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Background: Essential oils have gained in significance due to their various biological activities, and there is a growing demand for them in many industries. The present article focuses on the technical steps for an in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of essential oils for potential use as root canal irrigant in dentistry., Methods: The bioactivities of the essential oil were investigated through in vitro assays. The gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis was used as a micro-organism model. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was assessed using the microdilution method, and resazurin staining to determine the minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) and the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The antibiofilm effect was evaluated spectrophotometrically at 570 nm using the microplate cultivation technique and crystal violet staining., Conclusions: This article features a detailed in vitro protocol to facilitate the preparation of the essential oil samples, the bacterial suspension, and the methods used for assessment of the antibiofilm and antibacterial activities of the essential oil. The advantages of these approaches are presented in relation to the limits linked to the choice of the bacteria and the essential oil., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Breast cancer, the most invasive cancer in women globally, necessitates novel treatments due to prevailing limitations of therapeutics. Search of news anticancer targets is more necessary than ever to tackle this pathology. Heat-Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), a chaperone protein, is implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis, rendering it an appealing target. Looking for alternative approach such as Plant-based compounds and natural HSP90 inhibitors offer promising prospects for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study aims to identify plant-based compounds with anticancer effects on breast cancer models and elucidate their mechanism of action in inhibiting the HSP90 protein. A systematic review was conducted and completed in January 2024 and included in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies that investigated the effectiveness of plant-based HSP90 inhibitors tested on breast cancer models. Eleven studies were included in the review. Six plants and 24 compounds from six different classes were identified and proved to be effective against HSP90 in breast cancer models. The studied plant extracts showed a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability. Variable IC50 values showed antiproliferative effects, with the plant Tubocapsicum anomalum demonstrating the lowest value. Withanolides was the most studied class. Fennel, Trianthema portulacastrum , and Spatholobus suberectus extracts were shown to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis and modulate HSP90 expression as well as its cochaperone interactions in breast cancer mouse models. The identified plant extracts and compounds were proven effective against HSP90 in breast cancer models, and this inhibition showed promising effects on breast cancer biology. Collectively, these results urge the need of further studies to better understand the mechanism of action of HSP90 inhibitors using comparable methods for preclinical observations.

Background: Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is a disorder of tooth development characterized by abnormal enamel formation. In order to detect other dental and jawbone abnormalities that could be associated with AI, a retrospective and analytic study was conducted comparing panoramic radiographs of AI and non-AI patients., Material and Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs of 60 AI and 60 non-AI patients were examined. Abnormalities in dental number, size, shape, eruption, and in the shape of the dental arches were checked and blindly recorded by two experimented observers. Descriptive statistics using percentages and chi-square test with .05 level of significance value was used., Results: Prevalence of supernumerary teeth, dental agenesis, microdontia, taurodontism, radicular dilacerations, dental inclusions, temporary teeth persistence, and pulp calcifications was significantly higher in AI patients compared to control patients. Prevalence of periapical images, cysts, and hypercementosis was lower in AI patients compared to control patients, with no statistically significant difference. A significant prevalence of mandibular hypoplasia was also noted in AI patients., Conclusion: In addition to enamel defect, panoramic radiography was useful in detecting other dental abnormalities and mandibular hypoplasia associated with AI and should therefore be systematically indicated for AI patients' care., (© 2023 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence, signs, and symptoms of different types of TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorders) disorders in Tunisian patients., Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the clinical records of patients from the Department of Functional Exploration, Pain, and Orofacial Dysfunction of the Dental Clinic of Monastir., Results: TMD is associated with a female predominance, with a peak prevalence among those aged between 20 and 40 years. Pain and a limited range of motion were significantly more prevalent in women (p = 0.019 and p = 0.012, respectively). Clicking sounds were the most frequent joint noises (38.2 %). Crepitus was more prevalent among older adults (33 %). Of the different types of TMD, disk displacement with reduction was the most prevalent (n = 216, 39 %). Sleep bruxism was more prevalent than awake bruxism (20.7 % VS 9.5 %). Due to the heterogeneous TMD signs and symptoms, patients tend to seek medical attention from various specialties (e.g. neurology and otolaryngology)., Conclusion: The prevalence of different types of TMD, and the different signs and symptoms varied depending on sociodemographic characteristics, such as sex, age and lifestyle. Diagnosis is challenging and TMD may be confused with other orofacial pain conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.)

Background: Enamel renal syndrome is a rare genetic disorder transmitted through an autosomal recessive mode. It is featured by a hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta, delayed tooth eruption, gingival fibromatosis, and nephrocalcinosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinically, radiologically, and histologically the main features of enamel renal syndrome and to point out the role of dentists in early diagnosing this genetic disease., Materials and Methods: Our case of enamel renal syndrome was initially described by clinical, radiographic, and genealogic data, then complemented by ultrasound examination of the kidneys and microscopic observation of gingivae., Results: The study showed the presence of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), several teeth impaction, gingival hyperplasia, bilateral nephrocalcinosis, and multiple calcifications in pulp, gingiva, dental follicle, and kidneys., Conclusion: The patient was followed for a full mouth rehabilitation and also referred to a nephrology for global medical checkup. The dentist plays a key role in diagnosing genetic diseases and in referring patients for medical comprehensive care., (© 2023 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Fears and difficulties of Moroccan dental students regarding endodontic access cavity were evaluated among 3 items: (i) teachers, (ii) student confidence and (iii) access cavity protocol. A three Likert scale was used to rate 24 statements. Specific scores between 1 and 3 and mean scores between 0 and 1 were used to assess statements and items, respectively. Among 116 students, the mean score of difficulty related to teachers (0.48 ± 0.14) was significantly low (p < 0.001) compared to student confidence (0.69 ± 0.12) and cavity protocol (0.68 ± 0.08). The number of teachers was esteemed insufficient, additional training sessions were requested and maxillary teeth and molars were rated the most difficult with specific scores of 1.91 ± 0.80, 2.72 ± 0.61, 2.22 ± 0.67 and 2.47 ± 0.74, respectively. The highest specific score referred to the risk of making ledges (2.8 ± 0.56) or perforations (2.76 ± 0.59). Students expressed a lack of confidence, difficulty with upper molars and fears of making procedural errors., (© 2023 Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.)

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic disease characterized by a hypersensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation leading to defective deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and predisposing to skin tumorigenesis. This paper reports the safe approaches used for the dental treatment of XP patients, controlling the ultraviolet (UV) sources at the dental office. An XP 29-year-old woman was referred for oral pain and sensitivity at the service of periodontology, UV rays were checked with a UV-meter. During the examination, the patient kept her sunglasses while the practitioner was dressed in dark colors using an anti-UV filter over the surgical light. Facial dark brown pigmentations, limited mouth opening, tumor resection scar on the tongue, moderate periodontitis, and dental caries were noticed. Moderate periodontitis and dental caries were diagnosed. Treatment was planned in collaboration with the dermatologist. Soft scaling and root planning were performed in short sessions and self-curing material was used for coronary fillings after caries removal. In taking care of XP patients, particular attention should be given by dental professionals to: i) the office management for a UV-safe environment; ii) the adoption of suitable dental care and safe biomaterials with short sessions and regular controls; and iii) the adoption of personal protections by patients and practitioners., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Yasmine Hanine et al.)

Introduction . Osteoid osteoma is a benign osseous tumor characterized by an excessive formation of unmineralized bone matrix. The aim of this study was to present, through a case report, the clinical and radiological manifestations of osteoid osteoma affecting the left basilar border of the mandible. Observation . A 30-year-old male patient presented with left mandibular pain of unknown etiology. The chief complaint was mandibular pain accentuating mainly at night, originating in the left basilar border, and radiating to the whole mandibular hemi-arch. Extraoral examination revealed a small, bone-consistent, and slightly painful swelling. Computed tomography scan revealed a well-limited, infracentimetric, and mixed osteolytic image with central nidus and peripheral osteocondensation. Histological examination revealed osteoid osteoma. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed, and the pain stopped immediately. Discussion . This benign tumor presents many clinical and radiological features similar to other lesions. To differentiate osteoid osteoma from these other bone pathoses, practitioners should have a clear concept and keen observation skills. Confrontation of the clinical, radiological, and anatomopathological data is therefore essential to establish the correct diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment plan., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare(s) that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Rym Kammoun et al.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Melanoma has become an important health problem and new treatment have become an imperative medical need. Therefore, the finding and identification of natural product with less toxic effects, capable of promoting melanoma cell death have become an important goal of research in oncotherapy. In this study, we want to investigate the anticancer activity of an enriched total oligomers flavonoids (TOF) extract of R. alaternus in melanoma cells. First, TOF was exhibited to be rich in flavones. We revealed that this extract reduced proliferation and increased of sub-G1 and S phase cells built-up in B16-F10 cells in a dose-related manner. Moreover, In Vivo, TOF reduced tumor volume and weight with percentages of inhibition of 92.4% and 92.9%, respectively. R. alaternus was also found to be effective in reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 during metastasis. Level of TH1 cytokine, such as IL-2, was significantly enhanced by TOF treatment. Indeed, the histological examination of the tumor revealed the absence of mitoses and the presence of numerous melanin pigmented macrophage cells in the R. alaternus extract-treated group that could be explained by the induction of macrophage activation and by the arrest of the cell cycle in the Sub-G1 and S phases.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the literature in order to assess systematically the association between amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) and caries development and to evaluate the DMF index among AI patients. Basic Research Design . PubMed was used to explore the database Medline. The key words used were "Amelogenesis Imperfecta" [Mesh], "Dental Caries" [Mesh], "Tooth Loss" [Mesh], "DMF Index" [Mesh], and "Dental Restoration, Permanent" [Mesh]. Moreover, an ad hoc search was performed in order to make the study as exhaustive as possible., Results: Fifty-five articles were retained. The total number of patients gathered was 499. A percentage of 68.8% of the articles dealt with cases with a relatively low dental caries process, 20.8% dealt with cases in which the dental caries process was relatively moderate, and 10.4% dealt with cases in which the dental caries process was severe. Teeth extraction due to dental caries was mentioned in 10 articles. Eleven articles, concerning 53 patients, mentioned dental fillings. Four patients did not have dental filling due to dental caries. DMF index was very low in 2 articles and low-to-high in 3 articles., Conclusion: Low dental caries susceptibility with AI patients was noticed in this study. A possible factor could be the lack of proximal contacts and elimination of fissures through enamel loss. The lack of dental caries susceptibility was also explained by the microbacterial specificity of hypoplastic AI patients. Moreover, it was also noted that the prevalence of dental caries among AI patients depends on sociodemographic change., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Farah Kallel et al.)

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare inherited skeletal syndrome. There is no consensus regarding the dental treatment strategy. Objectives . To report a rare case of cleidocranial dysplasia and to summarize the current clinical and dental features and prosthetic treatment of similar CCD patients reported in the literature. Results . A 17-year-old girl was diagnosed with CCD. She had a short stature with the ability to bring the shoulders under the chest. All remaining teeth were deciduous except the four first molars were permanent. The maxilla was hypoplastic with a relative prognathism of the mandible. The cone-beam computed tomography examination showed a distorted and incomplete root formation of the permanent teeth. She was treated with both, complete and partial, removable overdentures. PubMed was used for the literature research using the following keys words "Cleidocranial Dysplasia"[Mesh], "Prosthodontics"[Mesh], "Dental Care"[Mesh], "cleidocranial dysostosis," and "dental treatment." The retention of deciduous teeth was described in the majority of cases. All the patients had supernumerary teeth. The most used treatments were dental prosthetics and orthodontics. The fixed prosthetic implant was the most used type of prosthetic treatment. Among the 15 cases who specified the type of prosthetic treatment, seven patients received removable dentures. Prosthetics was indicated especially for aged patients. Conclusion . Removable prostheses are a good solution that rapidly restores esthetics and functions. The use of implants for these patients needs to be validated by a long-term follow-up., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2020 Yosra Mabrouk et al.)

Aim: To describe the in vitro bacterial adhesion protocol of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus c asei on dental surfaces for a qualitative approach by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations. A control and Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) affected teeth were used to validate the protocol., Method Details: Eight teeth were collected and fixed in 10% formalin during 10 days. Crowns were fragmented into 4 parts and kept in the freshly prepared artificial saliva. For the preparation of bacterial suspensions, bacterial strains ( S. mutans and L. casei ) were incubated in a freshly prepared culture medium. After two successive cultures at 37 °C and 3 rinces, bacterial suspensions were prepared in artificial saliva and adjusted to correspond to 10 8 CFU ml -1 . Bacterial adhesion was carried out by sedimentation. Dental fragments were immersed in bacterial suspensions and rinsed with PBS to remove non adherent bacteria. Adherent bacteria were fixed with glutaraldehyde. Finally, teeth samples were dehydrated, coated, dried and observed using high-resolution SEM (JEOL, JSM-5400)., Results: SEM observations showed adherence of spheric stuctures, identified as S. mutans and bacilic structures identified as L. casei ., Conclusion: Adhesion of bacteria could be observed by SEM and depends on the quality of dental mineralized tissues., Competing Interests: Authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a 22-year-old-man diagnosed with a variant of hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta. The treatment approach was multi-disciplinary, and it included the surgical procedure of Lefort I osteotomy, surgical crown lengthening, and metal-ceramic-fixed dental prostheses. The patient was satisfied with the esthetic and functional outcome., Competing Interests: None., (© 2020 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of xylitol chewing gums enriched with propolis, remineralizing softly demineralized dentin in vitro., Design: Four groups of chewing gum were developed; Group1: xylitol (1.8 %), Group2: xylitol + casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (3%), Group3: xylitol+Hydroxyapatite (3%) and Group4: xylitol + propolis (5%). A control group was designed without chewing gum, but with artificial saliva. Sections of embedded crowns and cleaned roots of twenty five bovine incisors were demineralized in carbonated drink. Crown specimens were half-varnished. Remineralization process was run for all the dental specimens in the 4 groups with gum extracts and in the control group with artificial saliva for 20 min at 37 °C three times a day during 7 days. Mineral contents were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX-SEM). Surface morphology and roughness were analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Micro-hardness was measured using Vickers micro-hardness tester among varnished and unvarnished sides., Results: Calcium/Phosphate mean ratio showed a significant decrease between the control group, group1, group2 and group4. Control group and group3 were not significantly different. Micro-hardness increased significantly for all treated groups. AFM showed obstruction of dentinal tubules in all the groups and roughness decreased in the treated side of the dentin compared to the untreated side for tested groups., Conclusion: Xylitol chewing gum enriched with propolis showed dentinal tubules occlusion, significant improvement of micro-hardness and slight decrease in roughness. Ca/P ratio analysis suggests that a mineral compound other than hydroxyapatite is responsible of tubules occlusion., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Wafa Gargouri benefited from a scholarship granted by the confectioner TRIKI-Le Moulin (Sfax, Tunisia). Mazen Elleuche works at Triki le Moulin., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the caries features in hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) patients., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including 28 patients, 14 with hypoplastic AI and 14 controls for whom Decayed (D), Missed (M) and Filled (F) Teeth (T) were checked for a DMFT index evaluation. Twenty-eight saliva samples, 4 bacterial plaques and 19 teeth were used. Decayed teeth were observed under polarized light and scanning electron microscopy. Salivary pH was measured and saliva bacterial strains were biochemically identified and confirmed by PCR. Bacterial adhesions to tooth surfaces were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and evaluated by colony enumeration after in vitro culture of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei with dental fragments., Results: DMFT indexes were significantly lower in AI patients (mean DMFT = 0.8) compared to controls (mean DMFT = 2.9). Decayed teeth revealed sclerotic, demineralized, invaded and disintegrated zones in dentine. Dental plaques were rich with filamentous bacteria in AI patients. Oral microbiotome of the saliva showed a low rate of Streptococci and a significant high level of Bacillus spp, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in AI patients. In vitro study showed a significant high adhesion of Lactobacillus casei and a weak adhesion of Streptococcus mutans on AI dental hard tissues., Conclusion: Our study showed that hypoplastic AI patients have (i) a low DMFT index, (ii) an alkaline pH of saliva enriched with Bacillus spp, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium and (iii) dental tissues more easily invaded by Lactobacilli than Streptococci. The combination of these bacteria seems to give AI patients protection against dental caries., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to explore the literature for clinical and histological data of an unconventional treatment with implants placement in contact with dental tissue (IPICDT) and to try to clarify its indications and surgical procedure particularities.Relevant publications published until May 2019 on the IPICDT were thoroughly reviewed. Search strategy was developed using a controlled vocabulary combination.Medline's exploration and manual research identified 397 articles; 15 of these were selected after screening. IPICDT was indicated in three clinical situations: impacted teeth, ankylosed teeth, or residual roots. Clinical and radiological follow-up were satisfied except for implants placed in contact with (and not through) roots. Histological analysis revealed different mineralized tissues formed on the implant surface: cementum on removed implants in human and osteodentin on implants placed in contact with animal teeth dentin and pulp. These findings were described as new concept of implants' "Mineral integration."According to this study, the follow-up results of implants placed in contact with roots were controversial. Some implants were stable and others were either removed or kept and disinfected after root extraction because of bacterial infection. However, implants placed through ankylosed or impacted teeth were stable. These findings suggest that the clinicians have to be cautious when applying this unconventional approach. Further studies are recommended to explore its long follow-up. It is also interesting to explore this technique in cases of syndromic dental diseases with several impacted teeth (such as cleidocranial dysplasia; or amelogenesis imperfecta)., Competing Interests: None declared., (Dental Investigation Society.)

To explore the efficiency of xylitol chewing gum enriched or not with remineralizing agents to protect tooth against cariogenic biofilm formation and demineralization. Six groups of chewing gums were prepared; Group 1: isomalt (1.8%), Group 2: casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (3%) + isomalt (1.8%), Group 3: hydroxyapatite (HAP) (2.5%) + isomalt (1.8%), Group 4: xylitol (1.8%), Group 5: CPP-ACP (3%) + xylitol (1.8%) and Group 6: HAP (2.5%) + xylitol (1.8%). The antibiofilm properties of different chewing gum extracts using seven oral bacterial species including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus constellatus, Streptococcus Salivarius and Streptococcus oralis were explored via the crystal violet staining assay. The remineralizing effects of those products were assessed on thirty human permanent teeth, half-protected with varnish before chemical erosion and thermocycling process with chewing gum. Remineralization was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and microscopic measurements on polarized light microscopy. The ratio R comparing the thickness between unvarnished and varnished sides was evaluated. While the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC 50 ) was low for xylitol alone compared to isomalt, it was inconsistent when enriched with remineralizing agents. The minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC 50 ) was low for xylitol groups compared to isomalt, for all the studied strains. R was significantly lower in Group 1 and Group 2, while Group 6 showed the highest ratio. Xylitol chewing gums confirmed good antibiofilm properties and showed remineralized potential on eroded teeth. When xylitol is associated to CPP-ACP or HAP, antibiofilm activity decreased while remineralization of eroded teeth increased., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the antitumoral effect of Chloroform extract from Nitraria retusa leaves, via its major compounds β-sitosterols and palmitic acid. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously inoculated with B16-F10 cells, then treated intra-peritoneally after 7 days with the chloroform extract for 21 days. They were then euthanized, and the tumors were weighed. Lung parenchyma was analyzed. Lymphocyte and macrophages proliferation, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activities were evaluated using the MTT assay. Macrophage phagocytosis was evaluated by measuring the lysosomal activity and nitric oxide production. Antioxidant activity was studied by cellular antioxidant activity on macrophage and splenocytes and by lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity in liver cells, kidney, and serum. β-sitosterols and palmitic acid, major compounds of chloroform extract, impeded remarkably the expansion of the transplantable tumor, protected the lung parenchyma, and increased splenocytes proliferation and both CTL activities in tumor-bearing mice. β-sitosterols and palmitic acid were also seen to have enhanced lysosomal activity of host macrophages and antioxidant cellular activity. Also, they showed an inhibitory effect of lipid peroxidation. Our results suggest that antitumoral effect of β-sitosterols and palmitic acid from chloroform extract is related with its immunomodulatory activity, and opens the way for a nutrition application and coprocessing phytotherapy against cancer.

Objective: To explore the mineral features of dentin and cementum in hypoplastic Amelogenesis imperfecta AI teeth., Materials and Methods: Forty-four (44) teeth cleaned and free of caries were used: 20 control and 24 affected by hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta. Thirty-two teeth were studied by pQCT, cut in sections, and analyzed under microradiography, polarized light microscopy, and confocal Raman spectroscopy. Eight teeth were observed under scanning electron microscope. Four teeth were used for an X-ray diffraction. The mineral density data were analyzed statistically with the Mann-Whitney U test, using GraphPad InStat software., Results: Both coronal dentin and radicular dentin were less mineralized in AI teeth when compared to control (respectively 6.2% and 6.8%; p < .001). Root dentinal walls were thin and irregular, while the cellular cementum layers were thick, reaching sometimes the cervical region of the tooth. Regular dentinal tubules and sclerotic dentin areas were noticed. Partially tubular or cellular dysplastic dentin and hyper-, normo-, or hypomineralized areas were noticed in the inter-radicular areas of hypoplastic AI teeth. The main mineral component was carbonate hydroxyapatite as explored by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction., Conclusions: Dentin and cementum in hypoplastic AI teeth are (i) hypomineralized, (ii) constituted of carbonate hydroxyapatite, and (iii) of non-homogenous structure., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being used increasingly for image-guided targeted biopsy and focal therapy of prostate cancer. In this paper, a combined rigid and deformable registration technique is proposed to register pre-treatment diagnostic 3T magnetic resonance (MR) images of the prostate, with the identified target tumor(s), to intra-treatment 1.5T MR images. The pre-treatment T2-weighted MR images were acquired with patients in a supine position using an endorectal coil in a 3T scanner, while the intra-treatment T2-weighted MR images were acquired in a 1.5T scanner before insertion of the needle with patients in the semi-lithotomy position. Both the rigid and deformable registration algorithms employ an intensity-based distance metric defined based on the modality independent neighborhood descriptors (MIND) between images. The optimization routine for estimating the rigid transformation parameters is initialized using four pairs of manually selected approximate corresponding points on the boundaries of the prostate. In this paper, the problem of deformable image registration is approached from the perspective of state estimation for dynamical systems. The registration algorithm employs a rather generic dynamic linear elastic model of the tissue deformation discretized by the finite element method (FEM). We use the model in a classical state estimation framework to estimate the deformation of the prostate based on the distance metric between pre- and intra-treatment images. Our deformable registration results using 17 sets of prostate MR images showed that the proposed method yielded a target registration error (TRE) of 1.87 ± 0.94 mm,2.03 ± 0.94 mm, and 1.70 ± 0.93 mm for the whole gland (WG), central gland (CG), and peripheral zone (PZ), respectively, using 76 manually-identified fiducial points. This was an improvement over the 2.67 ± 1.31 mm, 2.95 ± 1.43 mm, and 2.34 ± 1.11 mm, respectively for the WG, CG, and PZ after rigid registration alone. Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) in the WG, CG and PZ were 88.2 ± 5.3, 85.6 ± 7.6 and 68.7 ± 6.9 percent, respectively. Furthermore, the mean absolute distances (MAD) between surfaces was 1.26 ± 0.56 mm and 1.27 ± 0.55 mm in the WG and CG, after deformable registration. These results indicate that the proposed registration technique has sufficient accuracy for localizing prostate tumors in MRI-guided targeted biopsy or focal therapy of clinically localized prostate cancer., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Melatonin (Mel) is widely used to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in several organs. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study was conducted to explore the effect of Mel on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Akt and MAPK cascades after renal warm I/R. Eighteen Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: Sham, I/R, and Mel + I/R. The ischemia period was 60 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Mel (10 mg/kg) was administrated 30 min prior to ischemia. The creatinine clearance, MDA, LDH levels, and histopathological changes were evaluated. In addition, Western blot was performed to study ER stress and its downstream apoptosis as well as phosphorylation of Akt, GSK-3β, VDAC, ERK, and P38. Mel decreased cytolysis and lipid peroxidation and improved renal function and morphology compared to I/R group. Parallely, it significantly reduced the ER stress parameters including GRP 78, p-PERK, XBP 1, ATF 6, CHOP, and JNK. Simultaneously, p-Akt level was significantly enhanced and its target molecules GSK-3β and VDAC were inhibited. Furthermore, the ERK and P38 phosphorylation were evidently augmented after Mel administration in comparison to I/R group. In conclusion, Mel improves the recovery of renal function by decreasing ER stress and stimulating Akt pathway after renal I/R injury.

Aim: To determine whether a souakine mouth rinse solution can provide protection of deciduous teeth against simulated erosion in vitro., Materials and Methods: Thirty deciduous anterior teeth were used. Half of each tooth was covered with a varnish and teeth were randomly divided into a treated (S) and a control group (C). Each group was immersed in cola drink for 5 minutes and treated with an aqueous solution of Souakine (S) or water (C) for 2 minutes. The treatment was renewed 5 times a day for 8 days. Teeth were then embedded, sectioned and observed under polarised light microscope. Observed data were quantitatively analysed by SPSS software., Results: In group (C), the unvarnished part of the enamel showed a deep green layer of erosion, compared to the varnished part. The difference in depth of this layer was significant (p<0.05). In group (S), the green layer of erosion was highly located in the unvarnished part as compared to the unvarnished part of the control group (C) (p<0.05). This layer of erosion was comparable to that in the varnished part, either in control or treated groups., Conclusion: The beneficial results of Souakine against erosion are validated either by a protective or a remineralisation effect.

The aim of this study was to explore the expression of RANK, RANKL and OPG during ankylosis. Structural details and immunohistochemical investigations of the expression of RANK, RANKL and OPG in an extracted secondary retained permanent molar of a 12-year-old girl are reported. Woven and lamellar bones were observed in the thickness of the remodeled dental wall and a tertiary dentin was noticed around the pulp cavity. The resorbing multinucleated cells expressed TRAP and RANK but few of them also expressed RANKL. Both odontoblasts and osteoblasts expressed TRAP and RANK, but the expression of RANKL was limited to osteoblasts. OPG remained undetected. The present case reveals unusual expression of RANKL in the resorbing cells, TRAP and RANK in both osteoblasts and odontoblasts, and a failure of detection of OPG. These proteins could be involved in the pathogenesis of tooth ankylosis.

Background: Knowledge of the variations in pulp chamber topography is very useful to the dentist while performing endodontic access cavity in primary teeth., Aim: To determine the horizontal crown dimensions and the pulp chamber topography of shedding maxillary primary molars in a sample of Tunisian children., Materials and Methods: Forty two maxillary primary molars (24 first and 18 second molars) were used. Teeth were ultrasonically cleaned before taking morphometric measurements of the buccolingual and mesiodistal sizes. Statistical student test was used comparing the mean sizes., Results: All the crown measurements were higher in the second molar. While the buccolingual dimension of the pulp chamber was higher in the second molar, the mesiodistal sizes were equivalent among the teeth. The thickest walls were in the buccal side of the first molar and in the mesial side of the second one. The ratio of several measurements indicate that the pulp cavity is more vestibularly and distally located in the second molar., Conclusion: Mesiodistal dimension of the pulp cavity is not proportional to that of the dental crown. Endodontic access cavity have to be shifted to the distal and vestibular sides from the first to the second upper molar.

Background: Bisphosphonates are indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, they could have an adverse effect on specific sites, such as the bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of etidronate on the resorption and apposition sides of the periodontium in ovariectomized rats., Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly subjected to either ovariectomy or sham operation. After 8 weeks, six animals of each group were sacrificed. The other 12 rats received 5 mg/kg/day etidronate subcutaneously during 4 weeks. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase reaction and immunohistochemical staining for receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), RANK-ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and osteocalcin was performed. Immunoreactivity was evaluated using a semiquantitative analysis., Results: In ovariectomized rats, osteoclasts were noticed in the root socket of molars, including the apposition side of the periodontium, in which RANKL expression was significantly evidenced. In the etidronate-treated group, OPG expression was significantly expressed and osteoclasts that were noticed in the resorption side remained undetected in the apposition side even under ovariectomy. RANK was significantly expressed in ovariectomized rats treated with etidronate. Osteoid formation and osteocalcin expression were described on the alveolar bone surfaces in etidronate-treated rats, with or without ovariectomy., Conclusions: Etidronate has specific site and bone cell actions in the periodontium. It inhibits the osteoclast differentiation induced by ovariectomy in the apposition side of the periodontium but maintains bone formation over all the socket surfaces. Such specificity may be related to the pathogenesis of the bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria have been implicated in the pathology of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). In the present study, we investigated whether the use of ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) and trimetazidine (TMZ) separately or combined could reduce ER stress and mitochondria damage after renal ischemia., Methods: Kidneys of Wistar rats were subjected to 60-min of warm ischemia followed by 120-min of reperfusion (I/R group, n = 6), or to 6 cycles of ischemia/reperfusion (10-s each cycle) just after 60-min of warm ischemia (IPostC group, n = 6), or to i.p. injection of TMZ (3 mg/kg) 30-min before ischemia (TMZ group, n = 6), or to the combination of both treatments (IPostC+TMZ group, n = 6). The results of these experimental groups were compared to those of a sham-operated group in which rat renal pedicles were only dissected. Sodium reabsorption rate, creatinine clearance lactate deshydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma, and concentration of malonedialdehyde (MDA) in tissue were determined. In addition, Western blot analysis was performed to identify the amounts of cytochrome c, c-JunNH2-terminal kinase (JNK), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3-β), and ER stress parameters., Results: IPostC or/and TMZ significantly decreased cytolysis, oxidative stress and improved renal function in comparison to I/R group. IPostC but not TMZ significantly attenuated ER stress parameters versus I/R group. Indeed, it down-regulated the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), the RNA activated protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinas (PERK), the X box binding protein-1 (XBP-1) and the caspase12 protein levels. TMZ treatment significantly augmented GSK3-β phosphorylation and reduced levels of cytochrome c and VDAC phosphorylation in comparison to IPostC application. The combination of both treatments gave a synergetic effect. It significantly improved the survival rate, attenuated cytolysis, oxidative stress and improved renal function., Conclusion: This study revealed that IPostC protects kidney from I/R injury by suppressing ER stress while the beneficial effects of TMZ are mediated by mitochondria protection. The combination of both treatments ameliorated functional recovery.

A pink retained left mandibular first molar without carious lesions was diagnosed in a healthy 12-year-old girl presenting normal clinical tests. An orthopantomogram failed to detect other retained teeth. Both periapical radiography and computed tomography showed the absence of a periodontal ligament space in the bifurcation area and the presence of radiolucency or calcifications in the pulp cavity. The coronal part of the removed tooth was subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analysis using anti-PCNA (proliferation marker) and anti-p53 (apoptosis marker) antibodies. Root surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The pink color of the molar reflected the extension of resorptive tissue into the clinical crown and the underlining proliferation of pulp vessels. Ankylosis observed in the bifurcation area was also detected in the coronal part of the pulp. Whereas odontoblasts secreted tertiary dentin despite no evidence for a carious lesion, only osteocytes in the newly formed bone were apoptotic and the root surfaces were free of resorption lacunae. The etiopathology of the lesion in this case indicated a pulp origin, suggesting that new therapies targeting this tissue should be developed.

During a 13-year period (from 1994 to 2007), in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 116 new cases of adult ameloblastomas, were analyzed for treatment composed against radiographic presentation, size, histological type. Follow-up and recurrence were also analyzed. Treatment was surgical consisting of enucleations (82%), segmental mandibulectomy (8.3%) resections (24.7%) 85% of them underwent reconstruction. The follow-up was documented for 97%. More than two recurrences occurred in 21% of the patients after the first enucleation: 66% with a "follicular" histological diagnosis. Lenthly, a therapeutic algorithm is suggested for adult ameloblastomas that underlines the importance of the conservative enucleation treatment as far as possible.

The everted gut sac technique has been used to investigate the effect of Vibrio vulnificus on water and electrolyte (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), HCO(3)(-)) transport on the intestine of sea bream (Sparus aurata L.). Both the anterior and the posterior intestine were incubated in a medium containing 10(8) V. vulnificus cells ml(-1) at 25 degrees C for 2 h. The presence of V. vulnificus resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of water absorption in the anterior intestine, while sodium absorption in the anterior (P < 0.01) and posterior (P < 0.05) intestine was elevated. Chloride absorption was increased, but the changed was not significant, while potassium absorption decreased significantly (P < 0.05), but only in the posterior intestine. Incubation the sea bream intestine with V. vulnificus did not affect carbonate secretion in the anterior segment, whereas high secretion was stimulated in the posterior segment (P < 0.01). Histological evaluations demonstrated damage in the anterior intestine of sea bream that was characterized by the detachment of degenerative enterocytes, alterations in the microvilli, and the presence of a heterogenous cell population, indicating inflammation. Based on our results, we conclude that V. vulnificus caused cell damage to the intestine of sea bream and that the anterior intestine is more susceptible than the posterior part of the intestine. Several hypotheses are suggested to explain our observations, such as the presence of higher numbers of villosities in the anterior intestine than in the posterior one and/or the presence of endogenous bacteria in the posterior intestine which may have a protector role.

Epithelial odontogenic tumors are rare jaw pathologies that raise clinical diagnosis and prognosis dilemmas notably between ameloblastomas and clear cell odontogenic carcinomas (CCOCs). In line with previous studies, the molecular determinants of tooth development-amelogenin, Msx1, Msx2, Dlx2, Dlx3, Bmp2, and Bmp4-were analyzed by RT-PCR, ISH, and immunolabeling in 12 recurrent ameloblastomas and in one case of CCOC. Although Msx1 expression imitates normal cell differentiation in these tumors, other genes showed a distinct pattern depending on the type of tumor and the tissue involved. In benign ameloblastomas, ISH localized Dlx3 transcripts and inconstantly detected Msx2 transcripts in epithelial cells. In the CCOC, ISH established a lack of both Dlx3 and Msx2 transcripts but allowed identification of the antisense transcript of Msx1, which imitates the same scheme of distribution between mesenchyme and epithelium as in the cup stage of tooth development. Furthermore, while exploring the expression pattern of signal molecules by RT-PCR, Bmp2 was shown to be completely inactivated in the CCOC and irregularly noticeable in ameloblastomas. Bmp4 was always expressed in all the tumors. Based on the established roles of Msx and Dlx transcription factors in dental cell fates, these data suggest that their altered expression is a proposed trail to explain the genesis and/or the progression of odontogenic tumors.

Unlabelled: Experimental osteoporosis was studied in mandible bone by means of ovariectomy and vitamin D insufficiency., Methods: 42 female Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: (1) ovariectomized rats maintained in 12h day-night light conditions (ov-l), (2) ovariectomized rats maintained in 24h dark light conditions (ov-ob), (3) sham-operated rats maintained in 12h day-night light conditions (ch-l) and (4) sham-operated rats maintained in 24 h dark conditions (ch-ob). 12 weeks later the animals were sacrificed, the mandibles were excised, cleaned and weighed, the right side of the mandibles were histologically examined and the left side of the mandibles were prepared for mineral phase analysis by X-ray diffraction. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect apoptotic cells by anti-PARP p85 antibody., Results: In group 2, the weight of mandibles significantly decreased. Chondroid areas were observed in ovariectomized groups and polarized light observation validated the collagen distribution disturbance in these groups (groups 1 and 2). Apoptotic osteoblasts were localized in groups 1, 2 and 4. They were numerous in group 2. The mineral phase analysis did not find differences between the groups., Conclusion: This study validates a new model of osteoporotic animal associating estrogens deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency where matrix synthesis and osteoblast biology are altered, but not biomineralization.

A case of a maxillary osteolytic tumour is described in a 9-year-old boy. Histological analysis led to an initial diagnosis of benign squamous odontogenic tumour, although this was not straightforward due to swelling, and cellular pseudo-malignant and non-specific signs. Because of the young age of the patient, a local surgical tumourectomy was first chosen with respect to the mixed dentition. For 10 months, the evolution was satisfactory. Then, a very aggressive tumoural recurrence with lip and palate infiltration led to doubts as to the histologic nature of the tumour. Efficient collaboration between several specialized pathologist teams finally confirmed that this was a squamous odontogenic tumour but in a very aggressive form. Radical surgery was then carried out.

Grewia tenax roots, leaves, juice and fruit decoctions have been used in Africa and Southeast Asiatic countries for a variety of medical purposes. In this investigation, we report the effect of aqueous extract of Grewia tenax fruit (AEGTF) on the variation in vitro of iron absorption. The incubation of freshly prepared rat everted gut sac (EGS) in Ringer medium containing FeSO(4) in the absence of AEGTF showed that in stomach there is iron absorption only at 15 min of incubation time, whereas, at duodenum and jejunum, iron uptake occurs just after 1 min of incubation time and the maximum of iron absorption is registered at 15 min of incubation time. Addition of AEGTF at different concentrations favors significantly this iron transfer from the mucous side toward the serous one. The maximum of iron absorption was carried out in the presence of AEGTF at 10 mg/ml and 5 min of incubation time in stomach, duodenum and jejunum. AEGTF used at high doses (20 and 30 mg/ml) reduced significantly iron uptake suggesting a probable toxic effect of this extract. Histological studies confirmed the presence of cytotoxic signs as multinucleated giant cells and the disappearance of enterocyte border brush. With the aim of elucidating the mechanism of action of AEGTF, we are attempting to isolate the active principles present in this extract.

The present study was designed to compare the expression pattern of Dlx3 in four different mineralized tissues because of: 1-its role in skeleton patterning, 2-its expression in dental epithelium and mesenchyme during morphogenesis, 3-the membranous and endochondral bone and tooth phenotype of tricho-dento-osseous syndrome related to Dlx3 gene mutation and 4-recently emerging knowledge on Dlx family members in the bone field. Ameloblasts, odontoblasts, osteoblasts and chondrocytes were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Dlx3 transcripts were detected by RT-PCR in established model systems (microdissected dental epithelium and mesenchyme; primary cultures of rat chondrocytes), as recently performed in osteoblasts in vitro. A human 414-bp Dlx3 probe was generated. A 4.5-kb human Dlx3 sense RNA was identified in maxillo-facial samples by Northern blotting. Immunolabeling and in situ hybridization were performed in mice from Theiler stage E 14.5 until birth. In teeth, although Dlx3 was still expressed in differentiated ameloblasts, it was down regulated during odontoblast polarization. During endochondral bone formation, Dlx3 protein was detected in chondrocytes and was most strongly expressed in the prehypertrophic cartilage zone and in differentiating and differentiated osteoblasts of metaphyseal periosteum. In vitro, real-time PCR studies supported this upregulation in prehypertrophic chondrocytes, closely correlated with Ihh variations. In membranous bone, Dlx3 was present in preosteoblasts, osteoblasts and osteoid-osteocytes. The present data on Dlx3 and recently published functional studies show that this transcription factor may be instrumental during growth in the control of matrix deposition and biomineralization in the entire skeleton.

Msx1 plays a key role in early dental and cranio-facial patterning. A systematic screening of Msx1 transcripts during late postnatal stages of development evidenced not only sense mRNA but also antisense mRNA in the skeleton. Natural antisenses are able to bind their corresponding sense RNAs and block protein expression. Specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Northern-blotting using riboprobes and primer extension analysis allowed to identify and sequence a mouse 2184-base Msx1 antisense transcript. The transcription start site was located in a region including a consensus TATA box. In situ hybridization evidenced an increase in antisense mRNA expression during dental and bone cell differentiation in prenatal (Theiler stages E15.5-18.5) and newborn mice. This upregulation was related to Msx1 protein downregulation in cells expressing Msx1 sense mRNA. In vitro, transient Msx1 sense and antisense mRNA overexpression was performed in MO6-G3 cells, which pertain to the odontoblast lineage (polarization and dentin sialoprotein and phosphoprotein synthesis). The balance between antisense and sense Msx1 mRNAs appeared to control Msx1 protein levels. These data suggest that a bidirectional transcription of Msx1 homeogene may control Msx1 protein levels, and therefore may be critical in cell communication and differentiation during dental and cranio-facial development and mineralization.

Msx1 is a key factor for the development of tooth and craniofacial skeleton and has been proposed to play a pivotal role in terminal cell differentiation. In this paper, we demonstrated the presence of an endogenous Msx1 antisense RNA (Msx1-AS RNA) in mice, rats, and humans. In situ analysis revealed that this RNA is expressed only in differentiated dental and bone cells with an inverse correlation with Msx1 protein. These in vivo data and overexpression of Msx1 sense and AS RNA in an odontoblastic cell line (MO6-G3) showed that the balance between the levels of the two Msx1 RNAs is related to the expression of Msx1 protein. To analyze the impact of this balance in the Msx-Dlx homeoprotein pathway, we analyzed the effect of Msx1, Msx2, and Dlx5 overexpression on proteins involved in skeletal differentiation. We showed that the Msx1-AS RNA is involved in crosstalk between the Msx-Dlx pathways because its expression was abolished by Dlx5. Msx1 was shown to down-regulate a master gene of skeletal cells differentiation, Cbfa1. All these data strongly suggest that the ratio between Msx1 sense and antisense RNAs is a very important factor in the control of skeletal terminal differentiation. Finally, the initiation site for Msx1-AS RNA transcription was located by primer extension in both mouse and human in an identical region, including a consensus TATA box, suggesting an evolutionary conservation of the AS RNA-mediated regulation of Msx1 gene expression.