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14 pages, 265 KB  
Article
The 7-Repeat (7R) Variant of the DRD4 Gene and Ways of Coping with Stress in Medical Professionals—A Preliminary Study
by Katarzyna Bliźniewska-Kowalska, Piotr Gałecki, Piotr Czarny, Janusz Szemraj, Łukasz Kołodziej and Małgorzata Gałecka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178653 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1246
Abstract
How we deal with stress and certain traits of our personality can be influenced not only by psycho-social factors, but also by biological factors, including genetics. Research studies suggest that the long allele of the DRD4 gene (DRD4-7R) is associated with [...] Read more.
How we deal with stress and certain traits of our personality can be influenced not only by psycho-social factors, but also by biological factors, including genetics. Research studies suggest that the long allele of the DRD4 gene (DRD4-7R) is associated with novelty seeking and risk taking—features potentially important for healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the DRD4-7R polymorphism and its impact on propensity for risk taking and ways of coping with stress in medical professionals This preliminary study involved 82 volunteers from among active healthcare professionals, including 33 medical doctors (MDs). All participants were asked to fill out psychological questionnaires for assessment of their stress-coping strategies (Mini-COPE) and risk-taking propensity (IVE). A swab of the inside of the cheek was taken from the study participants to determine the polymorphism within the gene for the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4). In our study, medical doctors (MDs) tend to have the DRD4-7R allele more often than other medical professionals. Our study also indicates that DRD4-R7 allele carriers are significantly less likely to use stimulants and other substances to help themselves with stress coping and less likely to expect emotional support. The DRD4 gene polymorphism may be important for the development of specific personality traits and ways of coping with stress. However, further research with larger numbers of participants is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Genetic Research on Psychiatric Disorders)
21 pages, 3591 KB  
Article
Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition
by Maria Luisa Savo Sardaro, Veronika Grote, Jennifer Baik, Marco Atallah, Katherine Ryan Amato and Melinda Ring
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030458 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 29301
Abstract
Background: In recent years, juicing has often been promoted as a convenient way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, with juice-only diets marketed for digestive cleansing and overall health improvement. However, juicing removes most insoluble fiber, which may diminish the health benefits of [...] Read more.
Background: In recent years, juicing has often been promoted as a convenient way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, with juice-only diets marketed for digestive cleansing and overall health improvement. However, juicing removes most insoluble fiber, which may diminish the health benefits of whole fruits and vegetables. Lower fiber intake can alter the microbiota, affecting metabolism, immunity, and mental health, though little is known about juicing’s specific effects on the microbiota. This study addresses this gap by exploring how juicing impacts gut and oral microbiome composition in an intervention study. Methods: Fourteen participants followed one of three diets—exclusive juice, juice plus food, or plant-based food—for three days. Microbiota samples (stool, saliva, and inner cheek swabs) were collected at baseline, after a pre-intervention elimination diet, immediately after juice intervention, and 14 days after intervention. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze microbiota taxonomic composition. Results: The saliva microbiome differed significantly in response to the elimination diet (unweighted UniFrac: F = 1.72, R = 0.06, p < 0.005; weighted UniFrac: F = 7.62, R = 0.23, p-value = 0.0025) with a significant reduction in Firmicutes (p = 0.004) and a significant increase in Proteobacteria (p = 0.005). The juice intervention diets were also associated with changes in the saliva and cheek microbiota, particularly in the relative abundances of pro-inflammatory bacterial families, potentially due to the high sugar and low fiber intake of the juice-related products. Although no significant shifts in overall gut microbiota composition were observed, with either the elimination diet or the juice intervention diets, bacterial taxa associated with gut permeability, inflammation, and cognitive decline increased in relative abundance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term juice consumption may negatively affect the microbiota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Prebiotics and Probiotics)
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9 pages, 241 KB  
Article
The Effectiveness of Salivary Sampling for the Detection and Quantification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Periodontitis Patients
by Nabil Khzam, Omar Kujan, Dorte Haubek, Aysen Arslan, Anders Johansson, Jan Oscarsson, Zeinab Razooqi and Leticia Algarves Miranda
Pathogens 2024, 13(12), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13121073 - 7 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1171
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate using unstimulated saliva in detecting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and to compare the saliva and subgingival and mucosa membrane occurrence of this periodontal pathogen in patients diagnosed with advanced periodontitis. Patients with advanced forms of periodontitis (n = 220; [...] Read more.
The objective was to evaluate using unstimulated saliva in detecting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and to compare the saliva and subgingival and mucosa membrane occurrence of this periodontal pathogen in patients diagnosed with advanced periodontitis. Patients with advanced forms of periodontitis (n = 220; mean age: 54.03 ± 03 years) at stage III/IV were sampled. Unstimulated saliva, buccal cheek mucosa, and pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected. The identification of A. actinomycetemcomitans was performed using qPCR. A descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon test and analysis of variance were performed. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 28.18% of the subjects. A total of 660 samples were obtained, 220 from unstimulated saliva, 220 from buccal cheek mucosa surfaces, and 220 from pooled subgingival plaque samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 21.80% of unstimulated saliva, 19.50% of buccal cheek swabs, and 17.70% of subgingival samples. There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the unstimulated saliva samples and in the buccal cheek mucosa swab samples and pooled subgingival plaque samples (p < 0.001). These results suggest that in advanced periodontitis, unstimulated saliva is representative of pooled subgingival plaque/buccal cheek mucosa samples and its use is adequate in the oral detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans in a cohort of patients with stage III and IV periodontitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)
13 pages, 279 KB  
Article
Occurrence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Its JP2 Genotype in a Cohort of 220 Western Australians with Unstable Periodontitis
by Nabil Khzam, Omar Kujan, Dorte Haubek and Leticia Algarves Miranda
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2354; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112354 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
Aim: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the carrier rate of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its JP2 genotype in a cohort of 200 Western Australians diagnosed with periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 220 consecutive patients with [...] Read more.
Aim: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the carrier rate of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its JP2 genotype in a cohort of 200 Western Australians diagnosed with periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 220 consecutive patients with periodontitis, aged 18 years and older, were recruited to a specialist periodontal practice in Perth City. Every patient included in this study contributed three different intra-oral samples. Periodontal, radiographical, and microbiological assessments were performed. The samples were analysed using a polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its JP2 genotype using the primers and conditions described previously. A Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the results. Results: The prevalence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was 28.18%. The carrier rates of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the unstimulated saliva, cheek swabs, and pooled subgingival plaque samples were 21.80%, 19.50%, and 17.70%, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the severe form of periodontitis (stage IV, grade C) and younger age (p = 0.004), positive family history of periodontitis (p < 0.001), oral hygiene method (p < 0.001), and irregular dental visit attendance (p < 0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that having severe periodontitis risk increased almost three times in those who were young (OR: 2.812) and came from a family with a history of periodontal disease (OR: 3.194). However, the risk of severe periodontitis was five times higher in those patients with tooth loss due to periodontal disease (OR: 5.071). The highly leukotoxic JP2 genotype of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was not detected. Conclusions: This study of a Western Australian cohort confirmed the low presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and the complete absence of its JP2 genotype. Young age, family history of periodontal disease, lack of flossing, irregular dental visits, and tooth loss due to periodontitis were identified as potential risk factors for periodontitis stage IV, grade C in this cohort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Epidemiology of Clinical Microorganisms)
19 pages, 341 KB  
Article
Sex-Specific Associations between Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenols and Phthalates and Infant Epigenetic Age Acceleration
by Gillian England-Mason, Sarah M. Merrill, Jiaying Liu, Jonathan W. Martin, Amy M. MacDonald, David W. Kinniburgh, Nicole Gladish, Julia L. MacIsaac, Gerald F. Giesbrecht, Nicole Letourneau, Michael S. Kobor and Deborah Dewey
Epigenomes 2024, 8(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes8030031 - 10 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
We examined whether prenatal exposure to two classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was associated with infant epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), a DNA methylation biomarker of aging. Participants included 224 maternal–infant pairs from a Canadian pregnancy cohort study. Two bisphenols and 12 phthalate metabolites [...] Read more.
We examined whether prenatal exposure to two classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was associated with infant epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), a DNA methylation biomarker of aging. Participants included 224 maternal–infant pairs from a Canadian pregnancy cohort study. Two bisphenols and 12 phthalate metabolites were measured in maternal second trimester urines. Buccal epithelial cell cheek swabs were collected from 3 month old infants and DNA methylation was profiled using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. The Pediatric-Buccal-Epigenetic tool was used to estimate EAA. Sex-stratified robust regressions examined individual chemical associations with EAA, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) examined chemical mixture effects. Adjusted robust models showed that in female infants, prenatal exposure to total bisphenol A (BPA) was positively associated with EAA (B = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.21, 1.24), and multiple phthalate metabolites were inversely associated with EAA (Bs from −0.36 to −0.66, 95% CIs from −1.28 to −0.02). BKMR showed that prenatal BPA was the most important chemical in the mixture and was positively associated with EAA in both sexes. No overall chemical mixture effects or male-specific associations were noted. These findings indicate that prenatal EDC exposures are associated with sex-specific deviations in biological aging, which may have lasting implications for child health and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Epigenomes)
9 pages, 235 KB  
Article
Leptin and Leptin Receptor Polymorphisms in Infants and Their Parents: Correlation with Preterm Birth
by Francesco Savino, Allegra Sardo, Stefano Gambarino, Maddalena Dini, Anna Clemente, Anna Pau, Ilaria Galliano and Massimiliano Bergallo
Genes 2024, 15(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15010139 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2339
Abstract
It has been proven that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LEP and LEPR genes could predispose individuals to an increased risk of pregnancy adverse outcomes (PAOs) such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and pre-eclampsia. Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant mortality. [...] Read more.
It has been proven that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LEP and LEPR genes could predispose individuals to an increased risk of pregnancy adverse outcomes (PAOs) such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and pre-eclampsia. Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant mortality. We decided to investigate the correlation between PTB and LEP and LEPR SNPs. The study cohort included families who underwent spontaneous PTB and control samples of families who had at-term-born (≥37 weeks of gestational age) children. Swabs were performed by rubbing the sticky end for about 30 s on the gum and on the inside of the cheek, allowing us to collect the flaking cells of the oral mucosa. Genotyping of the three SNPs—LEPRA668G, LEPG2548A and A19G—was carried out via an ARMS-MAMA real-time PCR procedure, as previously described. Regarding LEPG2548A, we found that the most expressed genotype in infants both in the preterm and the at-term group was AG; however, we did not discover any statistically significant difference (p = 0.97). Considering LEPA19G, none among the infants and parents were found to carry the AA genotype. No statistically significant differences were found between children, mothers and fathers belonging to preterm and at-term groups. We did not find a statistically significant association in newborns and their mother, but our results show a statistical correlation with the LEPRA668G genotype GG of the father. This fact can contribute to defining genetic risk factors for PTB. Further studies are certainly needed to better clarify the role of genetics in influencing preterm delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)
10 pages, 1307 KB  
Case Report
Case Report of a DDX41 Germline Mutation in a Family with Multiple Relatives Suffering from Leukemia
by Jan Nicolai Wagner, Maximilian Al-Bazaz, Anika Forstreuter, Mohammad Ibrahim Hammada, Jurek Hille, Dzhoy Papingi, Carsten Bokemeyer and Walter Fiedler
Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010064 - 27 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2778
Abstract
Introduction: Previously, it was assumed that genetic influence played a minor role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Increasing evidence of germline mutations has emerged, such as DDX41 germline mutation associated with familial AML. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male patient presented with reduced exercise [...] Read more.
Introduction: Previously, it was assumed that genetic influence played a minor role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Increasing evidence of germline mutations has emerged, such as DDX41 germline mutation associated with familial AML. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male patient presented with reduced exercise tolerance and shortness of breath. Following confirmation of AML diagnosis, the patient was enrolled into the AMLSG-30-18 study with a requirement for allogenic stem cell transplantation. The sister was initially selected as a fully HLA-matched donor. However, the family history showed risks for familial AML. Due to the striking family history, further diagnostic steps were initiated to detect a germline mutation. Methods: Using NGS in the patients’ bone marrow AML sample, a DDX41 mutation with a VAF of 49% was detected, raising the possibility of a germline mutation. DNA from cheek swabs and eyebrows were tested for the presence of the DDX41 mutation in all siblings. Results: DDX41 germline mutation was detected in 5 out of 6 siblings. The sister was excluded as a related donor and the search for an unrelated donor was initiated. Conclusion: Obtaining family history of cancer patients plays a crucial role in oncology. If a germline mutation is suspected, further family work-up should be initiated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
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12 pages, 2399 KB  
Article
Microbiological Characteristics and Surgical Management of Animal-Bite-Related Oral & Maxillofacial Injuries: A Single Center’s Experience
by Johannes Spille, Juliane Schulz, Dorothee Cäcilia Spille, Hendrik Naujokat, Henning Wieker, Jörg Wiltfang and Aydin Gülses
Antibiotics 2021, 10(8), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10080998 - 18 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4199
Abstract
The objective of the current study is to retrospectively evaluate animal-bite injuries and to gain insight into the epidemiology, accident consequences and treatment concept of these accidents in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Data of patients, who were admitted January 2015 and April 2021, [...] Read more.
The objective of the current study is to retrospectively evaluate animal-bite injuries and to gain insight into the epidemiology, accident consequences and treatment concept of these accidents in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Data of patients, who were admitted January 2015 and April 2021, were retrospectively evaluated regarding the patients’ characteristics (age, gender), facial distribution of substance defects/partial amputations, duration of hospitalization, operation treatments and antibiotic treatments. Data of 75 patients were included. Patients were bitten by dogs (n = 69.92%), cats (n = 4) and horses (n = 2). Lower eyelid/cheek complex was the most affected region (n = 37, 32.74%). Most of the patients between 0 and 3 years had to be operated on under general anesthesia (p = 0.011), while most of the adults could be operated on under local anesthesia (p = 0.007). In the age group 0–12 years, 30 patients (68%) were operated on under general anesthesia. Ampicillin/Sulbactam (48%) was the antibiotic most used. Antibiotics were adjusted after wound swabs in case of wound infections or critical wound conditions. This means that resistant antibiotics were stopped, and sensitive antibiotics were used. Structured surgical and antibiotic management of animal-bite wounds in the maxillofacial region is the most important factor for medical care to avoid long-term aesthetic consequences. Public health actions and policies under the leadership of an interdisciplinary committee could improve primary wound management, healing outcome and information status in the general population. Full article
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14 pages, 1717 KB  
Article
Pedigree and Molecular Analyses in the Assessment of Genetic Variability of the Polish Greyhound
by Małgorzata Goleman, Ireneusz Balicki, Anna Radko, Iwona Rozempolska-Rucińska and Grzegorz Zięba
Animals 2021, 11(2), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020353 - 31 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4284
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the genetic variability of the Polish Greyhound population based on pedigree analysis and molecular DNA testing and to determine the degree of relatedness among individuals in the population. Pedigree data of 912 Polish Greyhounds recorded [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to assess the genetic variability of the Polish Greyhound population based on pedigree analysis and molecular DNA testing and to determine the degree of relatedness among individuals in the population. Pedigree data of 912 Polish Greyhounds recorded in pedigree books since they were opened for this breed were analyzed. For molecular testing, DNA was obtained from cheek swabs taken from 235 dogs of the tested breed. A panel of 21 markers (Short Tandem Repeat—STR) was used. The mean inbreeding determined for the Polish Greyhound population based on pedigree analyses was low and amounted to 11.8%, but as many as 872 individuals of the 912 dogs in the studied population were inbred. A total of 83 founders (at least one unknown parent) were identified, among which 27 founders had both unknown parents. Full-sibling groups consisted of 130 individuals, with a minimum and maximum litter size of 2 and 16, respectively. The average litter size was 5.969. Gene diversity calculated based on the mean kinship matrix was 0.862 and the population mean kinship was 0.138. The founder genome equivalent based on the mean kinship matrix was 3.61; the founder genome surviving level was 12.34; the mean Ne was estimated at 21.76; and the Ne/N ratio was 0.135. The FIS inbreeding coefficient for 21 STR was negative, and the mean FIS value for all loci had a low negative value (−0.018). These values suggest a low level of inbreeding in the examined breed as well as the avoidance of mating related animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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17 pages, 1521 KB  
Article
Diet Influences the Oral Microbiota of Infants during the First Six Months of Life
by Patrícia M. Oba, Hannah D. Holscher, Rose Ann Mathai, Juhee Kim and Kelly S. Swanson
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3400; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113400 - 5 Nov 2020
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4573
Abstract
Background: Oral microorganisms contribute to oral health and disease, but few have studied how infant feeding methods affect their establishment. Methods: Infant (n = 12) feeding records and tongue and cheek swabs were collected within 48 h of birth, and [...] Read more.
Background: Oral microorganisms contribute to oral health and disease, but few have studied how infant feeding methods affect their establishment. Methods: Infant (n = 12) feeding records and tongue and cheek swabs were collected within 48 h of birth, and after 2, 4, and 6 mo. DNA was extracted from samples, bacterial and fungal amplicons were generated and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq, and sequences were analyzed using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) and Statistical Analysis System (SAS) to evaluate differences over time and among breast-fed, formula-fed, mixed-fed, and solid food-fed infants. Results: Considering all time points, breast milk- and mixed-fed infants had lower oral species richness than solid food-fed infants (p = 0.006). Regardless of feeding mode, species richness was lower at birth than at other time points (p = 0.006). Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of unique fraction metric (UniFrac) distances indicated that bacterial communities were impacted by feeding method (p < 0.005). Considering all time points, breast-fed infants had higher Streptococcus, while formula-fed infants had higher Actinomyces and Prevotella. Regardless of feeding mode, Propionibacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Gemella, Granulicatella, Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, Neisseria, and Haemophilus increased with age, while Cloacibacterium and Dechloromonas decreased with age. Oral fungi were detected in infants but were not impacted by diet. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the establishment of oral bacteria depends on dietary composition and age. More research is necessary to determine whether this affects risk of oral caries and other health outcomes later in life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Prebiotics and Probiotics)
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12 pages, 954 KB  
Article
Effects of Fermented Oils on Alpha-Biodiversity and Relative Abundance of Cheek Resident Skin Microbiota
by Tiziana Ciardiello, Daniela Pinto, Laura Marotta, Giammaria Giuliani and Fabio Rinaldi
Cosmetics 2020, 7(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics7020034 - 13 May 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8930
Abstract
The skin microbiome is in a very close mutualistic relationship with skin cells, influencing their physiology and immunology and participating in many dermatological conditions. Today, there is much interest in cosmetic ingredients that may promote a healthy microbiome, especially postbiotics, mainly derived from [...] Read more.
The skin microbiome is in a very close mutualistic relationship with skin cells, influencing their physiology and immunology and participating in many dermatological conditions. Today, there is much interest in cosmetic ingredients that may promote a healthy microbiome, especially postbiotics, mainly derived from fermented products. In the present work, we studied the effects on skin microbiota of new patented natural oils obtained by unique fermentation technology in vivo. Three fermented oils were evaluated: F-Shiunko (FS), F-Artemisia® (FA) and F-Glycyrrhiza® (FG). The active components were included as single active component or in combination (FSAG) in an emulsion system. A total of 20 healthy women were recruited, and skin microbiota from cheek were analyzed by mean of swab sampling at T0 and T1 (after 4 weeks of a one-day treatment). 16S sequencing revealed that the treatment with fermented oils improved microbiome composition and alpha-diversity. It was shown that higher biodiversity reflects in a healthier microbial ecosystem since microbial diversity decreases in the presence of a disease or due to aging. The treatment also resulted in a more “beneficial” and “younger” microbial community since a significant decrease in Proteobacteria and the increase in Staphylococcus were reported after the treatment with fermented oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Cosmetics in 2020)
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18 pages, 9079 KB  
Article
Rapidly-Dissolving Silver-Containing Bioactive Glasses for Cariostatic Applications
by Omar Rodriguez, Adel Alhalawani, Saad Arshad and Mark R. Towler
J. Funct. Biomater. 2018, 9(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb9020028 - 11 Apr 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7034
Abstract
A novel bioactive glass series containing incremental amounts of silver oxide was synthesized, ground down, and subsequently incorporated into a dentifrice for the purpose of reducing the incidence of dental caries and lesion formation. Three glasses were synthesized using the melt quench route: [...] Read more.
A novel bioactive glass series containing incremental amounts of silver oxide was synthesized, ground down, and subsequently incorporated into a dentifrice for the purpose of reducing the incidence of dental caries and lesion formation. Three glasses were synthesized using the melt quench route: Si-Control (70SiO2–12CaO–3P2O5–15Na2O, mol %), Si-02 and Si-05, where 0.2 and 0.5 mol % Ag2O were substituted, respectively, for SiO2 in Si-Control. The glasses were then ground, sieved, characterized, and dissolved in Tris buffer solution (pH = 7.30) for 6, 12, and 24 h, with the pH of the resultant solution being recorded and the ions that were released into solution quantified. Samples of each glass were subsequently embedded into a non-fluoridated, commercially available toothpaste which was then used to brush resin-mounted lamb molars which, up to the point of testing, had been stored in a 1.0 M HCl solution. Knoop microhardness measurements of the molars were recorded before and after brushing to determine the presence of remineralization on the surface of the teeth (surface hardness loss of 37%, 35%, and 34% for Si-Control, Si-02 and Si-05, respectively, after 24 h). Four oral cavity bacterial strains were isolated through swabs of the inner cheek, gums, and teeth surfaces of three volunteers, and placed on agar discs. Of each glass, 0.5 g was placed onto the discs, and the resultant inhibition zones were measured after 6, 12, and 24 h. Si-05 performed better than Si-02 on two strains after 24 h, while exhibiting similar behavior for the remaining two strains after 24 h; the largest inhibition zone measured was 2.8 mm, for Si-05 after 12 h. Si-Control exhibited no antibacterial effect at any time point, providing evidence for the role of silver oxide as the antibacterial component of these glasses. Full article
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12 pages, 217 KB  
Article
The Role of Vitamin D Level and Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Crohn’s Disease
by Andre Y. O. M. Carvalho, Karen S. Bishop, Dug Yeo Han, Stephanie Ellett, Amalini Jesuthasan, Wen J. Lam and Lynnette R. Ferguson
Nutrients 2013, 5(10), 3898-3909; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5103898 - 27 Sep 2013
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 16447
Abstract
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s Disease (CD) in the world, and there is much speculation as to why this might be. A high risk of CD has been associated with deficient or insufficient levels of Vitamin D (Vit [...] Read more.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s Disease (CD) in the world, and there is much speculation as to why this might be. A high risk of CD has been associated with deficient or insufficient levels of Vitamin D (Vit D), lifestyle as well as various genetic polymorphisms. In this study we sought to analyse the relevance of serum Vit D levels, lifestyle and genotype to CD status. Serum samples were analysed for 25-OH-Vitamin D levels. DNA was isolated from blood and cheek-swabs, and Sequenom and ImmunoChip techniques were used for genotyping. Serum Vit D levels were significantly lower in CD patients (mean = 49.5 mg/L) than those found in controls (mean = 58.9 mg/L, p = 4.74 × 10−6). A total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were examined for effects on serum Vit D levels, with adjustment for confounding variables. Two variants: rs731236[A] (VDR) and rs732594[A] (SCUBE3) showed a significant association with serum Vit D levels in CD patients. Four variants: rs7975232[A] (VDR), rs732594[A] (SCUBE3), and rs2980[T] and rs2981[A] (PHF-11) showed a significant association with serum Vit D levels in the control group. This study demonstrates a significant interaction between Vit D levels and CD susceptibility, as well as a significant association between Vit D levels and genotype. Full article
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