Associations between vitamin D levels and periodontal attachment loss

A new approach to bioceramics based on tissue reaction of tricalcium phosphate for biomedical and sport applications using machine learning modeling

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioceramics have emerged as a promising option to meet the specific requirements associated with athlete bone fractures. Advanced computational modeling techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), have been leveraged to optimize the formulation, structural properties, and implantation strategies of TCP-based biomaterials. This personalized approach enables the tailoring of TCP implants and scaffolds to match the specific biomechanical and biological requirements of individual athletes, maximizing the potential for successful bone regeneration and a timely return to athletic competition. The strategic application of TCP-based biomaterials, combined with personalized computational modeling, holds great promise in revolutionizing the management of athlete bone fractures. This article investigates the use of an ANN to understand the complex relationships between various parameters, such as porosity and bone growth, and their effects on the biodegradation rate, compressive strength, and hardness of TCP-based bioceramics. The accuracy of the neural network's predictions was validated using linear regression analysis, confirming its applicability in guiding the design and optimization of these biomaterials for sports-related bone injury applications. The study developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model to accurately predict the biodegradation rate, compressive strength, and hardness of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioceramics as a function of porosity and bone growth. The ANN demonstrated high accuracy in forecasting these key bioceramic properties.

Evaluation of Vitamin D and of Some Biomarkers of Bone Remodelling (CTX-1, Osteocalcin, BALP) in Subjects with Periapical Inflammatory Cysts: An Observational Study

Objectives: The aim of this observational study was to evaluate whether the presence of periapical inflammatory cysts (PIC) is accompanied by a state of vitamin D (25OHD) 25(OH)D insufficiency or deficiency and biochemical variations in biomarkers of bone metabolism such as osteocalcin (OC), isoenzyme of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX). Methods: A total of 56 patients (group P), 36 males and 20 females, of which 42 had one cyst (group P1) and 14 had multiple periapical cysts (group P2), alongside 56 healthy subjects (group H) were recruited. Rx-OPT and clinical evaluation were used to evaluate the presence of PIC. At the first visit, all subjects underwent venous sampling (group P and H) to measure bone biomarkers by the chemiluminescence method. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the different biomarkers in the H vs. P, H vs. P1, H vs. P2, and P1 vs. P2 groups. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare biomarker levels between the study groups. ROC curves were used to search for the concentration of the different biomarkers in which the best sensitivity and specificity were found. Results: 25OHD and CTX showed a difference between H vs. P, H vs. P1, H vs. P2, and P1 vs. P1 groups (p < 0.05). The study of the ROC curves with a comparison between concentrations in the H vs. P group showed the best sensitivity and specificity for 25OHD at a concentration <19 ng/mL, highlighting a picture of 25OHD deficiency. Conclusions: The presence of apical cysts could be indicative of a vitamin D deficiency that should be appropriately treated. The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency, given its role in bone metabolism and mineralisation, may contribute to a biological environment that favours the development or persistence of periapical cystic lesions.

The Influence of Diet and Physical Activity on Periodontal Health: A Narrative Review

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are chronic inflammatory conditions that compromise the supporting structures of the teeth, often leading to tooth loss and contributing to systemic comorbidities. Increasing evidence underscores the critical role of modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly diet and physical activity, in influencing periodontal health. This narrative review critically evaluates the current body of literature regarding the impact of dietary constituents and physical activity on the periodontium, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms, key biomarkers, and clinical implications. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between nutrition, exercise, and periodontal health with potential implications for clinical management and preventive strategies.

Differences in brain spindle density during sleep between patients with and without type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Sleep spindles may be implicated in sensing and regulation of peripheral glucose. Whether spindle density in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) differs from that of healthy subjects is unknown.

METHODS

Our retrospective analysis of polysomnography (PSG) studies identified 952 patients with T2DM and 952 sex-, age- and BMI-matched control subjects. We extracted spindles from PSG electroencephalograms and used rank-based statistical methods to test for differences between subjects with and without diabetes. We also explored potential modifiers of spindle density differences. We replicated our analysis on independent data from the Sleep Heart Health Study.

RESULTS

We found that patients with T2DM exhibited about half the spindle density during sleep as matched controls (P < 0.0001). The replication dataset showed similar trends. The patient-minus-control paired difference in spindle density for pairs where the patient had major complications were larger than corresponding paired differences in pairs where the patient lacked major complications, despite both patient groups having significantly lower spindle density compared to their respective control subjects. Patients with a prescription for a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist had significantly higher spindle density than those without one (P ≤ 0.03). Spindle density in patients with T2DM monotonically decreased as their highest recorded HbA1C level increased (P ≤ 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM patients had significantly lower spindle density than control subjects; the size of that difference was correlated with markers of disease severity (complications and glycemic control). These findings expand our understanding of the relationships between sleep and glucose regulation.

Environmentally friendly synthesis of gelatin hydrogel nanoparticles for gastric cancer treatment, bisphenol A sensing and nursing applications: Fabrication, characterization and ANN modeling

This study presents a dual application approach for the environmentally friendly synthesis of gelatin hydrogel nanoparticles with potential applications in gastric cancer treatment, bisphenol A (BPA) sensing, and nursing. Gelatin hydrogel nanoparticles were synthesized using a green and freeze-drying method, avoiding the use of toxic chemicals and solvents. The nanoparticles showed excellent biocompatibility and promising potential for drug delivery system (DDS) in gastric cancer treatment. The controlled release of anticancer drugs from the gelatin nanoparticles was showed, highlighting their potential in targeted therapy. Additionally, the gelatin hydrogel nanoparticles were explored for BPA sensing. BPA is a widely used chemical known for its adverse effects on human health. The gelatin nanoparticles showed high selectivity and sensitivity towards BPA detection, making them suitable for environmental monitoring and health applications using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Also, in this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was used to estimate the release of docetaxel (%) at 72 h, the release of paclitaxel (%) at 72 h, tensile strength with sample (wt%), and porosity (%) in broader ranges than the experimental samples. The environmentally friendly synthesis of gelatin hydrogel nanoparticles presented in this study offers a versatile platform with dual applications in gastric cancer treatment and sensing of harmful chemicals. The obtained results show the potential of these nanoparticles for innovative therapeutic and diagnostic strategies in healthcare and environmental monitoring. The study showed the development of sustainable and multifunctional nanomaterials for various biomedical applications. The modeling of the neural network predictions shows that increasing the sample (wt%) and porosity (%) leads to an increase in the release of docetaxel (%) at 72 h, the release of paclitaxel (%) at 72 h, and tensile strength. As porosity decreases, the release of docetaxel increases, and the release of paclitaxel and tensile strength also increase. Additionally, the prediction errors of the ANN in this study were evaluated using linear regression, showing acceptable error rates compared to the target results obtained from the experimental tests.

Novel versions of Hölder's-Like and related inequalities with newly defined L P space, and their applications over fuzzy domain

It is widely recognized that fuzzy number theory relies on the characteristic function. However, within the fuzzy realm, the characteristic function transforms into a membership function contingent upon the interval [0,1]. This implies that real numbers and intervals represent exceptional cases of fuzzy numbers. By considering this approach, this paper introduces a newL P space and novel refinements for integral variations of Hölder's inequality which is known as Hölder's-like inequality over fuzzy domain. Numerous prevailing inequalities associated with Hölder's-like inequality can be enhanced through the newly acquired inequalities, as demonstrated through an application. By using newly defined special means, some new versions of integral inequalities have obtained where differentiable mappings are real-valued convex-like (or convex fuzzy) mappings Lastly, nontrivial numerical examples are also included to validate the accuracy of the presented inequalities as they vary with the parameter ꙍ .

Advancements in Exosome Proteins for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Detection: With a Focus on Nanotechnology

Breast cancer, a leading cause of mortality among women, has been recognized as requiring improved diagnostic methods. Exosome proteins, found in small extracellular vesicles, have emerged as a promising solution, reflecting the state of their cell of origin and playing key roles in cancer progression. This review examines their potential in breast cancer diagnosis, discussing advanced isolation and characterization techniques such as ultracentrifugation and microfluidic-based approaches. Various detection methods-including electrochemical, nano-based, optical, and machine learning platforms-were evaluated for their high sensitivity, specificity, and non-invasive capabilities. Electrochemical methods were used to identify unique protein signatures for rapid, cost-effective diagnosis, while machine learning enhanced the classification of exosome proteins. Nano-based techniques leveraged nanomaterials to detect low-abundance proteins, and optical methods offered real-time, label-free monitoring. Despite their promise, challenges in standardizing protocols and integrating these diagnostics into clinical practice remain. Future directions include technological advancements, personalized medicine, and exploring the therapeutic potential of exosome proteins.

Nano selenium in broiler feeding: physiological roles and nutritional effects

Using nanotechnology, while improving the health of broiler chickens, it is possible to control and reduce the conflict of minerals in the intestines, and toxicity of and pollution by these elements. It could be shown that the antioxidant and immune modulation effects of nano selenium are significantly superior compared to other sources of selenium. In addition, improving the quality of meat products with the use of nano selenium has promising results in the future perspective of quality improvement and food safety. Nutrition of permitted and optimal levels is very important in the consumption of nano selenium form and as it can have significant beneficial functional and health effects, in case of errors in the selected levels and doses, irreparable side effects and adverse results can occur. In this review report, an attempt has been made to introduce the position and importance of selenium and the approach of smart consumption of its nano form in the nutrition of broiler chickens. The novelty of using nanotechnology in feeding broiler chickens can be a unique opportunity to improve the bioavailability of important and rare elements such as selenium.

Synthesis, characterization, and applications of starch-based nano drug delivery systems for breast cancer therapy: A review

The review examined the potential of starch-based drug delivery systems for managing breast cancer efficiently. It covered the background of breast cancer and the significance of drug delivery systems in treatment enhancement. Starch, known for its versatile physicochemical properties, was explored as a promising biopolymer for drug delivery. The review detailed the properties of starch relevant to drug delivery, synthesis methods, and characterization approaches. It discussed the application of starch-based systems in breast cancer treatment, focusing on their role in improving chemotherapy delivery. The advantages and limitations of these systems, such as biocompatibility and drug loading capacity, were evaluated, along with future research directions in starch modification and emerging technologies. The review concluded by emphasizing the potential of starch-based drug delivery systems in improving breast cancer treatment outcomes.

Empowering agriculture: The promise of zinc biofortification in rice

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in metabolism in both plant and animal life. Zn deficiency is a worldwide problem that has recently gotten worse. This micronutrient shortage can be largely attributed to eating foods that are poor in zinc. If biofortification methods were widely used, Zn enrichment of the organ or tissue of interest would increase dramatically. However, Zn absorption mechanisms in rice plants must be understood on a fundamental level before these methods can be used effectively. Plant systems' Zn transporters and metal chelators play a major role in regulating this intricate physiological characteristic. The Zn efficiency of specific species is affected by a variety of factors, including the plant's growth stage, edaphic conditions, the time of year, and more. Both old and new ways of breeding plants can be used for biofortification. We have highlighted the significance of recombinant and genetic approaches to biofortifying in rice. In this review, we have the metabolic role of zinc in rice, and the different transporter families involved in the transportation of zinc in rice. We have also discussed the combined approaches of agronomic and genetic in zinc biofortification in rice and potential outcomes and future predictions.

The prevalence of hydatid cyst in raw meat products: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Hydatid cyst contamination in food presents a persistent and pervasive threat to public health. Hence, several studies have been published on hydatid cysts in raw meat products. The current study aimed to meta-analyze the prevalence of hydatid cysts in meat. The search was performed in international databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, from January 1, 2000, to February 10, 2024. A meta-analysis of prevalence was conducted using the metaprop command in the subgroups of countries, animals, and WHO regions. Meta-regression of the prevalence of hydatid cysts in meat over time and sanitation services ranking was conducted using a random effects model (restricted maximum--likelihood). Fifty-seven published references with 130 data reports were included in the study. The lowest and highest prevalence of hydatid cysts in raw meat was observed in Sudan at 0.01%, 95%CI (0.01-0.02) and Italy at 69.86%, 95%CI (68.14-71.55), respectively. The highest prevalence of hydatid cysts was observed in Sheep (12.32%), Cattle (11.85%), and Buffalo (10.65%). The lowest and highest prevalence of hydatid cysts was South-East Asian Reg (2.77%) and European Region (33.21%), respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence of hydatid cysts has significantly decreased over time (p-value = 0.021) and insignificantly decreased with sanitation services ranking (p-value = 0.679). Therefore, in order to maintain the existing conditions and even reduce the burden of hydatidosis, public health education, promotion of hygienic practices, and investment need to be carried out continuously.

Revealing the interaction between alpha-chymotrypsin and eugenol: An integrated multi-spectral and dynamic simulation approach

The study aims to explore the effects of Eugenol (EUG) as an antioxidant on α-Chymotrypsin (α-Chy) and its interaction mechanism, with potential implications for new therapy development. The interaction between EUG and α-Chy was demonstrated through ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, which resulted in a shift in absorption with docking energies of -22.76 kJ/mol. An increase in fluorescence intensity indicated that the Trp residues moved to a less polar environment, which is consistent with the changes in accessible surface area (ASA) values. The presence of EUG led to a decrease in α-helix, β-turn, and random coil structures as shown by circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, there was a slight increase in β-sheet structures, indicating a decrease in enzyme stability. However, tests for thermal stability showed a decrease in folding upon the introduction of EUG, which contradicted the results obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The docking studies revealed that EUG forms hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces with the enzyme, indicating the interaction mechanism. Kinetic studies confirmed that EUG acts as a mixed inhibitor. However, further research involving live organisms is necessary to fully understand its potential.

4D printing of biological macromolecules employing handheld bioprinters for in situ wound healing applications

In situ bioprinting may be preferred over standard in vitro bioprinting in specific cases when de novo tissues are to be created directly on the appropriate anatomical region in the live organism, employing the body as a bioreactor. So far, few efforts have been made to create in situ tissues that can be safely halted and immobilized during printing in preclinical live animals. However, the technique has to be improved significantly in order to manufacture complex tissues in situ, which may be attainable in the future thanks to multidisciplinary advances in tissue engineering. Thanks to the biological macromolecules, natural and synthetic hydrogels and polymers are among the most used biomaterials in in situ bioprinting procedure. Bioprinters, which encounter multiple challenges, including cross-linking the printed structure, adjusting the rheology parameters, and printing various constructs. The introduction of handheld 3D and 4D bioprinters might potentially overcome the difficulties and problems associated with using traditional bioprinters. Studies showed that this technique could be efficient in wound healing and skin tissue regeneration. This study aims to analyze the benefits and difficulties associated with materials in situ 4D printing via handheld bioprinters.

Microfluidic systems for modeling digestive cancer: a review of recent progress

Purpose. This review aims to highlight current improvements in microfluidic devices designed for digestive cancer simulation. The review emphasizes the use of multicellular 3D tissue engineering models to understand the complicated biology of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer progression. The purpose is to develop oncology research and improve digestive cancer patients' lives.Methods. This review analyzes recent research on microfluidic devices for mimicking digestive cancer. It uses tissue-engineered microfluidic devices, notably organs on a chip (OOC), to simulate human organ function in the lab. Cell cultivation on modern three-dimensional hydrogel platforms allows precise geometry, biological components, and physiological qualities. The review analyzes novel methodologies, key findings, and technical progress to explain this field's advances.Results. This study discusses current advances in microfluidic devices for mimicking digestive cancer. Micro physiological systems with multicellular 3D tissue engineering models are emphasized. These systems capture complex biochemical gradients, niche variables, and dynamic cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These models reveal stomach cancer biology and progression by duplicating the TME. Recent discoveries and technology advances have improved our understanding of gut cancer biology, as shown in the review.Conclusion. Microfluidic systems play a crucial role in modeling digestive cancer and furthering oncology research. These platforms could transform drug development and treatment by revealing the complex biology of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. The review provides a complete summary of recent advances and suggests future research for field professionals. The review's major goal is to further medical research and improve digestive cancer patients' lives.

Associations of Serum Vitamin D With Dental Caries and Periodontitis: The HUNT Study

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationships of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with dental caries and periodontitis in a general Norwegian adult population.

METHODS

We analysed a subsample of 1605 participants from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway that had serum 25(OH)D levels measured in HUNT3 (2006-08) and oral health assessed in the HUNT4 Oral Health Study (2017-19). Negative binomial and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the ratios of means (RMs; for count oral outcomes) and prevalence ratios (PRs; for dichotomous oral outcomes).

RESULTS

Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with the number of decayed teeth in a dose-response gradient (<30.0 nmol/L: RM 1.41, 95% CI 1.07-1.85; 30.0-49.9 nmol/L: 1.14, 0.98-1.32 and ≥75.0 nmol/L: 0.84, 0.67-1.04, as compared to the 50.0-74.9 nmol/L group, P for trend <.001). Each 25 nmol/L decrease in 25(OH)D level was associated with a 15% (RM 1.15, 95% CI 1.05-1.26) increase in the mean number of decayed teeth. Serum 25(OH)D <30.0 nmol/L was associated with a 35% higher prevalence of severe periodontitis (PR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00-1.83). No association was observed between 25(OH)D and the number of natural teeth.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that serum 25(OH)D level had an inverse and dose-response association with the number of decayed teeth, and serum 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L was associated with a higher prevalence of severe periodontitis in this Norwegian adult population.

The role and mechanism of platelet-rich fibrin in alveolar bone regeneration

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), as an autologous blood preparation, has been receiving increasing attention in recent years and has been successfully applied in various clinical treatments for alveolar bone regeneration in the oral field. This review focuses on analyzing and summarizing the role and mechanism of PRF in alveolar bone regeneration. We first provide a brief introduction to PRF, then summarize the mechanisms by which PRF promotes alveolar bone regeneration from three aspects: osteogenesis mechanism, bone induction mechanism, and bone conduction mechanism, involving multiple signaling pathways such as Smad, ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin. We also explore the various roles of PRF as a scaffold, filler, and in combination with bone graft materials, detailing how PRF promotes alveolar bone regeneration and provides a wealth of experimental evidence. Finally, we summarize the current applications of PRF in various oral fields. The role of PRF in alveolar bone regeneration is becoming increasingly important, and its role and mechanism are receiving more and more research and understanding. This article will provide a reference of significant value for research in related fields. The exploration of the role and mechanism of PRF in alveolar bone regeneration may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the development of more effective and efficient treatment strategies.

Influence of Vitamin D on Periodontal Inflammation: A Review

The active form of vitamin D is the hormonally active 1,25(OH)2D3 (Vit D) vitamin, which plays an important role in bone biology and host immunity. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear ligand-dependent transcription factor expressed by many cells. Ligation of VDR by VitD regulates a wide plethora of genes and physiologic functions through the formation of the complex Vit D-VDR signaling cascade. The influence of Vit D-VDR signaling in host immune response to microbial infection has been of interest to many researchers. This is particularly important in oral health and diseases, as oral mucosa is exposed to a complex microbiota, with certain species capable of causing disruption to immune homeostasis. In this review, we focus on the immune modulatory roles of Vit D in the bone degenerative oral disease, periodontitis.

The indicative role of inflammatory index in the progression of periodontal attachment loss

OBJECTIVE

To explore the forewarning immunological indicators during periodontal attachment loss progression in American adults.

METHODS

A total of 5744 participants with periodontal attachment loss were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2009-2014. In which, dependent variable was the counts of teeth with severe attachment loss (depth of periodontal probing was above 5 mm). Independent variables were circulatory immunological indexes, including counts of white blood cells (WBC), Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Eosinophils, and Basophils. The association among variables was examined using multivariable linear regression models, fitting with smoothing curves, and generalizing additive models.

RESULTS

Based on the indicators of 5744 subjects, we found that severe attachment loss tended to occur in the elderly or males and was accompanied by higher WBC, Monocytes, and Neutrophils, as well as lower poverty-income ratio and educational qualification. WBC (above the inflection point: 6200 cells/µL) and Neutrophils (above the inflection point: 3300 cells/µL) counts were positively associated with attachment loss progression in each multivariable linear regression model. On subgroup analyses, stratified by sex and race, the positive correlation of WBC or Neutrophils with severe attachment loss was stable in both men and women, as well as in all races except blacks (WBC β = - 0.0576, 95% CI - 0.1945 to 0.0793, Neutrophils β = - 0.0527, 95% CI - 0.2285 to 0.1231).

CONCLUSION

Increasing WBC (above 6200 cells/µL) and Neutrophils (above 3300 cells/µL) counts were risk indicators of severe periodontal attachment loss among all races, except in blacks.