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Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of oral and dental healthcare by offering innovative tools and techniques for optimizing diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. This narrative review explores the current applications of AI in dentistry, focusing on its role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, are increasingly being integrated into dental practice to analyze clinical images, identify pathological conditions, and predict disease progression. By utilizing AI algorithms, dental professionals can detect issues like caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer at an earlier stage, thus improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Ongoing challenges in epilepsy therapy warrant research on alternative treatments that offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Designed to enhance mitochondrial targeting and increase bioavailability, mitocurcumin (MitoCur) was evaluated for the first time as an antiepileptic agent, with curcumin (Cur) and sodium valproate (VPA), a standard antiepileptic drug, included for comparison. This study investigated the effects on seizure onset, severity, and progression in a zebrafish model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and measured the concentrations of the compounds in brain tissue. Methods: Zebrafish were pre-treated with MitoCur and Cur (both at 0.25 and 0.5 µM doses) and VPA (0.25 and 0.5 mM) and observed for four minutes to establish baseline locomotor behavior. Subsequently, the animals were exposed to a 5 mM PTZ solution for 10 min, during which seizure progression was observed and scored as follows: 1—increased swimming; 2—burst swimming, left and right movements; 3—circular movements; 4—clonic seizure-like behavior; 5—loss of body posture. The studied compounds were quantified in brain tissue through HPLC and LC-MS. Results: Compared to the control group, all treatments reduced the distance moved and the average velocity, without significant differences between compounds or doses. During PTZ exposure, seizure latencies revealed that all treatments effectively delayed seizure onset up to score 4, demonstrating efficacy in managing moderate seizure activity. Notably, MitoCur also provided significant protection against the most severe seizure score (score 5). Brain tissue uptake analysis indicated that MitoCur achieved higher concentrations in the brain compared to Cur, at both doses. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of MitoCur as a candidate for seizure management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolvins are specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from omega-3 fatty acids that play a critical role in resolving inflammation and restoring tissues to a state of health after an immune response. Their role in chronic inflammatory conditions highlights their importance in maintaining a balance between an effective immune response and the resolution of inflammation to prevent tissue damage. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, leading to gum damage and bone loss. Chronic inflammation in periodontal disease can exacerbate systemic inflammation and influence other conditions, such as diabetes. There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, as both are characterized by chronic inflammation and exacerbate systemic and oral health complications. This narrative review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on how resolvins influence inflammatory pathways and the tissue repair mechanism in periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, this review serves as a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies, addressing the pressing need for effective treatments that consider both systemic and oral health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and, subsequently, decreased insulin secretion. This condition is closely linked to obesity, a major risk factor that boosts the development of chronic systemic inflammation, which, in turn, is recognized for its crucial role in the onset of insulin resistance. Under conditions of obesity, adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, becomes an active endocrine organ that releases a wide range of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines. These mediators, along with cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, contribute to the maintenance of systemic low-grade inflammation, promote cellular signaling and facilitate the infiltration of inflammatory cells into tissues. Emerging studies have indicated the accumulation of a new cell population in the adipose tissue in these conditions, known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These cells possess the ability to suppress the immune system, impacting obesity-related chronic inflammation. Given the limited literature addressing the role of MDSCs in the context of type 2 diabetes, this article aims to explore the complex interaction between inflammation, obesity, and MDSC activity. Identifying and understanding the role of these immature cells is essential not only for improving the management of type 2 diabetes but also for the potential development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at both glycemic control and the reduction in associated inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported work-related and occupational hand eczema, as well as associated risk factors in hospitals and out-patient clinics in Romania. A standardized questionnaire was addressed to health professionals from different medical fields. Out of 245 healthcare providers who completed the survey, 235 were women (95.9%), and 243 were working more than 8 hours/day in hospitals (99.18%). Hand eczema was self-reported and documented in almost one third of the nurses (33.49%), the most frequently involved trigger factor being powdered latex gloves. A total of 207 (84.48%) individuals denied any present or past allergic diseases. Only one nurse declared that severe hand eczema was the cause of losing her job at the hospital. Exposure assessment is essential for the diagnosis of work-related or occupational skin diseases.

Three hyperimmune egg-based formulations rich in immunoglobulin Y (IgY) were orally administered (daily, for up to 90 days) to C57BL/6 mice that were not microbially challenged. The serum levels of 32 cytokines were quantified every 30 days. Histopathology, hematology, and serum biochemistry investigations were also performed. As a sign of increased immune activity, lymphohistiocytic infiltrates were detected in the digestive tract and the liver after 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. These infiltrates were also present in the lungs after 30 and 60 days, but not at 90 days. Blood analysis indicated systemic inflammation after 30 days of treatment: increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines, glycemia, total serum proteins, ALT, and ALP. After 60 and 90 days of treatment, the analyzed blood parameters showed mixed signs of both increased and decreased inflammation. The increased cytokines, which varied with formulation and time of exposure, indicated a combination of mostly Th17- and Th2-type immune responses. As the mice were healthy and housed in standardized sanitary conditions, and were not microbially challenged, the data were consistent with an interaction of IgY with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue as the main mechanism of action. This interaction generated a local immune response, which subsequently induced a systemic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test guides dentists in the suspicion of inflammatory reactions or infections of the dental focus. In 1981, Kondi mentioned that any delay after blood sampling for the purpose of determining the ESR can lead to a false shortening of the result. The literature indicates that failure to determine within 1 hour and remixing of blood are not recommended. The objectives of our study were to verify the stability of the determinations within 4 hours after storage at room temperature and after 12 hours of refrigeration, involving also the remixing manoeuvre. Materials and Methods:The study was performed in the “St. SpiridonˮHospital of Iași, Romania, on 75 samples, taking also into account the rejected samples presenting source of error. Results: The study showed that 4 (5.33%) samples had an inadequate volume, 3 (4%) showed erythrocyte and fibrin in suspension, preventing the interpretation of the result, whereas the clot was identified in 4 (5.33%) samples. Following 4 hours after the first determination, respectively after 12 hours of refrigeration, rebalancing at room temperature and remixing, forout of the 64 (85.33%) determinations the results were comparable showing a close correlation (r = 0.988 / 0.993 / 0.990, p <0.001) with the first determination. Conclusions: The study showed that performing the test 4 hours after sampling, refrigerating and remixing the sample does not influence the stability of the determination, so that, also in the case of dental patients, the moment of sampling and the time elapsed until the determination of the test, do not influence the therapeutic conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-energy wasting and inflammation are major risk factors for complications in hemodialysis patients. As these risk factors are triggered by a pro-inflammatory state, oxidative stress and hemodynamic dysfunction, which overlap in hemodialyzed subjects, we aimed to assess the efficacy of a cost-effective and straightforward screening tool, the Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI), in regularly screening maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, to detect early signs of inflammation and malnutrition. A 12-month follow-up was carried out on a cohort of 102 adult patients undergoing maintenance dialysis, during which the Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI) was calculated using the formula alpha1-Acid Glycoprotein (AGP) × C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (ALB) × transthyretin (TTR). A PINI score < 1 was considered normal. The patients were stratified based on their PINI score: 66 patients (64.70%) had a normal score, below 1, while 36 patients (35.30%) had a PINI score ≥ 1. Despite the absence of clinical evidence of inflammation at enrollment, the latter group exhibited higher levels of CRP. During the follow-up period, all patients with a PINI score ≥ 1 experienced at least one acute event, compared to only 6% of patients with a normal PINI score, which presented COVID-19 infection as an acute event. The evaluation of the PINI can effectively identify the silent malnutrition–inflammation syndrome and predict the risk of acute events. This straightforward test appears to be a rapid tool that is independent of the examiner's experience and subjectivity, thereby potentially reducing hospitalization costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fungal infections are a health issue paradoxically fuelled by the developments in medical care. Objectives: Our study is an investigation on the correlation between the infection site and the genotypes of Candida albicans strains isolated from Romanian patients. Methods: A total number of 301 isolates from different clinical sites were investigated in terms of genotype determination. Results: The isolates were clustered in three groups according to their genotype: 55.81% showed genotype A, 14.62% genotype B, and 29.57% genotype C. Conclusions: No significant correlation was found between the genotype and the infection site, but a significant correlation was found between genotype C and isolates from HIV patients proving that C. albicans pathogenicity probably relies on factors related to the host.

Objectives: The purpose of this review was evaluating the literature regarding a possible correlation between biomarkers analyzed in children with leukemia and periodontal disease, with emphasis on the antioxidant activity and oxidative stress markers, observed also in leukemia and in periodontal disease. Materials and method: Articles from Medline database were evaluated, searched via PubMed using MeSH terms. Results: Since periodontal disease is a very common oral pathology in patients with leukemia, it is crucial to distinguish whether the modification of biochemical markers is caused by the alteration of immune general system, or the existent periodontal pathology. Conclusions: Regarding the significance of specific biomarkers seen in children with leukemia and periodontal disease, further studies are necessary to determine their interdependence and clinical relevance.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are widely used drugs nowadays in treating patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disorders. We present two consecutive cases of acquired angioedema caused by the administration of enalapril and lisinopril in patients with indication for ACE-inhibitors therapy. Rigorous follow-up of side effects of ACEI is required, due to these possible life-threatening adverse reactions.

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a granulomatous skin condition that can present with a diversity of clinical manifestations and locations, with an unknown etiology and diagnosed on clinical-pathological grounds/correlations. Although many trigger factors have been described and several pathogenic mechanisms proposed, the etiology of GA remains unknown. We report a case of work-related, isolated, unilateral GA localized on the right palmar area of a young worker, possibly induced by work-related direct trauma.

Aim of the study Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a possible mechanism of cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced gingival hyperplasia. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of ionomycin and ionophore A23187 on normal gingival fibroblasts and also on fibroblasts treated with CsA using flow cytometry methods. Material and methods All of our experiments were performed on fibroblasts obtained from gingival male rats through explant technique and the opening of the mitochondrial transient permeability pore as a result of calcium cytosol overload was followed using calcein AM and CoCl2. Results Our results show a significant difference between normal gingival fibroblasts and those treated with CsA when using ionophore A23187. On the other hand, ionomycin hasn’t significant effects on mitochondrial calcein load in normal or treated fibroblasts. Conclusions: Cytosolic calcium overload is one of the mechanisms involved in drug-induced gingival hyperplasia.

Periodontal disease includes multiple and complex mechanisms that simultaneously encapsulate tissue destruction due to bacterial aggression, as well as exaggerated defense mechanisms of the host, which give rise to multiple contradictions in etiopathogenesis and management of the disease, the oxidative status playing a significant role. Objective. Considering the importance of the pro- and antioxidants balance within periodontal condition, we designed a clinical and biochemical study to estimate the levels of a biomarker of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde – MDA in the gingival fluid (GCF). Material and methods. The assessment has been performed in clinically healthy subjects (n=15) and periodontal patients with chronic periodontitis (n=16) versus aggressive periodontitis (n=11). Being a marker of lipid peroxidation, for all individuals malonyldialdehyde gingival fluid levels has been determined from the isolated supernatant, following centrifugation of crevicular fluid, through colorimetry techniques. Results. The separate MDA assessment displayed statistical significance of the values recorded in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to the group of healthy patients (p

Knuckle pads are thickening of the skin over the extensor surface of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Clinical picture, ultrasound imaging, and histopathological examination of the skin biopsy ascertain the diagnosis. In routine practice, two main differential diagnoses are important: knuckle pads vs. pseudo-knuckle pads and idiopathic vs. non-idiopathic forms of knuckle pads.

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of LED-PAD and tolonium chloride on periodontal clinical parameters in chronic periodontitis.

This article from the Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation explores the impact of oral health on the quality of life of young individuals with disabilities. It emphasizes the need for qualitative healthcare, including oral and dental care, for this population. The study highlights the higher risks of dental caries and periodontal pathology in children and adolescents with disabilities and calls for the development of national strategies and plans to improve oral healthcare and dental prevention programs. The article also discusses the various ways in which poor oral health can affect the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities, including nutritional difficulties, hygiene problems, and emotional stability. It emphasizes the importance of a personalized and comprehensive approach to preventive care, taking into account the specific needs and challenges of this population. The text acknowledges the barriers and difficulties in implementing effective preventive measures, such as anxiety, communication difficulties, and limited capacity for oral hygiene. The conclusion stresses the importance of developing a new concept of preventive care to enhance the oral health and quality of life of young individuals with disabilities. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the antioxidant capacity of thiol-containing compounds using the photochemiluminescence technique. The study aims to determine the level of inhibition of the photochemiluminescence reaction at different concentrations. The results indicate that substances with free thiol groups have a stronger inhibitory effect on light emission compared to those with blocked or oxidized thiols. Glutathione, a well-known thiol-containing antioxidant, exhibits superior antioxidant activity across all tested concentrations. The article discusses the role of thiols as antioxidants in biological systems and their potential implications for preventing and treating diseases associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, it explores the use of the chemiluminescence technique to measure the antioxidant capacity of thiol-containing compounds. [Extracted from the article]

Infantile hemangiomas are reported in 10-12% of children less than 1 year of age, with ulceration in about 5-13% of cases. Little is known about the mechanism of this disease and explanations are still being looked for.

Occupational skin diseases have an unknown prevalence in Romania, although they are considered the most frequent occupational diseases reported in Western European countries. Self-reported hand eczema among healthcare providers by questionnaire aims to estimate the prevalence of work-related hand eczema and associated risk factors in hospitals and outpatient units in Romania. The aim of this study is to discuss and to validate a questionnaire for surveying work-related skin diseases and exposure among healthcare providers.