Disturbance of Mitochondrial Dynamics, Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Crosstalk, Redox Homeostasis, and Inflammatory Response in the Brain of Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase-Deficient Mice: Neuroprotective Effects of Bezafibrate

Patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) activity, commonly manifest acute encephalopathy associated with severe striatum degeneration and progressive cortical and striatal injury whose pathogenesis is still poorly known. We evaluated redox homeostasis, inflammatory response, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria crosstalk, and ER stress in the brain of GCDH-deficient (Gcdh^-/-) and wild-type (Gcdh^+/+) mice fed a high Lys chow, which better mimics the human neuropathology mainly characterized by striatal lesions. Increased lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant defenses, including decreased concentrations of reduced glutathione and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione transferase, were observed in the striatum and cerebral cortex of Gcdh^-/- mice. Augmented Iba-1 staining was also found in the dorsal striatum and neocortex, whereas the nuclear content of NF-κB was increased, and the cytosolic content of IκBα decreased in the striatum of the mutant animals, indicating a pro-inflammatory response. Noteworthy, in vivo treatment with the pan-PPAR agonist bezafibrate normalized these alterations. It was also observed that the ER-mitochondria crosstalk proteins VDAC1 and IP3R were reduced, whereas the ER stress protein DDIT3 was augmented in Gcdh^-/- striatum, signaling disturbances of these processes. Finally, DRP1 content was elevated in the striatum of Gcdh^-/- mice, indicating activated mitochondrial fission. We presume that some of these novel pathomechanisms may be involved in GA1 neuropathology and that bezafibrate should be tested as a potential adjuvant therapy for GA1.

The HIV and SARS-CoV-2 Parallel in Dentistry from the Perspectives of the Oral Health Care Team

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to unravel the professional and social consequences of COVID-19 as compared with the AIDS pandemic according to oral health care providers, staff, and administrators.

Methods:

An exploratory qualitative inquiry via at-a-distance, semistructured interviews engaged a purposefully recruited sample of oral health care team workers in British Columbia. Interviews took place between April 20 and May 15, 2020; they were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and deidentified for interactive thematic analysis. An inductive process of coding was used to identify themes, subthemes, and categories of information.

Results:

Forty-five interviews were conducted with 18 dentists, 12 dental hygienists, 6 certified dental assistants, and 9 administrators; 22 were females. Interviews each lasted an average of 48 min. After the transcripts were coded, 3 subthemes emerged: 1) personal protective equipment and universal precautions as commonsense approaches to care during both pandemics; 2) an (un)collapsed world in terms of global lockdowns; and 3) social unrest in terms of the potential for stigma and discrimination caused by both pandemics. These subthemes made up the COVID-19–AIDS parallel theme.

Conclusion:

This study explored the extent to which the current COVID-19 pandemic is leading to professional and social consequences when a parallel is drawn with the AIDS pandemic. This is the first qualitative study that identifies the potential social unrest of the pandemic from the perspective of oral health care providers and administrators. Future studies should include other providers across Canada, as well the patients receiving oral health care during this pandemic.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The COVID-19 pandemic has unraveled potential societal implications in a parallel to the HIV/AIDS era from the perspectives of oral health care providers and their staff. Such implications are changing the way that oral health care is delivered; it may also be leading to social unrest in the form of stigma and discrimination. This study discusses some of these implications from the perspective of oral health care providers and administrators.

Pregnant women's perspectives on integrating preventive oral health in prenatal care

BACKGROUND

Oral diseases are considered a silent epidemic including among pregnant women. Given the prevalence of oral conditions among pregnant women and the reported association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, there have been suggestions for the inclusion of preventive oral care in routine prenatal care. However, due to the different administrative and funding structure for oral health and prenatal care in Canada, progress towards this integration has been slow. Our study sought to qualitatively explore the views of pregnant women in British Columbia (BC) on the strategies for integrating preventive oral health care into prenatal care services.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was utilized involving semi-structured interviews with fourteen (14) purposefully selected pregnant women in Vancouver and Surrey, BC. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Study validity was ensured via memoing, field-notes, and member checking.

RESULTS

Interviews ranged from 28 to 65 min producing over 140 pages of transcripts. Analysis resulted in three major themes: oral health experiences during pregnancy, perspectives on integration and integrated prenatal oral care, and strategies for addressing prenatal oral health care. A majority of participants were supportive of integrating preventive oral care in routine prenatal services, with referrals identified as a critical strategy. Oral health education was recognized as important before, during, and after pregnancy; oral health assessments should therefore be included in the prenatal care checklist. Limited funding was acknowledged as a barrier to oral health care access, which may explain why few participants visited their dentists during pregnancy. Interprofessional education surfaced as a bridge to provide prenatal oral health education.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women interviewed in this study support the inclusion of educational and preventive oral care during prenatal care, although their views differed on how such inclusion can be achieved in BC. They advocated the establishment of a referral system as an acceptable strategy for providing integrated prenatal oral health care.

In vitro and in silico protein corona formation evaluation of curcumin and capsaicin loaded-solid lipid nanoparticles

Nanotechnology has been an important tool for the production of nanoparticles with controlled release of drugs for therapeutic applications. Here, we produced solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) loaded with curcumin and capsaicin (NCC) following the overarching goals of green chemistry. Currently, besides evaluating the composition, and size of these, it is necessary to understand the interactions between nanoparticles and the biomolecules present in the biological medium. For this, assays were conducted in order to evaluate the potential formation of the protein 'corona', and to better understand the results obtained in vitro, we also performed an interaction study, in silico, between the NCC components and the main serum protein, albumin. In the first hour of contact between the NCC and the culture medium showed fluctuation in the diameter of the NCC. However, after 24 and 48 h of the incubation period, all NCC concentrations showed an increase in size, which can be attributed to plasma protein adsorption. Since, hard corona takes a few seconds, while the soft corona can be formed in minutes up to a few hours. On the other hand, best docking binding-poses of interaction for the formed docking complexes evaluated suggest interactions following the docking affinity like free energy FEB (Tween 80-bovine serum albumin) ≈ FEB (Span 80-bovine serum albumin) showing a pharmacodynamic pattern based in non-covalent hydrophobic interactions with the bovine serum albumin binding-site. Our in silico results clarify and reinforce our in vitro findings of corona formation, which represents the real interaction with cell membranes in vivo.

A Qualitative Study of Health Care Providers' Views on Integrating Oral Health into Prenatal Care

OBJECTIVE

Providing preventive oral health during prenatal care is a recognized strategy for improving pregnant women's access to oral health care. This study sought to qualitatively explore the views of health care providers in British Columbia (BC), Canada, on strategies for integrating preventive oral health into prenatal care.

METHODS

Twenty-four purposefully selected health care providers (13 oral health and 11 prenatal care providers) in Vancouver and Surrey BC participated in audio-recorded semistructured interviews. Interviews lasted from 31 to 61 min, were transcribed verbatim, and were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis with N-Vivo software. Study validity was ensured via memoing, fieldnotes, member checking, and external audit.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis revealed 5 major themes: perception of integrated care, relevance of integrated prenatal oral health, strategies for achieving integrated prenatal oral health, drivers of the integration process, and barriers to integrating oral health during pregnancy. Interprofessional collaboration based on information sharing and communication was identified as a critical factor for integrated care. Oral health checks should be a component of prenatal assessments for achieving integrated prenatal oral health. Participants recommended that prenatal providers should offer oral health education and use screening questions to identify the pregnant woman's oral health needs. The establishment of referral systems was advocated, while dental assessments and oral prophylaxis via the medical services plan were proposed. The inclusion of dental providers in prenatal teams and educating health care providers on interprofessional collaboration were also supported.

CONCLUSION

Oral health and prenatal providers in BC are positively disposed to adopting integrated preventive prenatal oral health care based on interprofessional collaborative practices. The inclusion of oral health providers in prenatal teams was suggested.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The results of this study can be used by policymakers for advocacy and decision making when planning care delivery programs for women during pregnancy. Including the suggested strategies could lead to increased access to, and utilization of, oral health services among pregnant women.

Effects of long-term resveratrol treatment in hypothalamic astrocyte cultures from aged rats

Aging is intrinsically related to metabolic changes and characterized by the accumulation of oxidative and inflammatory damage, as well as alterations in gene expression and activity of several signaling pathways, which in turn impact on homeostatic responses of the body. Hypothalamus is a brain region most related to these responses, and increasing evidence has highlighted a critical role of astrocytes in hypothalamic homeostatic functions, particularly during aging process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of a chronic treatment with resveratrol (1 µM during 15 days, which was replaced once every 3 days), a recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule, in primary hypothalamic astrocyte cultures obtained from aged rats (24 months old). We observed that aging process changes metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and senescence parameters, as well as glial markers, while long-term resveratrol treatment prevented these effects. In addition, resveratrol upregulated key signaling pathways associated with cellular homeostasis, including adenosine receptors, nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Our data corroborate the glioprotective effect of resveratrol in aged hypothalamic astrocytes, reinforcing the beneficial role of resveratrol in the aging process.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, ER stress and mitochondria-ER crosstalk alterations in a chemical rat model of Huntington's disease: potential benefits of bezafibrate

Redox homeostasis, mitochondrial functions, and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) communication were evaluated in the striatum of rats after 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) administration, a recognized chemical model of Huntington's disease (HD). 3-NP impaired redox homeostasis by increasing malondialdehyde levels at 28 days, decreasing glutathione (GSH) concentrations at 21 and 28 days, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase at 7, 21, and 28 days, catalase at 21 days, and glutathione reductase at 21 and 28 days. Impairment of mitochondrial respiration at 7 and 28 days after 3-NP administration was also observed, as well as reduced activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and respiratory chain complexes. 3-NP also impaired mitochondrial dynamics and the interactions between ER and mitochondria and induced ER-stress by increasing the levels of mitofusin-1, and of DRP1, VDAC1, Grp75 and Grp78. Synaptophysin levels were augmented at 7 days but reduced at 28 days after 3-NP injection. Finally, bezafibrate prevented 3-NP-induced alterations of the activities of SOD, GPx, SDH and respiratory chain complexes, DCFH oxidation and on the levels of GSH, VDAC1 and synaptophysin. Mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic disruption may contribute to the pathophysiology of HD and bezafibrate may be considered as an adjuvant therapy for this disorder.

Perspectives of socially disadvantaged women on oral healthcare during pregnancy

Oral health is considered important during pregnancy, however many pregnant women, especially socially disadvantaged women such as immigrants, working poor and homeless have difficulty accessing oral healthcare.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the perceptions of a sample of socially disadvantaged women on oral healthcare provision during pregnancy.

BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN

Qualitative study via focus group discussions with seventeen pregnant women or new mothers receiving care at a local maternity clinic that serves a culturally diverse population facing social challenges.

PARTICIPANTS

Women who met at least one of the following criteria: low socio-economic status, new immigrant or refugee, homeless or at risk of homelessness, history of incarceration or substance abuse or at risk of abuse. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the NVivo 11© software programme for coding and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

All participants reported unmet oral healthcare needs. The analysis revealed three main themes: knowledge of the importance and value of oral health during pregnancy, experiences with oral healthcare and provision of oral health services to socially disadvantaged pregnant women. Participants favoured inclusion of preventive oral healthcare provided by either dental or prenatal healthcare professionals in routine prenatal care.

DISCUSSION

Socially disadvantaged pregnant women did not access the oral healthcare they needed due to cost, dental fear and anxiety; some faced stigma and discrimination. They were disposed to receiving community-based, primary preventive dental services as part of prenatal care from either dental or prenatal allied healthcare professionals.

Prevalence, Extent, and Severity of Oral Health Impacts Among Adults in Rural Karnataka, India

INTRODUCTION

Oral health affects quality of life. Many studies have investigated the factors associated with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Little is known about OHRQoL of adults living in rural and remote areas of India, where many have lower levels of education and limited availability of oral health care services.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence, extent, and severity of OHRQoL impacts associated with psychosocial factors, functional dentition, and patterns of dental visits among rural Indian adults between the ages of 35 and 54 y.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a multistage stratified sampling strategy targeting 35- to 54-year-olds. Interviews and oral examinations were performed to collect data on sociodemographic variables, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), patterns of dental visits, stress, tobacco and alcohol use, and dentition status. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were done to determine the factors associated with prevalence, extent, and severity of OHIP-14 using SAS version 9.3.

RESULTS

There were 873 participants. Prevalence, extent, and severity of OHIP-14 were 13.4%, 0.5 (0.4-0.7), and 11.8 (11.2-12.5), respectively. The OHIP-14 impacts reported were not severe and mostly affected physical functioning. Levels of education, income, and number of functional teeth (FT) were inversely associated and last dental visit within the previous year was positively associated with prevalence, extent, and severity of OHIP-14. The prevalence of 1 or more oral health impacts was nearly 13% among rural middle-aged adults in India.

CONCLUSIONS

Low socioeconomic conditions, dental visits, and FT ≤19 were positively associated with prevalence, extent, and severity of oral health impacts.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

This article provides data regarding OHRQoL of people in rural areas of a developing country. The study was intended to determine the factors associated with OHRQoL in rural people who are less educated and living in areas with minimal oral health care facilities. The findings of this study could potentially facilitate further research and health promotional activities for rural people of developing countries.

The voice of the elderly in accepting alternative perspectives on oral health

BACKGROUND

As we age, the dynamic balance between gains and losses has been acknowledged by current portrayals of health. Oral health research has yet to fully incorporate such dynamism in understanding the impact of oral disorders on the life of elders.

OBJECTIVE

to explore the existence of alternative views on oral health through values, beliefs and behaviors of older adults.

METHODS

Focus group discussions occurred among 42 men and women between the ages of 64 and 93 years old. Participants were from community and seniors centres and retirement homes. Each discussion lasted for about 90 minutes and was tape-recorded for verbatim transcription. Data were analyzed systematically and comparatively using a thematic approach to explore the depth of opinions and understandings of oral health and disability.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Participants shared the acceptance of some oral impairment and disability as an alternative view of a 'healthy' mouth as they balanced gains and losses, adjusted expectations, and sought social support. Participants discussed that an edentulous mouth might not always be disruptive to daily functioning for all. As a result, a full set of new dentures may not always be the ultimate goal.

An interprofessional model of care for oral health during pregnancy

The study aim was to appraise the relevance and appropriateness of an interprofessional prenatal oral care model among pregnant women and healthcare providers in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with 39 purposefully selected participants (13 pregnant women and 26 healthcare professionals) were used qualitatively to appraise relevance of an existing model. The existing model emphasizes communication and collaboration among multiple health providers for the delivery of integrated prenatal oral care. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach and N-Vivo® software. During the first round of interviews, most participants considered the existing model as simple and well-defined but not fully relevant to the BC context. The participants suggested revisions to Steven's model to incorporate facilitators of integrated care, including interprofessional education, oral health funding, and advocacy for oral healthcare. Participants suggested a different graphical portrayal for the revised model; an implementation guide was also suggested. A revised model based on participants' feedback, was shared with 14 of the initial participants during secondary interviews. Further evaluation of the appropriateness of the revised model is warranted.

Dentists' Mental Health: Challenges, Supports, and Promising Practices

OBJECTIVES

The mental health of dentists, like all health professionals, is a growing concern. The objectives of this study were to identify the mental health challenges experienced by Canadian dentists and to describe the support needs and promising practices to better support them.

METHODS

This study used a mixed-methods case study design to gather data from semistructured qualitative interviews and a survey for triangulation.

RESULTS

Thirty-six dentists and 17 stakeholders participated in the interviews, and 397 dentists participated in the survey. The interview and survey data revealed that dentists have experienced several challenges personally, professionally, and socially. Around 44% of participating dentists experienced a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Sex/gender shaped the mental health experiences of female dentists, who reported more stress related to caring responsibilities. They had a higher percentage of mental health issues (50%) than men (37%). Caretaking emerged as the main challenge in the social and personal domain, particularly for female dentists in both survey and interview findings. The dentists' role in practice was one of the most frequently reported professional challenges. While practice owners reported challenges with staff and practice management, associate dentists experienced difficulties with the lack of autonomy and conflicts with office managers and owners. Other challenges reported by participating dentists included patient care responsibilities, loneliness, and isolation. To address these challenges and their impact, dentists and stakeholders identified several support needs and promising practices, including increasing awareness about mental health issues, expanding existing mental health resources, incorporating mental health content in dental education, and encouraging engagement in organized dentistry, particularly for women.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of mental health challenges on dentists' career trajectory and productivity is an ongoing concern in Canada. Gender-specific strategies to support the mental health of dentists should be developed.Knowledge Translation Statement:This study identified the mental health challenges of dentists in Canada to inform the development of interventions and strategies to promote the health and well-being of dentists and dental students. It also highlighted the need for clinicians, students, and individuals in leadership positions in institutions and professional organizations to recognize and consider the working conditions of dentists in various positions to avoid negative consequences on their mental health, reduce the attrition from the professional, and improve patient care outcomes.

Disturbances in mitochondrial bioenergetics and control quality and unbalanced redox homeostasis in the liver of a mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis type II

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) and biochemically characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in different tissues. It is a multisystemic disorder that presents liver abnormalities, the pathophysiology of which is not yet established. In the present study, we evaluated bioenergetics, redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial dynamics in the liver of 6-month-old MPS II mice (IDS-). Our findings show a decrease in the activity of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and an increase in the activities of succinate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase. The activity of mitochondrial complex I was also increased whereas the other complex activities were not affected. In contrast, mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, ATP production, and calcium retention capacity were not altered. Furthermore, malondialdehyde levels and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein oxidation were increased in the liver of MPS II mice, indicating lipid peroxidation and increased ROS levels, respectively. Sulfhydryl and reduced glutathione levels, as well as glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were also increased. Finally, the levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial mass and dynamics were decreased in knockout mice liver. Taken together, these data suggest that alterations in energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial dynamics can be involved in the pathophysiology of liver abnormalities observed in MPS II.

Disturbances in mitochondrial quality control and mitochondria-lysosome contact underlie the cerebral cortex and heart damage of mucopolysaccharidosis type II mice

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (or Hunter syndrome) is a lysosomal disease caused by mutations in the IDS gene, which encodes the enzyme iduronate 2-sulfatase. MPS II patients present with systemic clinical manifestations and, in the most severe cases, with severe central nervous system abnormalities. Cardiac alterations are also commonly observed. In this study, we evaluated the communication between mitochondria and lysosomes, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics, mitophagy/autophagy, and redox homeostasis in the cerebral cortex and heart of 6-month-old MPS II mice. Our findings showed a reduction in the content of protein TBC1D15 in the cerebral cortex and heart of MPS II mice and an increase in Rab7 in the heart of these animals, suggesting disturbances in the communication between mitochondria and lysosomes. Furthermore, decreased Drp1 levels, indicative of reduced fission, and increased VDAC1 and COX IV, suggesting an increase in mitochondrial mass, were seen in both tissues. Tom20 was also augmented in the cortex. Changes in parkin levels were also verified, indicating disrupted mitophagy. In the field of bioenergetics, we observed reduced activities of citrate synthase and malate dehydrogenase in the cortex, as well as decreased activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and pyruvate kinase, along with diminished mitochondrial respiration in the cardiac tissue of deficient mice. However, a mild increase in lipid peroxidation was seen only in the heart. Our findings suggest that mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk disruption and bioenergetic failure contribute to the pathophysiology of brain and heart alterations in MPS II.

Factors associated with the municipal provision of orthodontics in the Brazilian Unified Health System

BACKGROUND

The Brazilian federal government issued Ministerial Ordinance No. 718 in 2010 to expand the funding of orthodontic treatment provided by Brazilian municipalities via the Unified Health System (SUS in Portuguese).

AIM

To identify social and structural factors associated with Brazilian municipalities that provide fixed orthodontic appliance therapy and interceptive orthodontic therapy.

METHODS

Official Brazilian government databases were used for data collection. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Municipalities hosting Dental Specialty Centers (DSCs) with greater installed capacity (type III DSC with 7 dental chairs or over), which employed dentists specializing in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, were more likely to offer orthodontic services via SUS.

CONCLUSIONS

Federal, state, and municipal managers need to review the funding of orthodontic services via SUS, which can be used for creating DSCs and hiring professionals with expertise in orthodontics.

Application of the Life Grid in Oral Health Research: A Scoping Review

AIM

The life grid is a retrospective interview-based tool used to enhance recall of past events. This scoping review examines the use of the life grid in oral health research and its applications.

METHODS

Using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, Medline (Ovid), CINAHL, PsycInfo, ERIC, MedEdPortal, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched with "life grid" and "oral" as initial keywords. Then, two reviewers screened the records independently. Studies published until April 21, 2022, were added, regardless of language. Data were summarised narratively and in a comprehensive table focused on seven main areas.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies were included from 724 initially identified records. The life grid was used in different forms, in various qualitative, longitudinal, and cross-sectional studies with participants of different ages. Eight studies used the life grid at the beginning of the interview, four during the process, and one at the end. The ability to reduce recall bias, increase data reliability, establish rapport with participants, and ensure information accuracy were among the most commonly cited benefits of using the life grid in oral health research, particularly in oral cancer research.

CONCLUSIONS

The life grid is a flexible tool used in a variety of structures and applications in oral health research. Positive impacts have been reported by both researchers and participants. This review highlights the potential of the life grid as a data collection and interview tool in oral health research and dental education.

Myelin Disruption, Neuroinflammation, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Sulfite in the Striatum of Rats Are Mitigated by the pan-PPAR agonist Bezafibrate

Sulfite predominantly accumulates in the brain of patients with isolated sulfite oxidase (ISOD) and molybdenum cofactor (MoCD) deficiencies. Patients present with severe neurological symptoms and basal ganglia alterations, the pathophysiology of which is not fully established. Therapies are ineffective. To elucidate the pathomechanisms of ISOD and MoCD, we investigated the effects of intrastriatal administration of sulfite on myelin structure, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in rat striatum. Sulfite administration decreased Fluoromyelin^TM and myelin basic protein staining, suggesting myelin abnormalities. Sulfite also increased the staining of NG2, a protein marker of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. In line with this, sulfite also reduced the viability of MO3.13 cells, which express oligodendroglial markers. Furthermore, sulfite altered the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), indicating neuroinflammation and redox homeostasis disturbances. Iba1 staining, another marker of neuroinflammation, was also increased by sulfite. These data suggest that myelin changes and neuroinflammation induced by sulfite contribute to the pathophysiology of ISOD and MoCD. Notably, post-treatment with bezafibrate (BEZ), a pan-PPAR agonist, mitigated alterations in myelin markers and Iba1 staining, and IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and HO-1 expression in the striatum. MO3.13 cell viability decrease was further prevented. Moreover, pre-treatment with BEZ also attenuated some effects. These findings show the modulation of PPAR as a potential opportunity for therapeutic intervention in these disorders.

A single dose of haloperidol decanoate induces short-term hippocampal neuroinflammation: focus on the glial response

BACKGROUND

Haloperidol is a widely used antipsychotic for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, the pathophysiology of which may involve hippocampal alterations. Hippocampus is affected by long-term use of the drug, but the effects of acute doses on the hippocampus remain unclear. The present study investigated whether a single dose of haloperidol decanoate could induce short-term hippocampal neuroinflammation and changes in cholinergic, glutamatergic and redox homeostasis in adult rats, focusing on the glial response.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (60 days old) received a single intramuscular injection of haloperidol decanoate (38 mg/kg) or vehicle. After 7 days, hippocampal tissue was used to assess gene expression of inflammatory mediators, glutamate transporters, and transcriptional factors that regulate neuroinflammation. The enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutamate uptake and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were also determined.

RESULTS

Haloperidol decanoate increased the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, downregulation of the transcriptional factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC-1α) was observed. In contrast, nuclear factor κB (NFκB) transcriptional levels remained unchanged. Haloperidol also increased glutamate uptake, the glutamate transporter GLAST gene expression, and the AChE and GPx activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that a single dose of haloperidol decanoate induces short-term hippocampal neuroinflammation and changes in glial parameters, highlighting the need for future adjuvant glioprotective strategies that can attenuate these effects.

Dental Service and Resource Needs during COVID-19 among Underserved Populations

Introduction:

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, dental services in British Columbia, Canada, were restricted to urgent and emergency cases between March 16 and May 18, 2020. It is unclear how the curtailment of oral health services has affected underserved populations who already often have limited access to dental care due to cost, fear, stigma, and discrimination.

Objectives:

To explore the experiences of underserved populations and their community organizations when accessing oral health services and information in British Columbia and identify their coping mechanisms employed during the curtailment of oral health care services.

Methods:

Semistructured, remote interviews were conducted with 13 staff and 18 members from 6 community-based organizations. These organizations serve men and women with a history of incarceration and/or experiencing poverty and homelessness, persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, adults living with mental illness, and older adults in long-term care facilities. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for emerging themes using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

The pandemic raised concerns and hesitancy among underserved populations and further reduced access to care. In turn, those with unmet dental needs resorted to coping mechanisms, including turning to community support or medical services, self-management of dental issues, and not dealing with dental issues altogether. Community organizers and members outlined needed resources such as assistance navigating the dental care system, having a contact for dental-related questions, and member preparation for dental service changes, while emphasizing the importance of positive relationships with dental providers.

Conclusion:

Underserved populations who already face barriers to oral health care services experienced increased difficulty in addressing their oral health needs and concerns during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies aimed at reaching out to this population and those who support them are needed to help mitigate negative coping strategies and increased oral health disparities.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study depicts ways of addressing unmet oral health–related issues during the COVID-19 pandemic for underserved populations and their community organizations with policy implications as well as practical strategies.

Perceptions about Aging and Ageism from 14 Cross-sectional Cohorts of Undergraduate Dental Students

BACKGROUND

Although positive and negative views of aging and older adults exist, how undergraduate dental students imagine their lives to be as they grow older remains to be fully explored. This study aimed at determining the self-perceived views of being 65, 75, or 85 y of age, as expressed by undergraduate dental students at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.

METHODS

A 14-y cross-sectional study design was utilized involving third-year undergraduate dental students at UBC's Faculty of Dentistry. Brief individual essays (150 words) encompassing students' self-perceived views were gathered as part of a dental geriatric course from 2009 to 2022; however, essays were not mandatory. Saldaña's inductive coding and thematic analysis of textual data were used. Themes and categories of information were identified and matched with their excerpts while aiming for data saturation.

RESULTS

Over the 14-y period, 657 students were enrolled in UBC's undergraduate dental geriatric course, and 561 essays were collected. Inductive coding and thematic analysis identified 5 main themes and 11 categories. While themes included "oral health, general health, and the mind" and "me, myself, and familial relationships," the categories focused on "(un)able bodies" and "general health." Positive views about the aging process were shared, while less optimistic ideas-and even ageism-were apparent when students saw themselves as not employable or living in isolation. Positive and negative views were not bound by the students' academic year but might have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Although the number of older adults already surpasses the number of children in many countries, ageism appears to have permeated through students' views of 3 older ages. More positive yet realistic views of growing older were also shared. Follow-up studies are needed to explore the impact of dental education on decreasing ageism.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

As the proportion of older adults in the global population steadily grows, it is important to educate heath care providers about normal and pathologic aging to avoid ageism-stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against older adults. This cross-sectional study involved 14 cohorts of undergraduate dental students exploring their self-perceived views of growing older. Although positive and negative views of aging were shared, dental education must focus on decreasing ageism.