Search Results (534)

African swine fever (ASF) needs to be controlled, and prevention of the spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) is dependent on enhanced surveillance and early disease detection. Commercial swine operations, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia, are characterized by comparatively large numbers of pigs, and sampling individual pigs, which represents the main strategy for current ASF surveillance, can be both costly and labor intensive. A study performed in Ghana was designed to estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of pen-based aggregate oral fluid testing for ASFV in infected pigs in a pen of 30 animals and to evaluate its utility as a tool to support surveillance of ASF in the US. This study was performed in three phases: (i) virus (Ghana ASFV24) amplification in a target host species to generate the challenge inoculum; (ii) titration of the inoculum (10% spleen homogenate) in target host species to determine the minimum dose inducing acute ASF in pigs with survival up to 5–6 days post-inoculation (dpi); and (iii) the main study, involving 186 pigs, consisting of 6 replicates of 30 pigs per pen and one seeder pig inoculated with wildtype ASFV (highly virulent genotype II) per pen. Daily sampling of aggregate oral fluids, uncoagulated blood, oropharyngeal swabs, fecal and water nipple swabs, and recording of rectal temperatures and clinical observations was carried out. The seeder pigs were each inoculated intramuscularly with 0.5 mL of the 10% spleen homogenate, which induced the desired clinical course of ASF in the pigs, with survival of up to 6 dpi. ASFV DNA was detected in the seeder pigs as early as 1 dpi and 2 dpi in the blood and oropharyngeal swabs, respectively. Transmission of ASFV from the seeder pigs to the contact pig population was detected via positive amplification of ASFV DNA in aggregate oral fluid samples at 3 days post-contact (dpc) in 4 out of 6 pens, and in all 6 pens, at 4 dpc. Testing of oropharyngeal swabs and blood samples from individual pigs revealed a variable number of ASFV-positive pigs between 3 and 5 dpc, with detection of 100% positivity between 6 and 18 dpc, the study endpoint. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of aggregate oral fluid sampling for sensitive and early detection of ASFV incursion into naïve swine herds. It also demonstrates that testing of environmental samples from the premises could further enhance overall ASF early detection and surveillance strategies. Full article

This study aims to determine the optimal low-temperature stress relieving heat treatment that minimizes residual stresses while preserving corrosion resistance in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) processed Ti6Al4V alloy. Specifically, it investigates the effects of stress relieving at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C on microstructure, residual stress, and electrochemical performance. Specimens were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical techniques. A novel microcapillary electrochemical method was employed to precisely assess passive layer stability and corrosion behaviour under simulated oral conditions, including fluoride contamination and tensile loading. Results show that heat treatments up to 600 °C effectively reduce residual stress with minimal impact on corrosion resistance. However, 800 °C treatment leads to a phase transformation from α′ martensite to a dual-phase α + β structure, significantly compromising passive film integrity. The findings establish 600 °C as the optimal stress-relieving temperature for balancing mechanical stability and electrochemical performance in biomedical and aerospace components. Full article

Background/Objective: The criteria for selecting and managing oral moisturizers have yet to be clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of storage temperature and storage time on the pH and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of oral moisturizers. Methods: The pH and ORP of 20 commercially available oral moisturizers stored at 37 °C, 25 °C, and 4 °C were measured immediately after opening (0M) and at 1 month (1M), 3 months (3M), and 6 months (6M) post-opening. The data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test based on the critical pH of enamel and dentin, two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: At 0M, 25% of the products had pH values below the critical threshold for enamel, and 75% fell below that for dentin. The distribution of products significantly differed based on critical pH thresholds (p < 0.05). The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the pH was significantly affected by the storage time (p < 0.05), but not by the storage temperature or its interaction with time. By contrast, ORP was significantly affected by the storage temperature, storage time, and their interaction (p < 0.05). The Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between pH and ORP at 4 °C (6M), 25 °C (1M, 3M, 6M), and 37 °C (all time points) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Many oral moisturizers exhibit acidic pH values, indicating that products with a pH of 6.7 or higher should be selected. Additionally, to minimize degradation, oral moisturizers should be stored at 4 °C and used within 3 months of opening. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) remaining the cornerstone of treatment. Due to their narrow therapeutic windows, AEDs are ideal candidates for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Oral fluid is increasingly considered a viable alternative to blood and urine, as it reflects the free (active) concentration of many AEDs. Its non-invasive collection, which does not require trained personnel, makes it particularly suitable for TDM in paediatric and geriatric populations. However, as samples are often stored for extended periods before analysis, analyte stability becomes a critical concern. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of four commonly used AEDs in dried saliva spot (DSS) samples. Methods: Phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide were analysed in oral fluid samples collected via spitting and stored as DSSs. Quantification was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Design of experiments tools were used to assess the effects of preservatives, storage temperatures, light exposure, and storage durations on analyte stability. Results: Optimal conditions were refrigeration in the dark, with a low concentration of ascorbic acid as preservative. Samples at 10 µg/mL remained stable for 14 days longer than those without preservative or reported in previous studies. Unexpectedly, at 0.5 µg/mL, analytes in samples without preservative showed greater stability. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study combining DSS and HPLC-DAD to assess the stability of these AEDs in oral fluid, providing valuable insights for non-invasive TDM strategies and supporting the feasibility of saliva-based monitoring in clinical settings. Full article

The stability of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as a dental implant material is highly dependent on its resistance to low-temperature degradation (LTD) and surface dissolution, particularly in acidic oral environments. This study investigates the effects of yttrium ion (Y³⁺) release on the phase stability of zirconia during constant immersion and pH cycling tests, simulating oral conditions. Zirconia disks were immersed in acidic (pH 2), neutral (pH 7), and basic (pH 10) solutions over a 27-day period. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis revealed significant yttrium ion release during acidic phases, while zirconium ion (Zr⁴⁺) release remained minimal. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed a shift in zirconium 3d binding energies, indicating a transformation from the tetragonal to the monoclinic phase, driven by yttrium leaching. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed this phase change, with the appearance of the monoclinic (111) peak after exposure to acidic conditions. This study concludes that yttrium ion depletion under acidic conditions destabilizes the tetragonal phase, promoting LTD and compromising the material’s long-term performance as a dental implant or restorative material. Full article

Background/Objectives: Denture hygiene is essential for the prevention of oral candidiasis, a condition frequently associated with Candida albicans colonization on denture surfaces. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)-loaded montmorillonite (CPC-Mont) has demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy in tissue conditioners and demonstrates potential for use in antimicrobial coatings. In this study, we aimed to develop and characterize CPC-Mont-containing coating films for dentures, focusing on their physicochemical behaviors and antifungal efficacies. Methods: CPC was intercalated into sodium-type montmorillonite to prepare CPC-Mont; thereafter, films containing CPC-Mont were fabricated using emulsions of different polymer types (nonionic, cationic, and anionic). CPC loading, release, and recharging behaviors were assessed at various temperatures, and activation energies were calculated using Arrhenius plots. Antimicrobial efficacy against Candida albicans was evaluated for each film using standard microbial assays. Results: X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the expansion of montmorillonite interlayer spacing by approximately 3 nm upon CPC loading. CPC-Mont showed temperature-dependent release and recharging behavior, with higher temperatures enhancing its performance. The activation energy for CPC release was 38 kJ/mol, while that for recharging was 26 kJ/mol. Nonionic emulsions supported uniform CPC-Mont dispersion and successful film formation, while cationic and anionic emulsions did not. CPC-Mont-containing coatings maintained antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans on dentures. Conclusions: CPC-Mont can be effectively incorporated into nonionic emulsion-based films to create antimicrobial coatings for denture applications. The films exhibited temperature-responsive, reversible CPC release and recharging behaviors, while maintaining antifungal efficacy, findings which suggest the potential utility of CPC-Mont-containing films as a practical strategy to prevent denture-related candidiasis. Full article

This study first examines the potential of using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to extract molecular and organizational markers from human oral mucosa. These indicators are then examined in relation to age and pathophysiological conditions. Oral mucosa biopsies were collected from 38 patients during surgical procedures and analyzed using FTIR and DSC-validated protocols. The patients were divided into two age groups, namely 20–40 and 70–90 years. Vibrational markers of the lamina propria and epithelium, including lipid-to-protein and collagen-to-protein ratios and lipid order, were extracted from the FTIR spectra of both layers. Hydration levels and collagen thermal stability were determined from DSC thermograms of the entire biopsy. The preliminary findings of this study, which will require further validation in a larger patient cohort, indicate a significant decrease in bound water content and collagen denaturation temperature in the older population. This suggests that oral mucosa undergoes structural dehydration and collagen destabilization with age. Further comparisons within the older group revealed links between biophysical markers of the oral mucosa and chronic or local pathologies. Patients with cardiovascular diseases exhibit altered collagen organization, while patients with diabetes display differences in the lipid-to-protein ratio and the order of lipid chains in the epithelium. Gingivitis is associated with variations in the collagen-to-protein ratio, which supports the role of inflammation in extracellular matrix remodeling. Full article

This study explored the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on clinically relevant parameters, including sedation, compliance, and temperament, as well as mechanical nociceptive thresholds in healthy cats. Nine client-owned cats (3.44 ± 2.35 years, mean ± standard deviation) were assessed prior to (baseline) and 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after oral administration of 8 mg/kg CBD oil via capsule. Sedation scores increased significantly 2, 4, and 8 h post administration compared to baseline (all medians = 1 vs. 0 at baseline; p < 0.001). Compliance and temperament scores were significantly reduced 2 and 4 h post dosing, with median scores decreasing from 1 at baseline to 0 after 2 and 4 h for both parameters (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Mechanical nociceptive thresholds and sensitivity, assessed using an algometer and von Frey filaments, respectively, along with physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature), remained unchanged across timepoints. These results indicate that 8 mg/kg CBD induces mild sedation and reduces handling resistance in healthy cats without affecting nociceptive thresholds or physiological stability. Therefore, CBD may facilitate non-painful procedures requiring animal cooperation; further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article

Trichomonas tenax is an anaerobic flagellate usually found in the oral cavity of humans and domestic animals. It is very likely to be transmitted through kissing, sharing saliva, contaminated utensils, and water. However, research on its transmission dynamics is scarce. Hence, there is a need to identify potential knowledge gaps in T. tenax transmission for future research and emphasize the importance of the One Health approach in controlling the spread of this flagellar protozoan. Trichomonas tenax has been found in humans, dogs, cats, horses, and birds at various body sites, including the lungs and the urogenital tract, in addition to the oral cavity. Its transmission is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and socioeconomic factors such as age, income, smoking, and public awareness, along with poor oral hygiene and systemic diseases. Direct host-to-host transmission also plays an important role; however, transmission through fomites or contaminated water still needs to be scientifically proven to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms. More studies on this flagellate are warranted, especially using animal models and epidemiological studies, to better understand its transmission dynamics. Prioritizing research in these areas could result in a more comprehensive understanding of T. tenax transmission dynamics and the factors that influence it, ultimately aiding in the development of effective control and prevention strategies. It is also recommended to encourage collaboration between medical and veterinary professionals in addressing this zoonotic protozoan, recognizing that it aligns with the One Health approach. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we present a green, scalable platform for the production of water-dispersible powders co-encapsulating the lipophilic bioactives curcumin (Cur) and eugenol (Eug) within the amphiphilic polymer Soluplus^® (SP) via low-temperature spray drying. Methods: The amount of Cur (1%, 5%, and 10%) and Eug (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) was varied to achieve single- and double-loaded water-soluble powders with the maximum amount of active substances. The powders containing a higher loading of Cur, 5% and 10% (and Eug), were obtained from water/ethanol mixtures (2:1 and 5:1 v/v ratio), while the formulation with 1% of Cur was spray-dried by using water as a solvent. Results: By leveraging aqueous or aqueous–ethanolic feed systems, we achieved high loading of the bioactive substances—up to 10% Cur and 20% Eug (w/w)—while minimizing organic solvent use. Myo-inositol was incorporated as a stabilizing excipient to modulate particle morphology, improve powder flowability, and enhance redispersibility. Physicochemical characterization revealed nanoscale micellization (53–127 nm), amorphization of both actives as confirmed by XRD and DSC, and the absence of crystalline residue. Encapsulation efficiencies exceeded 95% for Cur and 93% for Eug. Dissolution tests demonstrated a rapid release from the 5% Cur/5% Eug formulation (>85% in 5 min), while higher-loaded single-formulations showed progressively slower release (up to 45 min). Conclusions: This work demonstrates a robust and environmentally responsible encapsulation strategy, suitable for delivering poorly water-soluble phytochemicals with potential applications in oral nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Full article

Phase-separated membraneless biomolecular condensates in the cytoplasm and nucleus are now recognized to play a major role in modulating diverse functions in mammalian cells, and contribute to cancer pathogenesis through dysregulated function of condensates of transcription factors such as STAT3 and fusion oncoproteins. Oral cancer, the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide, in the absence of overt causes such as tobacco or alcohol, most frequently occurs in a U-shaped zone (floor of mouth, side of tongue, anterior fauces and retromolar region) reflecting the path of liquid transit through the mouth. The cellular basis for this “high-risk” zone and the biochemical mechanisms used by oral cells to combat repetitive tonicity and temperature stresses are incompletely understood. We had previously observed that at 37 °C, in OECM1 oral carcinoma cells, cytoplasmic condensates of antiviral human GFP-MxA GTPase disassembled within 1–2 min of exposure of cells to saliva-like one-third hypotonicity, and underwent “spontaneous” reassembly in the next 5–7 min. Moreover, hypotonic beverages (water, tea, coffee), investigated at 37 °C, triggered this condensate cycling. In the present studies we investigated whether this process was temperature sensitive, representative of cold vs. warm drinks. We observed a slowing of this cycle at 5 °C, and speeding up at 50 °C. The involvement in this disassembly/reassembly process of WNK-SPAK/OSR1 serine-threonine kinase pathway, best studied for regulation of water and Na, K and Cl influx and efflux in kidney tubule cells, was evaluated by us in oral cells using pathway inhibitors WNK463, WNK-IN-11 and closantel. The pan-WNK inhibitor WNK463 inhibited hypotonicity-driven condensate disassembly, while the SPAK/OSR1 inhibitor closantel markedly slowed reassembly. Unexpectedly, the WNK1-selective inhibitor (WNK-IN-11), triggered a dramatic and rapid (within 1 h) spheroid to fibril transition of GFP-MxA condensates in live cells, but without affecting MxA antiviral function. The new data suggest a novel hypothesis for the anatomic localization of oral cancer in the U-shaped “high-risk” zone in the mouth: dysfunction of biomolecular condensates in oral cells along the beverage transit pathway through the mouth due to repetitive tonicity and temperature stresses that might underlie a prooncogenic progression. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a screw coating on the screw preload and removal torque value (RTV) with and without the application of a cyclic load (CL) to make screws with greater untightening resistance to prevent screw loosening. Methods: Ninety complexes composed of implants, abutments, and prosthetic screws were examined and tested under CL oral conditions (n = 45) and non-CL conditions (nCL, n = 45). Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 15): a control group (CG) without a screw coating, a GapSeal^®-coated screw group (GG), and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape-wrapped screw group (PG). All screws were tightened at 30 Ncm, and the preload was recorded. In the nCL group, the screws were untightened to record the RTV. In the CL group, the screws were tightened, subjected to a CL in distillated water at a temperature of 37 °C, and then untightened to record the RTV. Micro-Ct analysis was conducted on two samples from each group before CL. SEM analyses of two samples per subgroup before and after CL were also performed. Results: The preload in the PG was significantly lower under nCL (29.92 Ncm) compared with CG (30.95 Ncm) and GG (31.19 Ncm) and also under a CL (PG: 30.92 Ncm) compared with CG (31.72 Ncm) and GG (31.42 Ncm). The RTVs of the PG were significantly lower under nCL (15.30 Ncm) compared with CG (27.98 Ncm) and GG (28.46 Ncm). Under CL, the RTVs of the PG were significantly higher (31.50 Ncm) compared with CG (26.00 Ncm) and GG (27.44 Ncm). Conclusions: Wrapping the screw with PTFE tape significantly reduced the preload but resulted in a significantly greater RTV under CL conditions in the simulated oral environment, suggesting that this could be a solution to decrease the risk of screw loosening. Full article

The rise of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional therapies for managing biofilm-related oral infections highlight the urgent need for novel solutions, with low-temperature plasma (LTP) emerging as a promising alternative due to its potent antimicrobial effects, tissue-safety, and reduced risk of fostering resistance. This scoping review investigates the efficacy of LTP application for the management of oral biofilms associated with dental caries, peri-implantitis, endodontic infections, and oral candidiasis. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF). Studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO (Medline Ultimate and e-journals), and Google Scholar, with no publication date restrictions, and were supplemented by manual reference screening. Eligible studies included original research, published in English, examining LTP’s effectiveness in oral biofilms. After systematically screening the literature, 51 studies were included in this scoping review, comprising mostly in vitro research, alongside ex vivo, in situ, and clinical studies. Data extraction revealed LTP’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential and promising clinical implications for dentistry. This review highlights key findings, identifies research gaps, and underscores the therapeutic potential of LTP in managing complex oral biofilm-related infections. Full article

The increasing use of hyperprolific sows has led to greater litter heterogeneity, highlighting the need for effective nutritional support for low-birth-weight piglets. This study explores the potential of using surplus goat transitional milk as a nutritional supplement for piglets, especially for those facing increased survival and developmental challenges during the early life stages. To this end, two experiments were carried out as follows: in the first, goat transitional milk was administered via an oro-esophageal feeding tube to all piglets in the litter; in the second, concentrated transitional milk was administered via an oral dispenser to whole litters composed of low-birth-weight piglets. Performance parameters, mortality, and serum IgG levels were measured. In Experiment 1, supplementation with goat colostrum showed a tendency to improve weight in piglets ≤ 1100 g, with no significant effect on temperature, serum IgG level, or mortality. In Experiment 2, supplementation with goat colostrum did not affect live weight, rectal temperature, or serum IgG levels at 10 and 21 days. However, there was a trend towards lower mortality at 21 days in the supplemented piglets. These results suggest that goat transitional milk may provide context-dependent benefits, with a potentially greater impact on vulnerable piglets in more difficult conditions. Furthermore, its use represents a sustainable strategy to valorize surplus milk from goat farms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-invasive central nervous system (CNS) therapies are limited by complex mechanisms and the blood–brain barrier, but nasal delivery offers a promising alternative. The study planned to develop a non-invasive in situ intranasal mucoadhesive thermosensitive gel to deliver CNS-active risperidone via nose-to-brain targeting. Risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, has shown efficacy in managing both psychotic and mood-related symptoms. The mucoadhesive gel formulations help to prolong the residence time at the nasal absorption site, thereby facilitating the uptake of the drug. Methods: The poloxamer 407 (18.0% w/v), HPMC K100M and K15M (0.3–0.5% w/v), and benzalkonium chloride (0.1% v/v) were used as thermosensitive polymers, a mucoadhesive agent, and a preservative, respectively, for the development of in situ thermosensitive gel. The developed formulations were evaluated for various parameters. Results: The pH, gelation temperature, gelation time, and drug content were found to be 6.20 ± 0.026–6.37 ± 0.015, 34.25 ± 1.10–37.50 ± 1.05 °C, 1.65 ± 0.30–2.50 ± 0.55 min, and 95.58 ± 2.37–98.03 ± 1.68%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimized F3 formulation showed satisfactory gelling capacity (9.52 ± 0.513 h) and an acceptable mucoadhesive strength (1110.65 ± 6.87 dyne/cm²). Diffusion of the drug through the egg membrane depended on the formulation’s viscosity, and the F3 formulation explained the first-order release kinetics, indicating concentration-dependent drug diffusion with n < 0.45 (0.398) value, indicating the Fickian-diffusion (diffusional case I). The pharmacokinetic study was performed with male Wistar albino rats, and the F3 in situ thermosensitive risperidone gel confirmed significantly (p < 0.05) ~5.4 times higher brain AUC_0–∞ when administered intranasally compared to the oral solution. Conclusions: Based on physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo parameters, it can be concluded that in situ thermosensitive gel is suitable for administration of risperidone through the nasal route and can enhance patient compliance through ease of application and with less repeated administration. Full article