significant enrichment was observed for As (1.98 times), Cd (4.62 times), Cu (1.81 times), and Zn (2.72 times) compared with regional background values, causing mild comprehensive soil pollution. Farmland soils exhibited prominent Cu and Zn accumulation, and leafy vegetables in the study area suffered severe Pb and Cd pollution, with potential dietary exposure risks. Health risk assessment indicated that children face higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults via soil hand-to-mouth exposure; dietary intake of vegetables leads to moderate carcinogenic risks for children caused by As and Ni exposure. Overall, this study clarifies the migration and enrichment rules of heavy metal(loid)s in the water–soil–vegetable system of mining watersheds, confirms the prominent ecological and human health risks of Cd, As and Pb in the study area, and provides targeted basic data for regional heavy metal(loid) pollution prevention and food safety management. Full article

The Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei Steindachner, 1864) is a potamodromous species that displays migratory movements, with adults moving upstream during spring to spawn, followed by downstream migration in autumn by both adults and juveniles to feed and inhabit more productive river stretches. Increasing river fragmentation due to dam construction and operation causes a loss of connectivity and suitable habitat, which can affect this natural behaviour. In a tributary of River Douro, River Tua, a 108 m high dam, was recently built (i.e., Foz Tua dam in 2017) at only 1.1 km from the river mouth, leaving the upstream spawning area inaccessible. To evaluate the species behavioural response to this impact, a passive acoustic telemetry array was deployed in the study area, and between 2018 and 2023, 120 tagged fish had their movements tracked. The results showed two different behavioural profiles in the same population with migratory (42.5%) and resident (54.0%) individuals. During this period, a specific experimental study was developed to evaluate the response of a subset of 90 fish, captured upstream of the Foz Tua dam and translocated to an alternative downstream Douro tributary (River Pinhão, ~20 km downstream from River Tua). From these, 66.7% remained at the release site, whilst 23.3% returned to the river of origin, i.e., River Tua. From the returned fraction, 28.6% of the tagged fish maintained this migratory behaviour between both rivers in the following years. Generalized Additive Models were used for each of the two behavioural profiles observed in this study, to identify which environmental variables were associated with the presence of the tagged barbels downstream the Foz Tua dam. Ecological flow, temperature and day-period were some of the predictors explaining the use of this river stretch downstream of Foz Tua dam. This study substantially updates the available information regarding this species’ movement patterns at large spatial and temporal scales, contributing to enhancement of management and conservation programs for potamodromous species, in highly impounded and fragmented rivers. Full article

Background: The paediatric dentistry domain requires effective management of pain in children during invasive procedures such as the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Buzzy BEE^TM in reducing pain perception during IANB in children. Methods: This crossover study recruited 38 children aged 6–10 years scheduled for bilateral dental procedures requiring IANB. The washout period was 7 days, and two visits were scheduled for procedures on either side. Two randomly allocated groups received the study intervention, with each group receiving it alternately at each visit. Outcomes measured were pulse rate; subjective pain assessment using the Wong–Baker FACES Rating Scale (WBS); objective pain assessment using the Sound, Eyes and Motor (SEM) scale; and parental rating of observed pain on a scale of 1–10. Results: A statistically significant reduction in pulse rate after IANB was observed in the Buzzy BEE group at the first (p = 0.02) and second (p = 0.002) visits. At the second visit, the WBS scores (p < 0.001) and ‘eye’ (p = 0.004) and ‘motor’ (p = 0.002) scores on the SEM scale were significantly reduced in the Buzzy BEE group. The crossover analysis identified a significant treatment effect on pulse rate (p < 0.001) and significant carryover effects on WBS and SEM scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of Buzzy BEE reduced pulse rates during IANB, suggesting a positive impact on children’s anxiety. The carryover effects in the current study limit the consistency of improvements in subjective and objective pain perceptions. Further studies with a larger sample size and an extended washout period are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of Buzzy BEE in reducing pain perception during IANB. Full article

In the Iberian Peninsula, the rapid expansion of the invasive species Alburnus alburnus (bleak) has intensified its contact with several endemic cyprinid species, raising concerns about hybridization, introgression, and the loss of genetic diversity. Despite increasing evidence of hybridization, data remain limited for many Iberian River basins, where endemic species persist in fragmented and vulnerable habitats. The aim of this study is to assess the extent and spatial distribution of hybridization between the bleak and the following native cyprinid species, Anaecypris hispanica (jarabugo), Iberochondrostoma lemmingii (pardilla), Pseudochondrostoma willkommii (Guadiana nase), and Squalius alburnoides (calandino), across several rivers within the Guadalquivir Basin. To this end, Sanger sequencing will be performed on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (maternal lineage; approximately 1000 base pairs (bp)) and the nuclear β-actin gene (paternal lineage; approximately 950 bp) from individuals of all endemic species and the bleak. Parental species and putative hybrids were initially identified in the field using diagnostic morphological and meristic characters, including number of rays in the anal fin morphology, mouth position, and the number of lateral line scales. Molecular analyses will include haplotype network reconstruction and phylogenetic tree inference to evaluate relationships among individuals from different species and to assess lineage divergence. The results will allow us to: (1) detect hybrids between the bleak and endemic cyprinids, (2) identify hybridization events among endemic cyprinid species, and (3) evaluate the correspondence between diagnostic morphological and meristic traits and the molecular identification of hybrid individuals. Overall, these findings will provide key information for the conservation management of endangered Iberian freshwater fishes in the context of invasive species expansion and global change. Full article

Objectives: To compare the adjunctive efficacy of a MicroRepair^® mouthwash containing an antibacterial complex (ABX), composed of cetylpyridinium chloride, magnolol, and honokiol, with 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) in the management of generalized plaque-induced gingivitis, assessing clinical periodontal parameters, salivary activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) levels, and patient-reported outcomes over 6 months. Methods: A randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial included 40 systemically healthy adults with generalized gingivitis and was reported in accordance with CONSORT 2025 guidelines. Following professional oral hygiene according to the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol, participants were randomly allocated to ABX or 0.12% CHX, used twice daily for 14 days. Clinical parameters, including Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS, primary outcome), Full-Mouth Plaque Score (FMPS), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Gingival Recession (REC), and Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI), were recorded at baseline, 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months. Salivary aMMP-8 levels were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks. Heavy smokers were excluded, and smoking status was evaluated as a potential covariate. Non-parametric tests were applied (p < 0.05). Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in FMBS and FMPS over time (p < 0.05), with no intergroup differences for the primary outcome at any follow-up at the patient level. Patient-level analyses did not reveal consistent differences across secondary parameters. At the tooth level, lower FMPS values were observed in the trial group at 2 weeks and 1 month (p < 0.05), with earlier PPD reduction. CAL, and REC remained stable. Salivary aMMP-8 levels decreased significantly in both groups without intergroup differences. Patient-reported outcomes were comparable. Smoking status was balanced between groups and was not significantly associated with treatment allocation or the main clinical outcomes. Conclusions: No significant differences were observed between ABX and CHX for the main clinical and molecular outcomes, supporting its potential use as an adjunct in gingivitis management. Full article

Heat stress occurs when total environmental and metabolic heat production is greater than an animal’s ability to dissipate that heat. Heat stress negatively impacts feeder cattle performance and welfare. Limited research has been conducted to determine if feeding cattle in the evening, thereby shifting their metabolic heat production to a cooler period of the day, can help mitigate heat stress. This pen-level randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of evening feeding (PM; feedings at 2000, 2300, and 0200 h; n = 24 pens) versus morning feeding (AM; feedings at 0500, 0800, and 1200 h; n = 24 pens) on terminally sorted steer performance in a commercial feedyard in the Pacific Northwest. Data collection included feed delivery, water consumption, health events, open mouth breathing prevalence, and carcass traits. Linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to determine potential differences between treatment group and temperature-humidity index (THI; <80 versus ≥80). Only 14% of the total study days had a THI ≥ 80, indicating little to no heat stress impacts. There were no differences found between PM and AM for any outcome (p < 0.05). Regardless of treatment group, water consumption tended (p = 0.07) to increase, and open mouth breathing significantly (p < 0.05) increased on days with THI ≥ 80. Further research is warranted to assess evening feeding as a heat stress mitigation strategy in a feedyard setting. Full article

Background and Objectives: To compare the buccal bone thickness of adjacent maxillary incisors between the impacted and contralateral control sides in patients with unilateral palatally impacted canines (PICs) using a split-mouth cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) design. Materials and Methods: CBCT records of 26 patients with a unilateral PIC (18 females, 8 males; mean age, 17.35 ± 4.58 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Buccal bone thickness was measured at five equally spaced levels from the root apex (Level A) to the buccal alveolar crest (Level E) for the central and lateral incisors. Alveolar crest height, incisor torque and rotation, follicular width, canine localization, canine-to-root proximity, and root resorption were also assessed. Results: The impacted side showed significantly reduced buccal bone thickness at the two most apical levels of the lateral incisor: Level A (−0.81 mm; p < 0.001) and Level B (−0.35 mm; p = 0.004). No side differences were observed at the remaining lateral incisor levels or at any central incisor level. In the orientation-adjusted sensitivity model accounting for incisor torque and rotation, Level A remained significant (−0.75 mm; p < 0.001), whereas Level B was attenuated (p > 0.005). Lateral incisors on the impacted side also showed reduced labial torque (−4.97°; p = 0.001) and greater mesiobuccal rotation (−12.23°; p < 0.001). Conclusions: PICs were associated with localized apical reduction in buccal bone thickness of the adjacent lateral incisor, accompanied by reduced labial torque and greater mesiobuccal rotation. Buccal bone thickness may represent a relevant consideration during CBCT-based treatment planning for PICs. Full article

Introduction: The Guadiana basin harbours one of the most threatened freshwater fish faunas in Europe, concentrating a high number of Iberian endemisms and species of high conservation interest. Among these, the Iberian minnowcarp (Anaecypris hispanica) and the Iberian Arched-Mouth Nase (Iberochondrostoma lemmingii) stand out as threatened species whose populations are in serious decline. Methodology: In March 2023, an obsolete river barrier, the Galaches weir, was removed from the Odeleite River (Guadiana basin), releasing an 8 km lotic stretch previously inaccessible to downstream fish fauna. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of weir removal on the composition and structure of the fish community, using a Before-After design with fish sampling conducted before (2022) and after (2024) weir removal. Fish sampling took place in early summer by means of electrofishing in two 150 m long river sites, one upstream and one downstream of the weir. Results: Before removal, both upstream and downstream sites were dominated by native leuciscids (A. hispanica, I. lemmingii, Squalius pyrenaicus, and Pseudochondrostoma willkommii) and cyprinids (Luciobarbus spp.), with non-natives Lepomis gibbosus and Australoheros facetus occurring in lower abundance. After removal, native species remained clearly dominant at both sites, while A. facetus was no longer detected and L. gibbosus did not increase in abundance, suggesting that barrier removal did not favour the spread of non-native fish. Species size–structure revealed the presence of multiple size classes, possibly supporting a regular recruitment of key native taxa: A. hispanica occurred almost exclusively with total lengths of 4 to 6 cm, whereas I. lemmingii and other native leuciscids displayed broader size ranges, spanning juveniles to adults, consistent with sustained reproduction and growth in the restored river stretch. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that weir removal has improved the sustainability of native fish populations such as A. hispanica by improving habitat connectivity and increasing recruitment. The results highlight the importance of weir removal for the conservation of threatened species in Mediterranean river systems. Full article

Textural and geochemical analysis of intertidal sediments in the southern Atacama region makes it possible to identify sites primarily affected by mining-related pollution, based on a multivariate statistical analysis of the concentrations of five elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Pb) and their geoaccumulation indices. These concentrations are not correlated with grain size, which is dominated by the sandy fractions. Spearman’s matrix and principal component analysis make it possible to distinguish between two groups of elements (group A: Fe-Cu-As; group B: Zn-Pb), with a strong correlation between them (ρ ≥ 0.51; p < 0.01) and the first two components explain 96.3% of the variance. Three heavily polluted sites (Playa Blanca, Bahía Sarco and Chañaral de Aceituno; I_geo Cu > 8) have been identified linked to waste from the washing of tailings, a copper smelter and frequent boat trips. In addition, four moderately polluted sites (Playa Grande, Balneario Caldera, the mouth of the Copiapó River and Carrizal Bajo; 1.7 < I_geo Cu < 8; 1.2 < I_geo Pb < 2.6), mainly due to activities associated with mining and oil refineries, have been identified. Full article

Objective: To present a split-mouth bilateral case report comparing a graft-free sinus lift technique developed by C.S. and A.P. using a resorbable magnesium membrane with a standard lateral sinus augmentation using xenograft and collagen membrane. The two approaches were evaluated through clinical, radiographic, and histological outcomes. Methods: A healthy 68-year-old female patient underwent bilateral sinus augmentation in the posterior maxilla. On the right side, a standard sinus lift was performed using a xenogeneic bone graft in combination with a resorbable collagen membrane. On the left side, a graft-free approach was done using only a resorbable magnesium membrane to support the elevated sinus membrane. Results: After a six-month healing period, implants were placed, and bone core biopsies were harvested for histological evaluation. Histological analysis revealed 56.4% newly formed bone in the graft-free magnesium membrane site and 22.5% in the grafted control site. A two-year radiological follow-up confirmed complete bone maturation and implant stability on both sides. Conclusions: This case promotes the potential of a graft-free sinus lift approach using a resorbable magnesium membrane as a promising alternative to conventional grafting protocols. The beneficial clinical, radiological and histological outcomes suggest that this technique may simplify the sinus augmentation procedure and should be further explored in larger clinical studies. Full article

Dental diseases have long been taught and treated as separate entities: cariology, operative dentistry, endodontics, and periodontology, each working within its own boundaries. However, increasing biological and clinical evidence suggests that this classified view does not fully reflect how disease progresses in the mouth. Instead, dental disease should be understood as a continuum within the interconnected tooth–pulp–periodontium complex. This review provides current evidence showing how dental caries can serve as the starting point of a process that can progress through pulpitis and apical periodontitis and eventually affect surrounding periodontal tissues. Caries is now widely known as a biofilm-driven and host-influenced condition shaped by ecological imbalance rather than specific pathogens alone. As lesions penetrate deeper into dentin, the structure becomes more permeable, permitting diffusion of microbial metabolites and signaling molecules toward the pulp. This initiates a multifaceted inflammatory reaction within the pulp tissue. At this stage, pulpitis becomes a critical turning point, where the outcome depends on microbial load, lesion activity, host response, and quality of clinical intervention. If the disease is not well controlled, it may lead to pulp necrosis, allowing infection to spread beyond the root canal and initiate periapical inflammation. Through anatomical pathways such as apical foramina and lateral canals, these processes can extend further, sometimes resembling or overlapping with periodontal disease. This overlap creates diagnostic challenges, as conventional tests may not always distinguish between conditions. A structured, pathway-based diagnostic approach is therefore essential. From a treatment perspective, this continuum model highlights early intervention, minimally invasive care, preservation of pulp vitality when possible, and maintenance of a strong coronal seal. Ultimately, stronger integration across dental disciplines can improve diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, support long-term tooth preservation, and promote unified dental education. This article presents a narrative review supported by a structured literature search and proposes a clinically actionable framework that extends established endodontic–periodontal concepts upstream to include caries initiation and restorative modulation. Full article

Liancheng white ducks have a distinctive “white feathers, black beak, and green feet” phenotype, making them a useful model for studying pigmentation traits in waterfowl. The previous study found that the F1 generation of Liancheng white ducks crossed with white-feathered ducks and hemp-feathered ducks were all gray-black in color. This indicates the specificity and complexity of melanin deposition in Liancheng white ducks, which makes the selection and breeding of pigment traits through phenotyping difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the candidate transcriptomic regulatory signals of melanogenesis in Liancheng white ducks. Skin, mouth skin, foot skin, liver, and muscle samples were collected from 130-day-old Liancheng white ducks. Morphological differences were observed via histological analysis, and extraction-based pigment levels were determined. The results showed that melanin granules were clearly observed in tissues other than the liver and were distributed mainly in the basal layer of the epidermis and around feather follicles; the pigment values in the tissues decreased in the order mouth skin > liver > foot skin > muscle and skin. However, the relatively high liver value should be interpreted cautiously because obvious melanin granule deposition was not observed histologically. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on mouth skin and skin samples. In total, 3074 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened; upregulated genes associated with melanogenesis included melanocyte inducing transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (TYR); downregulated genes included agouti signaling protein (ASIP) and adenylate cyclase 2 (ADCY2). Eighteen differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified. Based on target prediction and pathway enrichment analysis, novel_290 and apl-miR-11588-3p were identified as candidate miRNAs potentially associated with melanogenesis-related pathways, and their predicted target genes included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1). Additionally, 364 differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DElncRNAs) were identified; TCONS_00063335 and TCONS_00019814 were identified as candidate lncRNAs potentially associated with melanogenesis-related genes, including TYR and TYRP1. A putative ceRNA network was constructed based on the predicted miRNA–mRNA and miRNA–lncRNA relationships, and ENSAPLT00000025522–apl-miR-11588-3p–MAPK8IP3 was identified as a candidate network relationship associated with MAPK-related pigmentation pathways. However, because this relationship was inferred mainly from bioinformatic prediction and expression association analysis, further functional validation is required to confirm whether it contributes to melanogenesis regulation. These findings provide candidate transcriptomic and noncoding RNA information for the further investigation of tissue-specific pigmentation in Liancheng white ducks. Full article

Introduction: The physical characteristics of microplastics (MPs), particularly their size and color, closely resemble natural food prey for several marine organisms, leading to active or accidental ingestion by marine species, including fish larvae. Despite growing concern, the occurrence of MPs in wild fish during early developmental stages remains insufficiently documented, and laboratory studies report inconsistent results. Given their key ecological role in marine food webs and their economic relevance, the health and survival of fish larvae are critical for maintaining fish populations. Objective: This study aimed to investigate MPs’ presence throughout the larval developmental stages and assess whether MP contamination profiles (concentration, color, type, and size) differ between species. Methodology: MPs were analyzed in the larval stages of two fish species with distinct ecological niches: the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), a marine migratory species, and the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps), an estuarine resident species. Samples were collected from the Douro Estuary (NW Portugal) over one year, covering different developmental stages. Results: MPs were detected in both species at all developmental stages observed, including the yolk-sac stage (where the feeding of larvae is endogenous), indicating contamination at a stage when the mouth is not yet functional. Sardina pilchardus showed a higher abundance of transparent nylon fibers of 0.5 mm, and Pomatoschistus microps transparent polypropylene fibers of size 0.4 mm. Moreover, MP contamination did not vary between species or throughout the developmental stages, showing similar levels and profiles of MPs contamination. Conclusions: These findings provide new evidence that MP contamination begins at the earliest developmental stages of the fish, from hatching onwards. The results further suggest that MP uptake in fish larvae is primarily driven by environmental availability rather than fish larvae’s preferences or ecological guild, physical characteristics, or even the ontogenetic developmental stage. Full article

The re-emergence of Coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) as a predominant pathogen in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) underscores the need for ongoing molecular surveillance to clarify local evolutionary dynamics. This study aimed to characterize the genetic features of CV-A6 strains circulating in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, from 2023 to 2024. Throat swabs collected from HFMD patients were screened using real-time quantitative PCR; the VP1 region and complete genomes of representative CV-A6-positive samples were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were subsequently performed. Among 266 clinical specimens, 169 (63.53%) tested positive for enterovirus, of which 146 (86.39%) were identified as CV-A6. The local epidemic displayed an autumn–winter seasonality and predominantly affected children aged 4–6 years. Phylogenetic reconstruction of 133 VP1 sequences revealed that all Baotou CV-A6 isolates belonged to subgenotype D3c, and analysis of complete genomes identified a predominant recombinant form. These findings demonstrate that the D3c subgenotype, characterized by a specific recombinant structure, was responsible for HFMD outbreaks in Baotou during the study period, providing essential molecular evidence for regional public health strategies and vaccine development. Full article