Unraveling brain aging through the lens of oral microbiota

The oral cavity is a complex physiological community encompassing a wide range of microorganisms.Dysbiosis of oral microbiota can lead to various oral infectious diseases,such as periodontitis and tooth decay,and even affect systemic health,including brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.Recent studies have highlighted how oral microbes might be involved in brain aging and neurodegeneration,indicating potential avenues for intervention strategies.In this review,we summarize clinical evidence demonstrating a link between oral microbes/oral infectious diseases and brain aging/neurodegenerative diseases,and dissect potential mechanisms by which oral microbes contribute to brain aging and neurodegeneration.We also highlight advances in therapeutic development grounded in the realm of oral microbes,with the goal of advancing brain health and promoting healthy aging.

Link between caries,periodontitis,and pregnancy:The role of personalized oral hygiene

Optimal health during pregnancy is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the mother and the developing fetus.This article is focused on the impact of oral health and the role of personalized oral hygiene management in addressing prevalent dental issues among pregnant women,with particular emphasis on periodontal disease and dental caries.Despite the high prevalence of these dental problems and their association with obstetric complications such as pre-term birth and low birth weight,many pregnant women do not receive adequate dental care.This gap in care is often due to misconceptions about the safety of dental treat-ments during pregnancy and lack of awareness on the part of healthcare profes-sionals.Appreciations of the impacts of oral health and personalization of oral hygiene strategies such as tailored education and support,have proven effective in improving oral health in this population.Significant reductions in the incidence of caries and periodontal disease may be achieved by adapting care to the specific needs of each patient,thereby enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes.Integration of personalized oral hygiene management into maternal health pro-grams and enhancement of ongoing education for pregnant women and healthcare professionals are essential steps in the reduction of pregnancy-related risks and improvement of maternal and neonatal well-being.Core Tip:In this article,we reviewed a recent study on the effects of personalized oral hygiene management on the oral health of pregnant women,as discussed in the article by Men et al.The study demonstrated that personalized oral hygiene interventions significantly improved oral health outcomes during pregnancy by reducing the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease.We emphasized the importance of individualized oral care programs that integrate education and tailored support,and we highlighted their significance in enhancing maternal and fetal health.This approach underscores the need for incorporating personalized oral hygiene management into routine prenatal care in order to optimize health outcomes.CONCLUSION This article emphasizes the critical role of personalized oral hygiene management in improving oral health during pregnancy.By tailoring oral care strategies to individual needs,significant improvements in dental health may be achieved,as evidenced by the reduced CAT scores observed in the experimental group in the study by Men et al[25].This personalized approach not only addresses common oral issues such as dental caries and periodontal disease but also underscores the broader implications for maternal and fetal health.Despite the positive results,there remains a gap in consistency in the application of oral health practices during pregnancy,partly due to misconceptions and lack of awareness among patients and healthcare providers.Future research should aim at validating these findings across diverse populations,investigating the impact of oral hygiene interventions at various stages of pregnancy,and evaluating their long-term effects on maternal and fetal health.Integrating personalized oral hygiene management into maternal health programs and promoting continuous education for pregnant women and healthcare professionals are essential steps toward enhancing overall health outcomes.By proactively managing oral health,the risks associated with pregnancy may be reduced while improving maternal and neonatal well-being.

Tongluo Jiedu as an adjuvant therapy for oral cancer

Oral cancer is one of the malignant neoplasms that present major global health challenge.It is the sixth most prevalent type of cancer in the world,with a high incidence and mortality rate.This letter is a review of the study by Yin et al which was published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases(2024).The study evaluated the effect of Tongluo Jiedu as an adjuvant treatment for oral cancer.Over the years,there has been a continuous search for effective and less invasive treatments for oral cancer.This article emphasizes and discusses various therapeutic options currently available,and it highlights that early intervention and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving outcomes.Traditional Chinese medicine,particularly Tongluo Jiedu,presents potential complementary approach to co-nventional oral cancer therapies.Future research on Tongluo Jiedu should be focused on validation of its efficacy and safety through large,well-designed clinical trials,as well as better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in-volved,and optimization of therapeutic combinations.Additionally,continuous education of health professionals is key to the effective and safe integration of this traditional medicine into clinical practice.Continuous research is essential for optimization of therapeutic strategies and for addressing the challenges presented by this neoplasm.

Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and 13 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and their role in predicting lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND One of the main characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is that it metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes frequently with a high degree of local invasiveness.A primary feature of malignant tumors is their penetration of neighboring tissues,such as lymphatic and blood arteries,due to the tumor cells'capacity to break down the extracellular matrix(ECM).Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)constitute a family of proteolytic enzymes that facilitate tissue remo-deling and the degradation of the ECM.MMP-9 and MMP-13 belong to the group of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their expression has been studied in OSCC because of their specific functions.MMP-13,a collagenase family member,is thought to play an essential role in the MMP activation cascade by breaking down the fibrillar collagens,whereas MMP-9 is thought to accelerate the growth of tumors.Elevated MMP-13 expression has been associated with tumor behavior and patient prognosis in a number of malignant cases.The authors wish to thank Jadhav KB for his valuable opinion during the preparation of the manuscript.

Efficacy of graphene nanocomposites for air disinfection in dental clinics: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND Aerosols containing disease-causing microorganisms are produced during oral diagnosis and treatment can cause secondary contamination.AIM To investigate the use of graphene material for air disinfection in dental clinics by leveraging its adsorption and antibacterial properties.METHODS Patients who received ultrasonic cleaning at our hospital from April 2023 to April 2024.They were randomly assigned to three groups(n=20 each):Graphene nanocomposite material suction group(Group A),ordinary filter suction group(Group B),and no air suction device group(Group C).The air quality and air colony count in the clinic rooms were assessed before,during,and after the procedure.Additionally,bacterial colony counts were obtained from the air outlets of the suction devices and the filter screens in Groups A and B.RESULTS Before ultrasonic cleaning,no significant differences in air quality PM2.5 and colony counts were observed among the three groups.However,significant differences in air quality PM2.5 and colony counts were noted among the three groups during ultrasonic cleaning and after ultrasonic treatment.Additionally,the number of colonies on the exhaust port of the suction device and the surface of the filter were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B(P=0.000 and P=0.000,respectively).CONCLUSION Graphene nanocomposites can effectively sterilize the air in dental clinics by exerting their antimicrobial effects and may be used to reduce secondary pollution.

Effects of Tongluo Jiedu prescription on immune function and oxidative stress in patients with oral cancer

BACKGROUND Oral cancer,which is caused by mucous membrane variation,represents a prevalent malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region,posing a significant threat to patients’lives and safety.While surgical intervention stands as a cornerstone treatment for oral cancer patients,it carries the risk of incomplete treatment or high rates of postoperative recurrence.Hence,a multifaceted approach incorporating diverse treatment modalities is essential to enhance patient prognosis.AIM To analyze the application effect of Tongluo Jiedu prescription as adjuvant therapy and its influence on patient prognosis in patients with oral cancer.METHODS Eighty oral cancer patients in our hospital were selected and divided into the observation group and control group by a random number table.The control group was treated with continuous arterial infusion chemotherapy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.The observation group was additionally given Tongluo Jiadu prescription.The inflammatory stress level,peripheral blood T-cell subsets,and immune function of the two groups were subsequently observed.SPSS 21.0 was used for data analysis.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated lower levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein,and a higher level of tumor necrosis factor in comparison to the control group.After treatment,the immune function in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group.CONCLUSION Tongluo Jiedu prescription can improve the immune function and oxidative stress level of patients with oral cancer and accelerate the recovery process.

Investigation on taste characteristics and sensory perception of soft-boiled chicken during oral processing based on electronic tongue and electronic nose

The sensory perception of food is a dynamic process,which is closely related to the release of flavor substances during oral processing.It’s not only affected by the food material,but also subjected to the individual oral environment.To explore the oral processing characteristics of soft-boiled chicken,the sensory properties,texture,particle size,viscosity,characteristic values of electronic nose and tongue of different chicken samples were investigated.The correlation analysis showed that the physical characteristics especially the cohesiveness,springiness,resilience of the sample determined oral processing behavior.The addition of chicken skin played a role in lubrication during oral processing.The particle size of the bolus was heightened at the early stage,and the fluidity was enhanced in the end,which reduced the chewing time to the swallowing point and raised the aromatic compounds signal of electronic nose.But the effect of chicken skin on chicken thigh with relatively high fat content,was opposite in electronic nose,which had a certain masking effect on the perception of umami and sweet taste.In conclusion,fat played a critical role in chicken oral processing and chicken thigh had obvious advantages in comprehensive evaluation of soft-boiled chicken,which was more popular among people.

Effects of personalized oral hygiene management on oral health status of pregnant women

BACKGROUND The Cariostat caries activity test(CAT)was used to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized oral hygiene management combining oral health education and professional mechanical tooth cleaning on the oral health status of pregnant women.AIM To investigate whether personalized oral hygiene management enhances the oral health status of pregnant women.METHODS A total of 114 pregnant women who were examined at Dalian Women’s and Children’s Medical Center were divided into four groups:High-risk experimental group(n=29;CAT score≥2;received personalized oral hygiene management training),low-risk experimental group(n=29;CAT score≤1;received oral health education),high-risk control group(n=28;CAT score≥2),and low-risk control group(n=28;CAT score≤1).No hygiene intervention was provided to control groups.CAT scores at different times were compared using independent samples t-test and least significant difference t-test.RESULTS No significant difference in baseline CAT scores was observed between the experimental and control groups,either in the high-risk or low-risk groups.CAT scores were reduced significantly after 3(1.74±0.47 vs 2.50±0.38,P<0.0001)and 6 months(0.53±0.50 vs 2.45±0.42,P<0.0001)of personalized oral hygiene management intervention but not after oral health education alone(0.43±0.39 vs 0.46±0.33,P>0.05 and 0.45±0.36 vs 0.57±0.32,P>0.05,respectively).Within groups,the decrease in CAT scores was significant(2.43±0.44 vs 1.74±0.47 vs 0.53±0.50,P<0.0001)for only the high-risk experimental group.CONCLUSION Personalized oral hygiene management is effective in improving the oral health of pregnant women and can improve pregnancy outcomes and the oral health of the general population.

Multivariate analysis of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic treatment

BACKGROUND Orthodontic treatment can easily cause local soft tissue reactions in the oral cavity of patients under mechanical stress,leading to oral mucosal ulcers and affecting their quality of life.At present,only limited literature has explored the factors leading to oral ulcers in orthodontic treatment,and these research results are still controversial.AIM To investigate the current status and related factors of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic treatment,aiming to provide a valuable reference for preventing this disease in clinical practice.METHODS A total of 587 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment at the Peking University School of Stomatology and Hospital of Stomatology between 2020 and 2022 were selected and allocated to an observation or control group according to the incidence of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic therapy.A questionnaire survey was constructed to collect patient data,including basic information,lifestyle and eating habits,treatment details,mental factors,and trace element levels,and a comparative analysis of this data was performed between the two groups.RESULTS A logistic regression model with oral ulcers as the dependent variable was established.The regression results showed that age(≥60 years:odds ratio[OR]:6.820;95%confidence interval[CI]:2.226–20.893),smoking history(smoking:OR:4.434;95%CI:2.527–7.782),toothbrush hardness(hard:OR:2.804;95%CI:1.746–4.505),dietary temperature(hot diet:OR:1.399;95%CI:1.220–1.722),treatment course(>1 year:OR:3.830;95%CI:2.203–6.659),and tooth brushing frequency(>1 time per day:OR:0.228;95%CI:0.138–0.377)were independent factors for oral mucosal ulcers(P<0.05).Furthermore,Zn level(OR:0.945;95%CI:0.927–0.964)was a protective factor against oral ulcers,while the SAS(OR:1.284;95%CI:1.197–1.378)and SDS(OR:1.322;95%CI:1.231–1.419)scores were risk factors.CONCLUSION Age≥60 years,smoking history,hard toothbrush,hot diet,treatment course for>1 year,tooth brushing frequency of≤1 time per day,and mental anxiety are independent risk factors for oral mucosal ulcers.Therefore,these factors should receive clinical attention and be incorporated into the development and optimization of preventive strategies for reducing oral ulcer incidence.

Multifunctional role of oral bacteria in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders of varying severity,ultimately leading to fibrosis.This spectrum primarily consists of NAFL and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is closely associated with disturbances in the gut micr-obiota and impairment of the intestinal barrier.Non-gut commensal flora,particularly bacteria,play a pivotal role in the progression of NAFLD.Notably,Porphyromonas gingivalis,a principal bacterium involved in periodontitis,is known to facilitate lipid accumulation,augment immune responses,and induce insulin resistance,thereby exacerbating fibrosis in cases of periodontitis-associated NAFLD.The influence of oral microbiota on NAFLD via the“oral-gut-liver”axis is gaining recognition,offering a novel perspective for NAFLD management through microbial imbalance correction.This review endeavors to encapsulate the intricate roles of oral bacteria in NAFLD and explore underlying mechanisms,emphasizing microbial control strategies as a viable therapeutic avenue for NAFLD.

临床药师参与1例心力衰竭、心肌梗死合并房颤患者的药物治疗

目的梳理复杂治疗方案后的抗栓方案,重整抗栓药物和疗程,纠正不合理用药,促进合理用药。方法临床药师介入1例心力衰竭、多次因心肌梗死植入多枚支架,合并房颤,行射频消融和左心耳封堵患者的药物治疗,重整抗栓药物方案,并全程监控治疗药物,就不合理用药提出警示。结果患者明显好转,住院及出院随访期间未发生不良事件。结论临床药师的参与有助于精细化管理患者的药物治疗方案,并及时纠正不合理用药,更好的为患者服务。

一种双层多糖水凝胶用于增强益生菌肠道靶向口服递送

Transplantation of probiotics to the intestine can positively regulate the gut microbiota,thereby promoting the immune system and treating various diseases.However,the harsh gastrointestinal environment and short retention time in the gastrointestinal tract significantly limit the bioavailability and intestinal colonization of probiotics.Herein,we present a double-layer polysaccharide hydrogel(DPH)in the form of a double-layer structure composed of a carboxymethyl cellulose(CMCL)supramolecular inner layer and a dialdehyde alginate(DAA)cross-linked carboxymethyl chitosan(CMCS)outer layer.This doublelayer structure allows DPH to encapsulate and deliver probiotics in a targeted manner within the body.In the stomach,the cage structure of the DPH is closed,and the outer layer absorbs surrounding liquids to form a barrier to protect the probiotics from gastric fluids.In the intestine,the cage structure opens and disintegrates,releasing the probiotics.Thus,DPH endows probiotics with excellent intestine-targeted delivery,improved oral bioavailability,enhanced gastrointestinal tract tolerance,and robust mucoadhesion capacity.The encapsulated probiotics exhibit almost unchanged bioactivity in the gastrointestinal tract before release,as well as improved oral delivery.In particular,probiotics encapsulated by DPH exhibit 100.1 times higher bioavailability and 10.6 times higher mucoadhesion than free probiotics in an animal model 48 h post-treatment.In addition,with a remarkable ability to survive and be retained in the intestine,probiotics encapsulated by DPH show excellent in vitro and in vivo competition with pathogens.Notably,DAA-mediated dynamic crosslinking not only maintains the overall integrity of the hydrogels but also controls the release timing of the probiotics.Thus,it is expected that encapsulated substances(probiotics,proteins,etc.)can be delivered to specific sites of the intestinal tract by means of DPH,by controlling the dynamic covalent crosslinking.

Electrostatic spraying for fine-tuning particle dimensions to enhance oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

While spray-drying has been widely utilized to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs,the outcomes often exhibit suboptimal particle size distribution and large particle sizes,limiting their effectiveness.In this study,we introduce electrostatic spraying as an advanced technology tailored for poorly water-soluble drugs,enabling the fabrication of nanoparticles with fine and uniform particle size distribution.Regorafenib(1 g),as a model drug,copovidone(5 g),and sodium dodecyl sulfate(0.1 g)were dissolved in 200 ml ethanol and subjected to conventional-spray-dryer and electrostatic spray dryer.The electrostatic spray-dried nanoparticles(ESDN)showed smaller particle sizes with better uniformity compared to conventional spray-dried nanoparticles(CSDN).ESDN demonstrated significantly enhanced solubility and rapid release in water.In vitro studies revealed that ESDN induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells to a greater extent,exhibiting superior cytotoxicity compared to CSDN.Furthermore,ESDN substantially improved oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy compared to CSDN.These findings suggest that ESD shows potential in developing enhanced drug delivery systems for poorly water-soluble drugs,effectively addressing the limitations associated with CSD methods.

Impact of phytoconstituents on oral health practices:a post COVID-19 observation

Appropriate oral hygiene significantly reduces the possibility of oral infections.However,dental caries and periodontal diseases are major oral health issues causing chronic diseases due to poor oral health.Recently,herbal compounds have gained interest in maintaining oral health.Extracts of burdock root(Arctium),noni fruit(Morinda citrifolia),and neem leaf(Azadirachta indica)are now used as intracanal medicaments in endodontics and periodontics.Plectranthus amboinicus species and other plants produces essential oil likeβ-caryophyllene,p-cymene,andγ-terpinene can exhibit antibacterial activity;highlighting phytoconstituents plays a vital role in oral health.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitization,to curb SARS-CoV-2.Oral cavity is among the gateways for virus entry into saliva.Saliva is a potential reservoir of SARS-CoV-2,and there is an increased risk of infection if there is any fissure in the mouth.This enables entry of virus into the vascular system through gingival or periodontal pocket,possibly reaching lung periphery then to lung vessels by interacting with endothelial surface receptors triggering pulmonary vasoconstriction and lung damage due to endothelial dysfunction.This review aims to draw attention to the possible route of SARS-CoV-2 infection via the oral cavity and the importance of oral hygiene against COVID-19.

Omics for deciphering oral microecology

The human oral microbiome harbors one of the most diverse microbial communities in the human body,playing critical roles in oral and systemic health.Recent technological innovations are propelling the characterization and manipulation of oral microbiota.High-throughput sequencing enables comprehensive taxonomic and functional profiling of oral microbiomes.New long-read platforms improve genome assembly from complex samples.Single-cell genomics provides insights into uncultured taxa.Advanced imaging modalities including fluorescence,mass spectrometry,and Raman spectroscopy have enabled the visualization of the spatial organization and interactions of oral microbes with increasing resolution.Fluorescence techniques link phylogenetic identity with localization.Mass spectrometry imaging reveals metabolic niches and activities while Raman spectroscopy generates rapid biomolecular fingerprints for classification.Culturomics facilitates the isolation and cultivation of novel fastidious oral taxa using high-throughput approaches.Ongoing integration of these technologies holds the promise of transforming our understanding of oral microbiome assembly,gene expression,metabolites,microenvironments,virulence mechanisms,and microbe-host interfaces in the context of health and disease.However,significant knowledge gaps persist regarding community origins,developmental trajectories,homeostasis versus dysbiosis triggers,functional biomarkers,and strategies to deliberately reshape the oral microbiome for therapeutic benefit.The convergence of sequencing,imaging,cultureomics,synthetic systems,and biomimetic models will provide unprecedented insights into the oral microbiome and offer opportunities to predict,prevent,diagnose,and treat associated oral diseases.

Efficacy of ginseng-based Renshenguben oral solution for cancer-related fatigue among patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma:A prospective multicenter cohort study

Background:Cancer-related fatigue(CRF)is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by patients with advanced-stage cancer,especially those undergoing antitumor therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Renshenguben(RSGB)oral solution,a ginseng-based traditional Chinese medicine,in alleviating CRF in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)receiving antitumor treatment.Methods:In this prospective,open-label,controlled,multicenter study,patients with advanced HCC at BCLC stage C and a brief fatigue inventory(BFI)score of≥4 were enrolled.Participants were assigned to the RSGB group(RSGB,10 mL twice daily)or the control group(with supportive care).Primary and secondary endpoints were the change in multidimensional fatigue inventory(MFI)score,and BFI and functional assessment of cancer therapy-hepatobiliary(FACT-Hep)scores at weeks 4 and 8 after enrollment.Adverse events(AEs)and toxicities were assessed.Results:A total of 409 participants were enrolled,with 206 assigned to the RSGB group.At week 4,there was a trend towards improvement,but the differences were not statistically significant.At week 8,the RSGB group exhibited a significantly lower MFI score(P<0.05)compared to the control group,indicating improved fatigue levels.Additionally,the RSGB group showed significantly greater decrease in BFI and FACT-Hep scores at week 8(P<0.05).Subgroup analyses among patients receiving various antitumor treatments showed similar results.Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that the RSGB group experienced a significantly substantial decrease in MFI,BFI,and FACT-Hep scores at week 8.No serious drug-related AEs or toxicities were observed.Conclusions:RSGB oral solution effectively reduced CRF in patients with advanced HCC undergoing antitumor therapy over an eight-week period,with no discernible toxicities.These findings support the potential of RSGB oral solution as an adjunctive treatment for managing CRF in this patient population.

Genomic alterations in oral multiple primary cancers

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant type of oral cancer, while some patients may develop oral multiple primary cancers (MPCs) with unclear etiology. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and genomic alterations of oral MPCs. Clinicopathological data from patients with oral single primary carcinoma (SPC, n=202) and oral MPCs (n=34) were collected and compared. Copy number alteration (CNA) analysis was conducted to identify chromosomal-instability differences among oral MPCs, recurrent OSCC cases, and OSCC patients with lymph node metastasis. Whole-exome sequencing was employed to identify potential unique gene mutations in oral MPCs patients. Additionally, CNA and phylogenetic tree analyses were used to gain preliminary insights into the molecular characteristics of different primary tumors within individual patients. Our findings revealed that, in contrast to oral SPC, females predominated the oral MPCs (70.59%), while smoking and alcohol use were not frequent in MPCs.Moreover, long-term survival outcomes were poorer in oral MPCs. From a CNA perspective, no significant differences were observed between oral MPCs patients and those with recurrence and lymph node metastasis. In addition to commonly mutated genes such as CASP8, TP53 and MUC16, in oral MPCs we also detected relatively rare mutations, such as HS3ST6 and RFPL4A. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated that most MPCs patients exhibited similarities in certain genomic regions within individuals, and distinct differences of the similarity degree were observed between synchronous and metachronous oral MPCs.

Metal-organic frameworks in oral drug delivery

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)offer innovative solutions to the limitations of traditional oral drug delivery systems through their unique combination of metal ions and organic ligands.This review systematically examines the structural properties and principles of MOFs,setting the stage for their application in drug delivery.It discusses various classes of MOFs,including those based on zirconium,iron,zinc,copper,titanium,aluminum,potassium,and magnesium,assessing their drug-loading capacities,biocompatibility,and controlled release mechanisms.The effectiveness of MOFs is illustrated through case studies that highlight their capabilities in enhancing drug solubility,providing protection against the harsh gastrointestinal environment,and enabling precise drug release.The review addresses potential challenges,particularly the toxicity concerns associated with MOFs,and calls for further research into their biocompatibility and interactions with biological systems.It concludes by emphasizing the potential of MOFs in revolutionizing oral drug delivery,highlighting the critical need for comprehensive research to harness their full potential in clinical applications.

In-situ Gelation of Sodium Alginate-chitosan for Oral Delivery of Probiotics

We developed a new preparation to protect probiotic cells from adverse environmental conditions and improve their livability,which is called Lactobacillus casei-Sodium alginate-Chitosan (LSC).The LSC was prepared by mixing probiotics with sodium alginate-chitosan sol.The preparation contained complex calcium ions,which were released in the acidic environment of gastric juice,thus crosslinking to form in-situ gel.Different proportions of sodium alginate-chitosan were prepared to add to simulate gastrointestinal fluid to get the best ratio.The optimal ratio of LSC preparation was compared with traditional gel microspheres to observe the survival effect of probiotics in gastrointestinal fluid environment.Compared with sodium alginate sol,the porosity of sodium alginate-chitosan sol is lower,which is beneficial to the protection of probiotics.When the ratio of chitosan to sodium alginate is 1.5:1.5 (w/v),the protective effect is the best.The protective ability of LSC is 64 times that of traditional microspheres,and it has the potential of synergistic anti-tumor.A probiotic preparation with simple preparation process and better protection effect compared with traditional microspheres was prepared,which has joint anti-tumor potential.

Spatial Heterogeneity and Risk Factors of Dental Caries in 12-Year-Old Children in Shanxi Province,China

Objective This study aimed to explore the spatial heterogeneity and risk factors for dental caries in 12-year-old children in Shanxi province,China.Methods The data encompassed 3,721 participants from the two most recent oral health surveys conducted across 16 districts in Shanxi Province in 2015 and 2018.Eighteen specific variables were analyzed to examine the interplay between socioeconomic factors,medical resources and environmental conditions.The Geo-detector model was employed to assess the impacts and interactions of these ecological factors.Results Socioeconomic factors(Q=0.30,P<0.05)exhibited a more substantial impact compared to environmental(Q=0.19,P<0.05)and medical resource factors(Q=0.25,P<0.05).Notably,the urban population percentage(UPP)demonstrated the most significant explanatory power for the spatial heterogeneity in caries prevalence,as denoted by its highest q-value(q=0.51,P<0.05).Additionally,the spatial distribution’s heterogeneity of caries was significantly affected by SO2 concentration(q=0.39,P<0.05)and water fluoride levels(q=0.27,P<0.05)among environmental factors.Conclusion The prevalence of caries exhibited spatial heterogeneity,escalating from North to South in Shanxi Province,China,influenced by socioeconomic factors,medical resources,and environmental conditions to varying extents.