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Cureus Jan 2024Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of dental pulp stones and evaluated their possible associations with local and systemic factors in...
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-Based Investigation of the Prevalence and Distribution of Pulp Stones and Their Relation to Local and Systemic Factors in the Makkah Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of dental pulp stones and evaluated their possible associations with local and systemic factors in the Makkah population in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods Archived cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for 390 patients, from the electronic health records (EHR) in the Dental Teaching Hospital, Umm Al-Qura University, were used. Images were examined in all planes (coronal, sagittal, and axial) for a discrete radiopaque mass in the pulp of all teeth, in both arches. The teeth conditions (the presence of caries, restoration, the periodontal condition, and the presence of pulp stones) were recorded. Additional patient information, including age, gender, and medical condition, was obtained from the patients' archived files. The collected data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) software; a p-value of ≤ 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results Pulp stone prevalence was 78.97% of the subjects (308 out of 390) and 15.92% of the examined teeth (1644 out of 10326). There were statistically significant differences regarding nationality (p=0.043) and age (p=0.023) but no significant difference between males and females (p=0.876), maxillary and mandibular teeth (p=0.392), and right and left sides (p=0.222) in pulp stone prevalence. Significant differences were found between pulp stone prevalence of sound versus and carious and restored teeth and between periodontally affected teeth and periodontally healthy teeth (p=0.031). Conclusion The prevalence of pulp stones in the Makkah population is high. A positive association was found between nationality, age, tooth restorations, caries, periodontal diseases, and pulp stone prevalence, but no correlation was found with patients' health or gender. The molars were the most affected teeth, while the incisors were the least.
PubMed: 38314002
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51633 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023Heartland virus was first isolated in 2009 from two patients in Missouri and is transmitted by the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum. To understand disease...
Heartland virus was first isolated in 2009 from two patients in Missouri and is transmitted by the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum. To understand disease transmission and pathogenesis, it is necessary to develop an animal model which utilizes the natural route of transmission and manifests in a manner similar to documented human cases. Herein we describe our investigations on identifying A129 mice as the most appropriate small animal model for HRTV pathogenesis that mimics human clinical outcomes. We further investigated the impact of tick saliva in enhancing pathogen transmission and clinical outcomes. Our investigations revealed an increase in viral load in the groups of mice that received both virus and tick salivary gland extract (SGE). Spleens of all infected mice showed extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH), depleted white pulp, and absence of germinal centers. This observation mimics the splenomegaly observed in natural human cases. In the group that received both HRTV and tick SGE, the clinical outcome of HRTV infection was exacerbated compared to HRTV only infection. EH scores and the presence of viral antigens in spleen were higher in mice that received both HRTV and tick SGE. In conclusion, we have developed a small animal model that mimics natural human infection and also demonstrated the impact of tick salivary factors in exacerbating the HRTV infection.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Amblyomma; Virus Diseases; Spleen; Models, Animal
PubMed: 37587216
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40397-x -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2023This in vitro study examined the effect of the inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) on osteogenic, chondrogenic,...
BACKGROUND
This in vitro study examined the effect of the inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) on osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) which have significant relevance in future regenerative therapies.
METHODS
DPSCs were isolated from the impacted third molar dental pulp and determined with flow cytometry analysis. DPSCs were divided into into 5 main groups with 3 subdivisions for each group making a total of 15 groups. Experimental groups were stimulated with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and a combination of all three to undergo osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation protocols. Next, the differentiation of each group was examined with different staining procedures under a light microscope. Histological analysis of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiated pellets was assessed using a modified Bern score. Statistical significance determined using one-way analysis of variance, and correlations were assessed using Pearson's test (two-tailed).
RESULTS
Stimulation with inflammatory cytokines significantly inhibited the osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation of DPSCs in terms of matrix and cell formation resulting in weak staining than the unstimulated groups with inflammatory cytokines. On contrary, the unstimulated groups of MSCs have shown to be highly proliferative ability in terms of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation.
CONCLUSIONS
DPSCs have high osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation capabilities. Pretreatment with inflammatory cytokines decreases the differentiation ability in vitro, thus inhibiting tissue formation.
Topics: Humans; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukin-6; Dental Pulp; Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; Cytokines; Osteogenesis; Cells, Cultured; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 37568110
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03288-1 -
Translational Stroke Research Oct 2023Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can cause severe neurological deficits and high mortality. Early brain edema following SAH contributes to the initiation of...
Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium Alleviates Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Microcirculation Impairment by Promoting M2 Microglia Polarization and Reducing Astrocyte Swelling.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can cause severe neurological deficits and high mortality. Early brain edema following SAH contributes to the initiation of microcirculation impairment and may further lead to delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND). This study aimed to investigate whether dental pulp stem cell conditioned medium (DPSC-CM) ameliorates SAH-induced microcirculation impairment and the underlying mechanisms. SAH was induced via intrathecal injection of fresh autologous blood in Wistar male adult rat. DPSC-CM or DPSC-CM + insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) antibody was randomly administered by intrathecal route 5 min after SAH induction. To evaluate the underlying mechanisms of DPSC-CM in the treatment of SAH, primary rat astrocyte and microglia co-cultures were challenged with hemolysate or SAH-patient CSF in the presence or absence of DPSC-CM. The results showed that in vivo, DPSC-CM treatment decreased the brain water content, improved microcirculation impairment and enhanced functional recovery at 24 h post-SAH. DPSC-CM treatment also alleviated the expressions of water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced the expressions of anti-inflammatory factors in the cortical region. However, all the beneficial effects of DPSC-CM were abrogated after treatment with IGF-1 neutralizing antibody. The in vitro results further showed that DPSC-CM treatment reduced hemolysate/SAH-patient CSF-induced astrocyte swelling and promoted M2 microglia polarization, partially through IGF-1/AKT signaling. The data suggested that DPSC-CM significantly reduced brain edema and rescued microcirculation impairment with concomitant anti-inflammatory benefits after SAH, and may potentially be developed into a novel therapeutic strategy for SAH.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Microglia; Rats, Wistar; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Culture Media, Conditioned; Disease Models, Animal; Brain Edema; Microcirculation; Astrocytes; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Dental Pulp; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Stem Cells
PubMed: 36181630
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01083-8 -
International Dental Journal Jun 2024During caries progression, dental pulp is increasingly pathologically affected. Since the accurate assessment of pulp is of vital importance in clinical decision-making,...
OBJECTIVES
During caries progression, dental pulp is increasingly pathologically affected. Since the accurate assessment of pulp is of vital importance in clinical decision-making, this study aimed to evaluate pulpal condition in the early stages of caries via laser Doppler (LD) flowmetry and histologic analysis and determine their agreement.
METHODS
Fourteen patients with severe dental crowding were included. Prior to extractions and orthodontic treatment, dental pulp condition of 52 premolars was evaluated via LD flowmetry. Teeth were assessed for the presence of caries and lesions were graded according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). After extractions, teeth were split and histologically stained for endothelial cells with anti-von Willebrand factor and Movat pentachrome for collagen. Volume densities of vessels (V) and collagen were calculated.
RESULTS
There was a significant negative correlation between LD flow and V of the dental pulp with ICDAS grade. Pulpal LD flow and V in teeth with the initial lesion were increased, decreasing with progressing stages of caries. A significant positive correlation between the the pulpal LD flow and V, and a negative correlation of LD flow with collagen fibre density were noted.
CONCLUSIONS
Caries affects the physiology of the dental pulp, initially with increasing vascularity, and decreasing vascularity at later stges of caries progression. Collagen contents increase with grades of ICDAS. LD flow shows good agreement with the histologic constitution of the dental pulp. Use of clinical measurements of pulpal LD flow could provide a good noninvasive indication of pulpal vascular state and its health.
PubMed: 38851930
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.05.005 -
Journal of Dental Sciences Apr 2024The formation of dental plaque is well-known for its role in causing various oral infections, such as tooth decay, inflammation of the dental pulp, gum disease, and... (Review)
Review
The formation of dental plaque is well-known for its role in causing various oral infections, such as tooth decay, inflammation of the dental pulp, gum disease, and infections of the oral mucosa like peri-implantitis and denture stomatitis. These infections primarily affect the local area of the mouth, but if not treated, they can potentially lead to life-threatening conditions. Traditional methods of mechanical and chemical antimicrobial treatment have limitations in fully eliminating microorganisms and preventing the formation of biofilms. Additionally, these methods can contribute to the development of drug-resistant microorganisms and disrupt the natural balance of oral bacteria. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a technique that utilizes low-power lasers with specific wavelengths in combination with a photosensitizing agent called photosensitizer to kill microorganisms. By inducing damage through reactive oxygen species (ROS), aPDT offers a new approach to addressing dental plaque and associated microbial biofilms, aiming to improve oral health outcomes. Recently, photosensitizers have been incorporated into dental materials to create photosensitive dental materials. This article aimed to review the use of photosensitive dental materials for aPDT as an innovative antimicrobial option in dentistry, with the goal of enhancing oral health.
PubMed: 38618073
DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.12.019 -
Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Aug 2023To investigate the characteristics of exosomes derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in the direction of odontogenic differentiation, to analyze the differences in...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the characteristics of exosomes derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in the direction of odontogenic differentiation, to analyze the differences in microRNA expression profile between exosomes derived from undifferentiated and odontogenic DPSCs, and to analyze their possible signal transduction pathways.
METHODS
(1) DPSCs were cultured in minimum Eagle' s medium (-MEM), and odontogenic DPSCs were cultured in odontogenic differentiation medium for 21 days, using alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining to identify the odontogenic differentiation. Exosomes from the cell supernatant were isolated respectively, named as dental pulp stem cells-exosomes (DPSCs-Exo) and dental pulp stem cells-odontogenic-exosomes (DPSCs-OD-Exo). The exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and Western blot. (2) The microRNA expression profiles of DPSCs-Exo and DPSCs-OD-Exo were investigated by microRNA microarray. To validate the result of the microRNA microarray, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) assay was applied on 3 most significantly differential expressed microRNA. Pathway analysis was taken to detect enriched pathways associated with the predicted target genes of microRNA.
RESULTS
(1) The DPSCs were isolated and cultured showed typical fibroblast-like morphology. The odontogenic differentiated DPSCs were spindle-shaped, polygonal, and uniform in size. Odontogenic differentiation group showed a large number of dark deposits in alizarin red staining and the cells were darkly stained in alkaline phosphatase staining, while the cells in normal culture medium group did not show obvious dyeing. The DPSCs-Exo and DPSCs-OD-Exo had the same morphology, both showed bilayer membrane and cup-shape. The peak sizes of DPSCs-Exo and DPSCs-OD-Exo were (114.67±9.07) nm and (134.00±8.54) nm, respectively. The difference between the two was statistically significant. DPSCs-Exo and DPSCs-OD-Exo both expressed the markers of exosomes, tumor susceptibility gene (TSG)101 and CD63. (2) microRNA microarray results showed that the expression profiles of DPSCs-Exo and DPSCs-OD-Exo were different. Nineteen increased by more than two times, and one decreased by 64%. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression levels of microRNA-1246, microRNA-1246-100-5p and microRNA-1246-494-3p in DPSCs-OD-Exo were significantly up-regulated. The difference was statistically significant. microRNA target prediction database and gene signaling pathway database were used to analyze differentially expressed microRNA, and it was predicted that differentially expressed microRNA could target axis inhibition protein 2() gene and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
DPSCs-OD-Exo and DPSCs-Exo had differences in their microRNA expression profile. Those differentially expressed microRNA may be involved in the regulation of DPSCs odontogenic differentiation.
Topics: Exosomes; Alkaline Phosphatase; Dental Pulp; Odontogenesis; Cell Differentiation; MicroRNAs; Stem Cells; Cells, Cultured; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 37534653
DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167X.2023.04.020 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Citrus fruits processing results in the generation of huge amounts of citrus by-products, mainly peels, pulp, membranes, and seeds. Although they represent a major... (Review)
Review
Citrus fruits processing results in the generation of huge amounts of citrus by-products, mainly peels, pulp, membranes, and seeds. Although they represent a major concern from both economical and environmental aspects, it is very important to emphasize that these by-products contain a rich source of value-added bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The primary aim of this review is to highlight the great potential of isolated phytochemicals and extracts of individual citrus by-products with bioactive properties (e.g., antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and other beneficial activities with health-promoting abilities) and their potential in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and biological applications. This review on citrus by-products contains the following parts: structural and chemical characteristics; the utilization of citrus by-products; bioactivities of the present waxes and carotenoids, essential oils, pectins, and phenolic compounds; and citrus by-product formulations with enhanced biocactivities. A summary of the recent developments in applying citrus by-products for the treatment of different diseases and the protection of human health is also provided, emphasizing innovative methods for bioaccessibility enhancements (e.g., extract/component encapsulation, synthesis of biomass-derived nanoparticles, nanocarriers, or biofilm preparation). Based on the representative phytochemical groups, an evaluation of the recent studies of the past six years (from 2018 to 2023) reporting specific biological and health-promoting activities of citrus-based by-products is also provided. Finally, this review discusses advanced and modern approaches in pharmaceutical/biological formulations and drug delivery (e.g., carbon precursors for the preparation of nanoparticles with promising antimicrobial activity, the production of fluorescent nanoparticles with potential application as antitumor agents, and in cellular imaging). The recent studies implementing nanotechnology in food science and biotechnology could bring about new insights into providing innovative solutions for new pharmaceutical and medical discoveries.
PubMed: 37630996
DOI: 10.3390/ph16081081 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Apple, a vital fruit crop worldwide and a major crop grown in northern parts of India, acts as a backbone for the survival and livelihood of the farming community....
Apple, a vital fruit crop worldwide and a major crop grown in northern parts of India, acts as a backbone for the survival and livelihood of the farming community. However, it is prone to severe damage from insect pests and diseases. In the past few years, due to erratic weather patterns, there has been an alarmingly increased infestation of different insect pests, both invasive and non-invasive, resulting in substantial economic losses to this industry. One similar case was seen in the Himalayan region of India, where the apple crop in Karewas was heavily damaged by some invasive fruit borer, feeding on pulp and making galleries to reach the seed locules, thereby destroying the seed material. To ascertain the true identity of this pest, a study based on morpho-molecular characterization of this pest was carried out in the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST Kashmir, India, during the years 2021 and 2022. The invasive fruit samples were collected from apple orchards at different locations (experimental sites) in North India by installing delta sticky traps @ 5 traps/ha for moth collection. The fruit-boring larvae and pupa were also collected and reared in confined chambers of the laboratory with controlled temperature and humidity. All the laboratory investigations were conducted at the Division of Entomology, FoA, Wadura, SKUAST Kashmir. During the investigation, it was confirmed that the invasive borer is a codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.), a member of the family Tortricidae, order Lepidoptera, which was earlier having quarantine importance in India, as it was only present in the Ladakh region of India. From the phylogenetic analysis of sample sequences, the species of codling moth present at all experimental sites was more identical to the codling moth sequence from Leh (the northernmost arid region), India. Further, the study of life cycle and voltinism revealed that codling moth completes three generations per year in Kashmir, with a single cycle lasting up to 2.5 months. However, the timing of various generations varies, depending on prevailing weather conditions at specific locations and times. The number of generations completed by codling moth in Kashmir conditions during apple growing season was three full and a half overwintering generations. The study of the life cycle of this important pest was necessary to know the weak link for its effective management and to prevent the economic loss in apple fruit.
Topics: Animals; Malus; Moths; India; Fruit; Larva; Introduced Species
PubMed: 38796615
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61585-3 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Apr 2024Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion characterized by fibrous tissue deposition, the incidence of which correlates positively with the frequency of...
BACKGROUND
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion characterized by fibrous tissue deposition, the incidence of which correlates positively with the frequency of betel nut chewing. Prolonged betel nut chewing can damage the integrity of the oral mucosal epithelium, leading to chronic inflammation and local immunological derangement. However, currently, the underlying cellular events driving fibrogenesis and dysfunction are incompletely understood, such that OSF has few treatment options with limited therapeutic effectiveness. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis capabilities, making them promising candidates to treat a range of immune, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. However, the application of DPSCs in OSF is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the pathogenic mechanism of OSF and, based on this, to explore new treatment options.
METHODS
A human cell atlas of oral mucosal tissues was compiled using single-cell RNA sequencing to delve into the underlying mechanisms. Epithelial cells were reclustered to observe the heterogeneity of OSF epithelial cells and their communication with immune cells. The results were validated in vitro, in clinicopathological sections, and in animal models. In vivo, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of DPSCs were characterized by histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.
RESULTS
A unique epithelial cell population, Epi1.2, with proinflammatory and profibrotic functions, was predominantly found in OSF. Epi1.2 cells also induced the fibrotic process in fibroblasts by interacting with T cells through receptor-ligand crosstalk between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD74 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Furthermore, we developed OSF animal models and simulated the clinical local injection process in the rat buccal mucosa using DPSCs to assess their therapeutic impact and mechanism. In the OSF rat model, DPSCs demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared with the positive control (glucocorticoids), including reducing collagen deposition and promoting blood vessel regeneration. DPSCs mediated immune homeostasis primarily by regulating the numbers of KRT19 MIF epithelial cells and via epithelial-stromal crosstalk.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the current ambiguity surrounding the cause of OSF and the limited treatment options available, our study reveals that epithelial cells and their crosstalk with T cells play an important role in the mechanism of OSF and suggests the therapeutic promise of DPSCs.
Topics: Humans; Oral Submucous Fibrosis; Animals; Epithelial Cells; T-Lymphocytes; Rats; Stem Cells; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Cell Communication
PubMed: 38650025
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03720-5