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• None of the halitosis measuring devices is superior significantly to the others, and our data with very low certainty does not suggest changing subjective measurement to objective measurement. • The halitosis measuring devices' sensitivity and specificity are not outstanding. • Our findings suggest the need to exclude patients with extra-oral halitosis if the diagnosis would make with sulfide monitors. The gold standard method for diagnosing oral halitosis is the subjective organoleptic measurement. Device-supported methods are also widespread worldwide. The challenges and safety concerns around performing organoleptic measurements during pandemics and the diversity of measuring device alternatives raised our clinical question: which halitometer is the most suitable for diagnosing halitosis? This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42022320024). The search was performed on March 23, 2022 in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Adult populations with or without halitosis were included, and patients with systemic diseases were excluded. Organoleptic (subjective) measurement and the device-supported (objective) methods were compared; the primary outcome was the correlation coefficient, and the secondary was the specificity and sensitivity of the devices. QUADAS-2 and QUADAS-C were used to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies. Random–effects meta analyses were performed on the outcomes, and the secondary outcomes were plotted on a common ROC plot. A total of 1231 records were found in the 5 databases. After the selection process, 76 articles were eligible for the systematic review, and 14,635 patients were involved in the qualitative analysis. The pooled Spearman's correlation coefficient (c.c.) for sulfide monitors was 0.65; 95% CIs: [0.53-0.74]; I2 = 95%, P <.01. The pooled Spearman's c.c. for portable gas chromatographs was 0.69; 95% CIs: [0.63-0.74]; I2 = 12%, P <.01. The pooled Spearman's c.c. for gas chromatographs was 0.76; 95% CIs: [0.67-0.83]; I2 = 0%, P <.01. None of the most commonly used halitometers proved to be significantly superior to the others. Halimeter and OralChroma measurements did not correlate well with the organoleptic level of oral halitosis in adults. Therefore, better halitometers need to be developed as an alternative to organoleptic measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermo-catalytic bio-SNG (CH 4) production is one of the useful tools for converting waste to gaseous fuels through CO 2 conversion. To abundant properly, however, efficient, robust and cost-effective catalysts would be required. Bimetallic systems based on transition metals seem to be promising candidates for this task. The CoCu bimetallic system with in-situ generated interfaces was synthesized and used as a catalyst for CO 2 methanation. The in-depth analysis of the structure-activity-selectivity relationships involving XRD, (NAP-)XPS, EXAFS and TEM-EDX revealed that the co-existence of Co0, CoO, and Cu0 in the proper distribution on the surface can ensure the selective production of methane. To fine-tune the surface composition of the bimetallic systems, a systematic alteration of the Cu:Co ratio in the precursor spinel structures must be performed. Cu 0.4 Co 2.6 O 4 derivative, stabilizing subsurface Cu(I)–O specimen, showed the best performance with high activity (12,800 nmol g–1 s–1) and a remarkable selectivity of 65–85% for methane in a wide temperature range (250–425 °C). In studying the mechanistic aspects of methanation, it has been shown that the hydrogenation of active carbon at the surface or below the surface is the key step for the production of methane. So far, this cobalt-catalyzed sub-step has been proposed in catalytic Fischer-Tropsch syntheses. [Display omitted] • Copper cobaltites are useful precursors for the construction of efficient Cu/Co bimetallic catalysts for CO 2 methanation. • The copper-to-cobalt ratios in the octahedral lattice positions of the spinels determined the catalytic performance. • The Cu 0.4 Co 2.6 O 4 derivative with a Co-enriched surface shows high performance producing CH 4 over a wide temperature range. • The hydrogenation of active carbon at the surface or below the surface is the key step for the production of methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary gland products are essential for oral health. Saliva is produced by three pairs of major glands, the parotid, the submandibular and sublingual glands, and by numerous minor glands scattered around the oral cavity. Salivary water and electrolyte secretion is an energy-consuming active two-stage process. First the acini secrete primary isotonic saliva into the luminal terminal end pieces of the gland parenchyma. This saliva is then modified by electrolyte reabsorption to form a hypotonic secretion in the ductal systems. Salivary proteins are continuously synthesized, and stored in secretory granules within the cell. Both electrolyte and protein secretions are highly regulated processes. Electrolyte secretion is primarily stimulated by parasympathetic stimulation while protein secretion is preferentially activated by sympathetic stimulation, but there is a considerable cross-talk and synergy between the two regulatory pathways. Approximately 1.0–1.5 litres of saliva is secreted by healthy persons each day; consisting of water, electrolytes, lubricants, antimicrobial compounds, enzymes and growth factors. These components of saliva facilitate speech, mastication and swallowing, and initiate food digestion. In addition, they protect the oral mucosa and the teeth. Thus, saliva secreted into the oral cavity is essential to maintain physiological conditions in the mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Salivary gland products are essential for oral health. Saliva is produced by three pairs of major salivary glands, the parotid, the submandibular and sublingual glands and by numerous minor salivary glands scattered around the oral cavity. Salivary water and electrolyte secretion is an energy consuming active two-stage process. First the acini secrete isotonic primary saliva into the luminal terminal end pieces of the gland parenchyma. This saliva is then modified by electrolyte reabsorption to form a hypotonic secretion in the ductal systems. Salivary proteins are continuously synthesized, and stored in secretory granules within the cell. Both electrolyte and protein secretion are highly regulated processes. Electrolyte secretion is primarily stimulated by parasympathetic stimulation while protein secretion is preferentially activated by sympathetic stimulation, but there is a considerable cross-talk and synergism between the two regulatory pathways. Approximately 1.0–1.5 litres of saliva is secreted by healthy persons each day, consisting of water, electrolytes, lubricants, antimicrobial compounds, enzymes and growth factors. These components of saliva facilitate speech, mastication and swallowing, and initiate food digestion. In addition, it protects the oral mucosa and the teeth. Thus, saliva secreted into the oral cavity is essential to maintain physiological conditions in the mouth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis and comprehensive structural characterization of the novel CuIBiOI. • Green reaction conditions were identified for the Ullmann-type CN coupling over CuIBiOI. • CuIBiOI was found to be highly active and selective catalyst in the Ullmann-type CN coupling for a wide scope of compounds. • CuIBiOI had remarkably good recycling ability. Preparation of a new, mixed-cationic layered CuIBiOI was prepared and its non-photocatalytic catalytic properties were explored. This solid substance had BiOI-like, lamellar and deflected structure resulting from CuI ion incorporation in the Bi 2 O 2 layers. The as-prepared substance was fully characterized by XRD, Raman, far IR, UV DR, XP spectroscopies, thermal (TG-DTG) and analytical (ICP-MS, SEM-EDX) methods, electron microscopies (SEM, TEM) as well as BET surface area measurements. By performing Ullmann-type CN coupling reactions between aryl halides and aqueous ammonia, its catalytic capabilities were tested. The effects of solvents, added base and catalyst loading as well as reaction time and reaction temperature were scrutinized, and a green way for the reaction was identified. The recyclability of the catalyst without the loss of activity and its general applicability for a wide range of aryl halides were also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2 irrigants routinely used in root canal therapy of permanent teeth. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were searched for randomized controlled trials published until March 2020. The meta-analysis of relative risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) was performed using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed for culture and molecular methods of bacterial detection. The literature search yielded 2110 records without duplicates. Eight studies were eligible for a systematic review. No significant differences in the incidence of samples with positive bacterial growth after irrigation (RR = 1.003; 95% CI, 0.729–1.380; P =.987) and mean bacterial number changes (SMD = 0.311; 95% CI, −0.368 to 0.991; P =.369) were observed between CHX and NaOCl in the culture and molecular subgroups. Heterogeneity in RR (I 2 = 0%, P =.673) was low among studies, whereas considerable heterogeneity was observed in the analysis of SMD (I 2 = 76.336%, P =.005). Our findings suggest that both CHX and NaOCl can reduce bacterial infections after irrigation without any significant difference in antimicrobial efficacy between them. Although CHX and NaOCl showed similar efficacy, their molecular mechanisms were different. Therefore, they can be used as the main antibacterial root canal irrigants. However, our results were limited by inconsistencies among retrieved articles and a lack of clinically relevant outcomes. Further well-designed clinical studies are warranted to supplement our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A fixed combination of hawthorn and camphor (Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen®) has been used in the therapy of hypotension for decades. Although its efficacy was evaluated in clinical trials, these studies have not been critically assessed in meta-analyses.Purpose: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of a fix combination of camphor and hawthorn extract (Korodin®) on blood pressure and cognition compared to placebo, in a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Study Design: The meta-analysis was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines, using the PICO format, and it was registered in the PROSPERO register.Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Placebo-controlled clinical studies involving adult patients receiving a fix combination of hawthorn extract and camphor were included. No language or publication year restrictions were applied.Results: Four randomized trials including a total of 221 patients were pooled for statistical analysis. According to the present meta-analysis, the fixed combination of hawthorn and camphor significantly increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo (p-values: 0.017 and 0.049, respectively) and had a beneficial, but not statistically significant effect on the cognitive performance in the connect-the-numbers test (p-value: 0.071).Conclusion: Korodin® is an effective and presumably safe complementary therapy for the treatment of hypotension. Its blood pressure increasing effect is confirmed; however, the evidence supporting its use is very limited. The optimum dose and duration of treatment is still unclear. The comprehensive evaluation of efficacy and safety is required in further, high-quality clinical studies, involving larger patient populations and comparable endpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This forum communication is written to call attention to a missing reference in the article of “Kovács, J., et al. Reconstructing the paleoenvironment of East Central Europe in the Late Pleistocene using the oxygen and carbon isotopic signal of tooth in large mammal remains” (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2012.04.009). In this article we present the excavation conditions of the faunal finds of Kozármisleny. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Levodopa (LEVO) as the gold standard in the treatment of Parkinson's disease is usually administrated per os but its bioavailability is low. The intranasal administration is a potential alternative route to increase bioavailability of the drug and treat the off period. Our aim was to develop LEVO-containing binary nasal powders with different excipients by dry cogrinding process. The interactions between the components were examined. The optimized cogrinding process parameters (LEVO:excipient ratio and grinding time) resulted in the desired particle size range (5-40 μm). The α-cyclodextrin and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) had an intensive crystallinity degree reducing effect on LEVO measured by XRPD, and they functioned as cogrinding agents. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and D-mannitol associate around the LEVO crystals preventing its crystalline structure. Hydrogen bonding was detected only for LEVO-PVP and LEVO-D-mannitol used Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Chemical degradation of LEVO in the products was not detected even after the accelerated stability test. The dissolution profile of the products can be characterized by the first-order kinetic model with different dissolution rate. The dissolution rate of LEVO was increased with α-cyclodextrin and PVP, and the drug release decreased in the case of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, PVA, and D-mannitol compared to the LEVO powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Terrestrial red clays underlying Quaternary loess deposits, or filling fissures and recently existing caves in limestone are named Tengelic Red Clay Formation and Kerecsend Red Clay Formation (Middle Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene). They occur in three types in Hungary. (1) The oldest red clays are mainly in situ weathering crusts rich in kaolinite, formed in warm, humid, subtropical or monsoon climate; (2) the younger type is rich in smectite and goethite; and (3) illite and chlorite dominant in the youngest part, which formed under warm and dry climates in savannah, steppe or forest steppe environments, and is of wind-blown origin. Representative samples were selected for study from a large number of profiles. Mineralogical, some micromorphological, and geochemical investigations of typical samples of red clays in Hungary were performed. This review focuses on the origin, development and distribution in the Pannonian basin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The position of the immobilised Ag(I) ions was comprehensibly characterized in the AgBi-hybrid material (AgBi-HM). • The stability of the AgBi-HM catalyst was tested in various solvents under demanding flow conditions. • AgBi-HM was reactive and extremely selective in the dehydrogenation of a wide scope benzylic alcohols. In the present contribution, we are reporting our findings on the structure, stability and synthetic applicability of a silver-containing hybrid material, which has recently been introduced by our research groups as a mineralogically-inspired novel heterogeneous catalyst. To determine how silver ions can be fixed into the structure of the catalyst, a set of experiments was designed with modification of the interlayer gallery under hydrothermal conditions. Subsequently, the stability of the material was examined in various solvents under demanding continuous flow conditions with the aim of achieving a clear picture of its applicability in organic syntheses. On the basis of the useful data obtained during the stability tests, a continuous flow methodology was developed for catalytic dehydrogenation of diversely substituted benzylic alcohols. As far as selectivity is concerned the catalyst performed superbly, while the conversions were varied from fair to extremely good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the ex vivo uptake and release of [ 3 H]noradrenaline ([ 3 H]NA) from perfused rat spinal cord slice preparations at 1, 3 and 14 days after unilateral hemisection-induced spinal cord injury (SCI) compared with control slice preparations. After surgical hemisection under anaesthesia, the rats showed characteristic signs of hemiplegia, with no movement of the ipsilateral hindlimb. After 3 days, the electron microscopy images showed overall degeneration of neuronal organelles and the myelin sheath, but the synapses seemed to be intact. In ex vivo experiments, the spinal cord injury did not influence uptake but increased [ 3 H]NA release at rest and in response to axonal stimulation. The effect of a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, nisoxetine, was studied to identify the mechanisms underlying the increase in NA release. Nisoxetine potentiated stimulation-evoked [ 3 H]NA release from the non-injured tissue, but it gradually lost its effectiveness after injury, depending on the time (1 and 3 days) elapsed after hemisection, indicating that the noradrenaline transporter binding sites of the terminals become impaired after decentralisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • LDH-biopolymer interactions must be understood to design hybrid materials. • Biopolymer adsorption changes the surface charge and aggregation properties. • Colloidal stability of the composites must be tuned to avoid particle aggregation. • Biopolymers proved to stabilize delivery particle systems during medical uses. • Quantitative dispersion studies on LDH-biopolymer systems are still needed. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are appealing nanomaterials for (bio)medical applications and their potential is threefold. One can gain advantage of the structure of LDH frame (i.e., layered morphology), anion exchanging property towards drugs with acidic character and tendency for facile surface modification with biopolymers. This review focuses on the third aspect, as it is necessary to evaluate the advantages of polymer adsorption on LDH surfaces. Beside the short discussion on fundamental and structural features of LDHs, LDH-biopolymer interactions will be classified in terms of the effect on the colloidal stability of the dispersions. Thereafter, an overview on the biocompatibility and biomedical applications of LDH-biopolymer composite materials will be given. Finally, the advances made in the field will be summarized and future research directions will be suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term photo-acoustic stimulation is used for the induction of altered states of consciousness for both therapeutic and experimental purposes. Long-term photo-acoustic stimulation also leads to changes in the composition of saliva which have a key contribution to the efficiency of this technique in easing mucosal symptoms of oral psychosomatic patients. The aim of this study is to find out whether there is any cumulative effect of repeated stimulation and whether there are any detectable differences between diverse stimulatory patterns of long lasting photo-acoustic stimulation on the phenomenology of the appearing trance state and on salivary secretion. There was significant cumulative effect in relation with the appearance of day dreaming as phenomenological parameter, and in relation with protein output and amylase/protein ratio as salivary parameter. Pattern specific effect was detectable in relation with salivary flow rate only. Although our results clearly indicate the existence of certain cumulative and stimulation-pattern specific effects of repeated photo-acoustic stimulation, the absolute values of all these effects were relatively small in this study. Therefore, in spite of their theoretical importance there are no direct clinical consequences of these findings. However, our data do not exclude at all the possibility that repeated stimulation with other stimulatory parameters may lead to more pronounced effects. Further studies are needed to make clear conclusion in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pluripotency and their neural crest origin make dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) an attractive donor source for neuronal cell replacement. Despite recent encouraging results in this field, little is known about the integration of transplanted DPSC derived neuronal pecursors into the central nervous system. To address this issue, neuronally predifferentiated DPSCs, labeled with a vital cell dye Vybrant DiD were introduced into postnatal rat brain. DPSCs were transplanted into the cerebrospinal fluid of 3-day-old male Wistar rats. Cortical lesion was induced by touching a cold (−60°C) metal stamp to the calvaria over the forelimb motor cortex. Four weeks later cell localization was detected by fluorescent microscopy and neuronal cell markers were studied by immunohistochemistry. To investigate electrophysiological properties of engrafted, fluorescently labeled DPSCs, 300μm-thick horizontal brain slices were prepared and the presence of voltage-dependent sodium and potassium channels were recorded by patch clamping. Predifferentiated donor DPSCs injected into the cerebrospinal fluid of newborn rats migrated as single cells into a variety of brain regions. Most of the cells were localized in the normal neural progenitor zones of the brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ), subgranular zone (SGZ) and subcallosal zone (SCZ). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that transplanted DPSCs expressed the early neuronal marker N-tubulin, the neuronal specific intermediate filament protein NF-M, the postmitotic neuronal marker NeuN, and glial GFAP. Moreover, the cells displayed TTX sensitive voltage dependent (VD) sodium currents (INa) and TEA sensitive delayed rectifier potassium currents (KDR). Four weeks after injury, fluorescently labeled cells were detected in the lesioned cortex. Neurospecific marker expression was increased in DPSCs found in the area of the cortical lesions compared to that in fluorescent cells of uninjured brain. TTX sensitive VD sodium currents and TEA sensitive KDR significantly increased in labeled cells of the cortically injured area. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that engrafted DPSC-derived cells integrate into the host brain and show neuronal properties not only by expressing neuron-specific markers but also by exhibiting voltage dependent sodium and potassium channels. This proof of concept study reveals that predifferentiated hDPSCs may serve as useful sources of neuro- and gliogenesis in vivo, especially when the brain is injured. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The plasticity of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) has been demonstrated by several studies showing that they appear to self-maintain through several passages, giving rise to a variety of cells. The aim of the present study was to differentiate DPSCs to mature neuronal cells showing functional evidence of voltage gated ion channel activities in vitro. First, DPSC cultures were seeded on poly-l-lysine coated surfaces and pretreated for 48h with a medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor and the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. Then neural induction was performed by the simultaneous activation of protein kinase C and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Finally, maturation of the induced cells was achieved by continuous treatment with neurotrophin-3, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and other supplementary components. Non-induced DPSCs already expressed vimentin, nestin, N-tubulin, neurogenin-2 and neurofilament-M. The inductive treatment resulted in decreased vimentin, nestin, N-tubulin and increased neurogenin-2, neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament-M and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. By the end of the maturation period, all investigated genes were expressed at higher levels than in undifferentiated controls except vimentin and nestin. Patch clamp analysis revealed the functional activity of both voltage-dependent sodium and potassium channels in the differentiated cells. Our results demonstrate that although most surviving cells show neuronal morphology and express neuronal markers, there is a functional heterogeneity among the differentiated cells obtained by the in vitro differentiation protocol described herein. Nevertheless, this study clearly indicates that the dental pulp contains a cell population that is capable of neural commitment by our three step neuroinductive protocol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Salivary mucus and amylase have an anti-bacterial nature. Bacterial endotoxin is considered to decrease mucus secreting cell activity by nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms. In this study, the actions of endotoxin on amylase secreting cell activity have been studied. Endotoxin (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide; 3 mg/kg, i.v., 5 h) evoked nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) induction in the rat whole parotid tissue (assessed by Western blot and the citrulline assay) and in rat isolated parotid acinar cells (assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry), and reduced basal and acetylcholine-stimulated amylase secretion from these isolated cells. However, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (0.1 mg/ml, 4 days in drinking water, yielding a dose of 25 mg/kg/day) did not affect amylase release under basal or acetylcholine-stimulated conditions, either in control acinar cells or those from endotoxin challenged rats. Thus, basal, acetylcholine-evoked or endotoxin-decreased cellular amylase secretion from rat isolated parotid acinar cells does not appear to be modulated by endogenous nitric oxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] It has been proposed that changes in microbiota due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alter the composition of bile, and elevation of hydrophobic secondary bile acids contributes to small intestinal damage. However, little is known about the effect of NSAIDs on small intestinal bile acids, and whether bile alterations correlate with mucosal injury and dysbiosis. Here we determined the ileal bile acid metabolome and microbiota 24, 48 and 72 h after indomethacin treatment, and their correlation with each other and with tissue damage in rats. In parallel with the development of inflammation, indomethacin increased the ileal proportion of glycine and taurine conjugated bile acids, but not bile hydrophobicity. Firmicutes decreased with time, whereas Gammaproteobacteria increased first, but declined later and were partially replaced by Bilophila , Bacteroides and Fusobacterium. Mucosal injury correlated negatively with unconjugated bile acids and Gram-positive bacteria, and positively with taurine conjugates and some Gram-negative taxa. Strong positive correlation was found between Lactobacillaceae , Ruminococcaceae , Clostridiaceae and unconjugated bile acids. Indomethacin-induced dysbiosis was not likely due to direct antibacterial effects or alterations in luminal pH. Here we provide the first detailed characterization of indomethacin-induced time-dependent alterations in small intestinal bile acid composition, and their associations with mucosal injury and dysbiosis. Our results suggest that increased bile hydrophobicity is not likely to contribute to indomethacin-induced small intestinal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DFSCs, PDLSCs and DPSCs have similar osteogenic differentiation capacities. • 10–20 % of the cells in the three stem cell cultures show the MSC marker STRO-1. • The STRO-1-positive cell fraction expands during osteogenic differentiation. • Vimentin and nestin expression remain high during osteogenic induction. • For stemness proof, functional studies rather than expressional ones are needed. Although the osteogenic differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells of dental origin is well established, the roles of different marker proteins in this process remain to be clarified. Our aim was to compare the cellular and molecular changes, focusing in particular on mesenchymal stem cell markers, during in vitro osteogenesis in three dental stem cell types: dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Human DFSCs, PDLSCs and DPSCs were isolated, cultured and their osteogenic differentiation was induced for 3 weeks. Mineralization was assessed by von Kossa staining and calcium concentration measurements. The expression of mesenchymal and osteogenic markers was studied by immunocytochemistry and qPCR techniques. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the frequency of STRO-1 positive cells were also quantified. The three cultures all showed abundant mineralization, with high calcium content by day 21. The expression of vimentin and nestin was sustained after osteogenic induction. The osteogenic medium induced a considerable elevation of STRO-1 positive cells. By day 7, the ALP mRNA level had increased more than 100-fold in DFSCs, PDLSCs, and DPSCs. Quantitative PCR results indicated dissimilarities of osteoblastic marker levels in the three dental stem cell cultures. DFSCs, PDLSCs and DPSCs have similar functional osteogenic differentiation capacities although their expressional profiles of key osteogenic markers show considerable variations. The STRO-1 positive cell fraction expands during osteogenic differentiation while vimentin and nestin expression remain high. For identification of stemness, functional studies rather than marker expressions are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]