Reevaluating Calculus bovis:Modulating the liver cancer immune microenvironment via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

In this article,we comment on the work published by Huang et al,which explores the mechanisms by which Calculus bovis(CB)modulates the liver cancer immune microenvironment via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.The study demon-strates that active components in CB effectively inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,significantly reducing the polarization of M2 tumor-associated macrophages.Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have validated the anti-tumour effects of CB,revealing its complex mechanisms of action through the modulation of immune cell functions within the tumour microenvironment.This article highlights CB’s therapeutic potential in liver cancer treatment and calls for further investigations into its mechanisms and clinical applications to develop safer,more effective options for patients.The study also revealed that key com-ponents of CB,such as bilirubin and bile acids,inhibit tumour cell proliferation and promote apoptosis through multiple pathways.Future research should explore the mechanisms of action of CB and its potential integration with existing treatments to improve the therapeutic outcomes of liver cancer patients.With multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced research,CB could become a key component of comprehensive liver cancer treatment,offering new hope for patients.

Unlocking the potential of Calculus bovis: A breakthrough in liver cancer treatment via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation

Liver cancer remains a significant global health challenge,characterized by high incidence and mortality rates.Despite advancements in medical treatments,the prognosis for liver cancer patients remains poor,highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),particularly Calculus bovis(CB),has shown promise in addressing this need due to its multitarget therapeutic mechanisms.CB refers to natural or synthetic gallstones,traditionally sourced from cattle,and used in TCM for their anti-inflammatory,detoxifying,and therapeutic properties.In modern practice,synthetic CB is often utilized to ensure consistent supply and safety.This article aims to discuss the findings of Huang et al,who investigated the anti-liver cancer properties of CB,focusing on its ability to inhibit M2 tumor-associated macrophage(TAM)polarization via modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Huang et al employed a comprehensive approach integrating chemical analysis,animal model testing,and advanced bioinformatics.They identified active components of CB using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS,evaluated its anti-neoplastic effects in a nude mouse model,and elucidated the underlying mechanisms through network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking studies.The study demonstrated that CB significantly inhibited liver tumor growth in vivo,as evidenced by reduced tumor size and weight in treated mice.Histological analyses confirmed signs of tumor regression.CB was found to modulate the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting the polarization of M2 phenotype-TAMs,as shown by reduced expression of M2 markers and downregulation of mRNA levels of C-C motif chemokine 22,arginase-1,transforming growth factor-beta 2,and interleukin-10.The study further revealed that CB’s antineoplastic activity involved the downregulation of Wnt5B andβ-catenin and upregulation of Axin2,thus inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CB in liver cancer treatment through its modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and suppression of M2 phenotype-TAM polarization.This study underscores the value of integrating TCM with modern therapeutic strategies to develop novel effective treatments for liver cancer.

The Influence of Kidney Stones and Salivary Uric Acid on Dental Calculus Formation and Periodontal Status among Some Saudi Patients Aged 25 - 70 Years

Background: The formation of kidney stones is considered a complicated process. Consequently, there are many questions about the link between kidney stones formation and level of salivary uric acid and calculus formation on the teeth surfaces. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between the level of salivary uric acid and kidney stones formation and their influence on dental calculus and periodontal status among Saudi patients aged 25 - 70 years. Materials and Methods: 120 Saudi male patients were examined (60 of Kidney stones patients and 60 patients of non-kidney stones patients) for clinical evaluation of plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), calculus index of oral hygiene (CI) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Moreover, lab assessment of uric acid level in the collected salivary samples was done. The findings were analyzed using of ANOVA test and Tukey’s test. Results: There were statistically significant differences in clinical parameters among kidney stones patients and non-kidney stones patients (p < 0.05), but these differences were highly statistically significant in the correlation between calculus index (CI), plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI) among kidney stone patients in group II, moreover, PLI and clinical attachment loss (CAL) among kidney stone patients in group III (p < 0.001). The statistical analyses revealed statistically significant differences in the level of salivary uric acid (mg/dl) in the comparison between kidney stones patients and non-kidney stones patients in group I and group III, whereas there were highly statistically significant in the comparison between kidney stones patients and non-kidney stones patients in group III. Conclusion: At the end of this study, we concluded that there was a relationship between dental calculus formation, kidney stones formation, and an increase in the level of salivary uric acid.

Calculus bovis inhibits M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation to suppress liver cancer

BACKGROUND Calculus bovis(CB),used in traditional Chinese medicine,exhibits anti-tumor effects in various cancer models.It also constitutes an integral component of a compound formulation known as Pien Tze Huang,which is indicated for the treatment of liver cancer.However,its impact on the liver cancer tumor microenvironment,particularly on tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),is not well understood.AIM To elucidate the anti-liver cancer effect of CB by inhibiting M2-TAM polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation.METHODS This study identified the active components of CB using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS,evaluated its anti-neoplastic effects in a nude mouse model,and elucidated the underlying mechanisms via network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking.In vitro assays were used to investigate the effects of CB-containing serum on HepG2 cells and M2-TAMs,and Wnt pathway modulation was validated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.RESULTS This study identified 22 active components in CB,11 of which were detected in the bloodstream.Preclinical investigations have demonstrated the ability of CB to effectively inhibit liver tumor growth.An integrated approach employing network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking implicated the Wnt signaling pathway as a target of the antineoplastic activity of CB by suppressing M2-TAM polarization.In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed that CB significantly hinders M2-TAM polarization and suppresses Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.The inhibitory effect of CB on M2-TAMs was reversed when treated with the Wnt agonist SKL2001,confirming its pathway specificity.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that CB mediates inhibition of M2-TAM polarization through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,contributing to the suppression of liver cancer growth.

Perception of dental appearance and aesthetic analysis among patients,laypersons and dentists

BACKGROUND Current concepts of beauty are increasingly subjective,influenced by the viewpoints of others.The aim of the study was to evaluate divergences in the perception of dental appearance and smile esthetics among patients,laypersons and dental practitioners.The study goals were to evaluate the influence of age,sex,education and dental specialty on the participants’judgment and to identify the values of different esthetic criteria.Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to a dental appearance questionnaire(DAQ).Two frontal photographs were taken,one during a smile and one with retracted lips.Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from(0-10),where 0 represent(absolutely unaesthetic)and 10 represent(absolutely aesthetic).One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)and t-test analysis were measured for each group.Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance.Among laypersons(including 488 participants),47 pictures“with lips”out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures“without lips”.Among the dentist sample,90 dentists’perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos“with lips”and“without lips”were the same for 23 out of 50 patients.Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients,laypersons and dentists.Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic.AIM To compare the perception of dental aesthetic among patients,laypersons,and professional dentists,to evaluate the impact of age,sex,educational background,and income on the judgments made by laypersons,to assess the variations in experience,specialty,age,and sex on professional dentists’judgment,and to evaluate the role of lips,skin shade and tooth shade in different participants’judgments.METHODS Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to DAQ.Two frontal photographs were taken:one during a smile and one with retracted lips.Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from(0-10),where 0 represent(absolutely unaesthetic)and 10 represent(absolutely aesthetic).One-way ANOVA and t-test analysis were measured for each group.RESULTS Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance.Among laypersons(including 488 participants),47 pictures“with lips”out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures“without lips”.Whereas among the dentist sample,90 dentists’perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos“with lips”and“without lips”were the same for 23 out of 50 patients.Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients,laypersons and dentists.CONCLUSION Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic.

Conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells treats spinal cord injury by inhibiting microglial pyroptosis

Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.However,whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In the present study,we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells.We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury,decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3,GSDMD,caspase-1,and interleukin-1β,promoted axonal and myelin regeneration,and inhibited the formation of glial scars.In addition,in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway.These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury.Therefore,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.

Calculus bovis in hepatocellular carcinoma:Tumor molecular basis,Wnt/β-catenin pathway role,and protective mechanism

In this editorial,we comment on the recent article by Huang et al.The editorial focuses specifically on the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC,and protective mechanism of Calculus bovis(CB)in HCC.Liver cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally.The most prevalent kind of primary liver cancer,HCC,is typically brought on by long-term viral infections(hepatitis B and C),non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,excessive alcohol consumption,and other conditions that can cause the liver to become chronically inflamed and cirrhotic.CB is a wellknown traditional remedy in China and Japan and has been used extensively to treat a variety of diseases,such as high fever,convulsions,and stroke.Disturbances in lipid metabolism,cholesterol metabolism,bile acid metabolism,alcohol metabolism,and xenobiotic detoxification lead to fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis.Succinate,which is a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate,is vital to energy production and mitochondrial metabolism.It is also thought to be a signaling molecule in metabolism and in the development and spread of liver malignancies.The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is made up of a group of proteins that are essential for both adult tissue homeostasis and embryonic development.Cancer is frequently caused by the dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.In HCC liver carcinogenesis,Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated by the expression of downstream target genes.Communication between the liver and the gut exists via the portal vein,biliary tract,and systemic circulation.This"gutliver axis"controls intestinal physiology.One of the main factors contributing to the development,progression,and treatment resistance of HCC is the abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.Therefore,understanding this pathway is essential to treating HCC.Eleven ingredients of CB,particularly oleanolic acid,ergosterol,and ursolic acid,have anti-primary liver cancer properties.Additionally,CB is important in the treatment of primary liver cancer through pathways linked to immune system function and apoptosis.CB also inhibits the proliferation of cancer stem cells and tumor cells and controls the tumor microenvironment.In the future,clinicians may be able to recommend one of many potential new drugs from CB ingredients to treat HCC expression,development,and progress.

RPLP0/TBP are the most stable reference genes for human dental pulp stem cells under osteogenic differentiation

BACKGROUND Validation of the reference gene(RG)stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)data normalisation.Commonly,in an unreliable way,several studies use genes involved in essential cellular functions[glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydro-genase(GAPDH),18S rRNA,andβ-actin]without paying attention to whether they are suitable for such experimental conditions or the reason for choosing such genes.Furthermore,such studies use only one gene when Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines recom-mend two or more genes.It impacts the credibility of these studies and causes dis-tortions in the gene expression findings.For tissue engineering,the accuracy of gene expression drives the best experimental or therapeutical approaches.We cultivated DPSCs under two conditions:Undifferentiated and osteogenic dif-ferentiation,both for 35 d.We evaluated the gene expression of 10 candidates for RGs[ribosomal protein,large,P0(RPLP0),TATA-binding protein(TBP),GAPDH,actin beta(ACTB),tubulin(TUB),aminolevulinic acid synthase 1(ALAS1),tyro-sine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein,zeta(YWHAZ),eukaryotic translational elongation factor 1 alpha(EF1a),succinate dehydrogenase complex,subunit A,flavoprotein(SDHA),and beta-2-micro-globulin(B2M)]every 7 d(1,7,14,21,28,and 35 d)by RT-qPCR.The data were analysed by the four main algorithms,ΔCt method,geNorm,NormFinder,and BestKeeper and ranked by the RefFinder method.We subdivided the samples into eight subgroups.RESULTS All of the data sets from clonogenic and osteogenic samples were analysed using the RefFinder algorithm.The final ranking showed RPLP0/TBP as the two most stable RGs and TUB/B2M as the two least stable RGs.Either theΔCt method or NormFinder analysis showed TBP/RPLP0 as the two most stable genes.However,geNorm analysis showed RPLP0/EF1αin the first place.These algorithms’two least stable RGs were B2M/GAPDH.For BestKeeper,ALAS1 was ranked as the most stable RG,and SDHA as the least stable RG.The pair RPLP0/TBP was detected in most subgroups as the most stable RGs,following the RefFinfer ranking.CONCLUSION For the first time,we show that RPLP0/TBP are the most stable RGs,whereas TUB/B2M are unstable RGs for long-term osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in traditional monolayers.

Anti-tumor efficacy of Calculus bovis: Suppressing liver cancer by targeting tumor-associated macrophages

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of liver cancer and the availability of novel pharmacotherapies,liver cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Tumor relapse,resistance to current anti-cancer drugs,metastasis,and organ toxicity are the major challenges that prevent considerable improvements in patient survival and quality of life.Calculus bovis(CB),an ancient Chinese medicinal drug,has been used to treat various pathologies,including stroke,convulsion,epilepsy,pain,and cancer.In this editorial,we discuss the research findings recently published by Huang et al on the therapeutic effects of CB in inhibiting the development of liver cancer.Utilizing the comprehensive transcriptomic analyses,in vitro experiments,and in vivo studies,the authors demonstrated that CB treatment inhibits the tumor-promoting M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages via downregulating Wnt pathway.While multiple studies have been performed to explore the molecular mechanisms regulated by CB,this study uniquely shows its role in modulating the M2 phenotype of macrophages present within the tumor microenvironment.This study opens new avenues of future investigations aimed at investigating this drug’s efficacy in various mouse models including the effects of combination therapy,and against drug-resistant tumors.

Self-assembly of differentiated dental pulp stem cells facilitates spheroid human dental organoid formation and prevascularization

BACKGROUND The self-assembly of solid organs from stem cells has the potential to greatly expand the applicability of regenerative medicine.Stem cells can self-organise into microsized organ units,partially modelling tissue function and regeneration.Dental pulp organoids have been used to recapitulate the processes of tooth development and related diseases.However,the lack of vasculature limits the utility of dental pulp organoids.AIM To improve survival and aid in recovery after stem cell transplantation,we demonstrated the three-dimensional(3D)self-assembly of adult stem cell-human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs)and endothelial cells(ECs)into a novel type of spheroid-shaped dental pulp organoid in vitro under hypoxia and conditioned medium(CM).METHODS During culture,primary hDPSCs were induced to differentiate into ECs by exposing them to a hypoxic environment and CM.The hypoxic pretreated hDPSCs were then mixed with ECs at specific ratios and conditioned in a 3D environment to produce prevascularized dental pulp organoids.The biological characteristics of the organoids were analysed,and the regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis were studied.RESULTS The combination of these two agents resulted in prevascularized human dental pulp organoids(Vorganoids)that more closely resembled dental pulp tissue in terms of morphology and function.Single-cell RNA sequencing of dental pulp tissue and RNA sequencing of Vorganoids were integrated to analyse key regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis.The biomarkers forkhead box protein O1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 were identified to be involved in the regulation of Vorganoids.CONCLUSION In this innovative study,we effectively established an in vitro model of Vorganoids and used it to elucidate new mechanisms of angiogenesis during regeneration,facilitating the development of clinical treatment strategies.

Classification and detection of dental images using meta-learning

Meta-learning of dental X-rays is a machine learning technique that can be used to train models to perform new tasks quickly and with minimal input.Instead of just memorizing a task,this is accomplished through teaching a model how to learn.Algorithms for meta-learning are typically trained on a collection of training problems,each of which has a limited number of labelled instances.Multiple Xray classification tasks,including the detection of pneumonia,coronavirus disease 2019,and other disorders,have demonstrated the effectiveness of meta-learning.Meta-learning has the benefit of allowing models to be trained on dental X-ray datasets that are too few for more conventional machine learning methods.Due to the high cost and lengthy collection process associated with dental imaging datasets,this is significant for dental X-ray classification jobs.The ability to train models that are more resistant to fresh input is another benefit of meta-learning.

Promise and challenges of traditional Chinese medicine,specifically Calculus bovis,in liver cancer treatment

Liver cancer,one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranks sixth in incidence and third in mortality.Liver cancer treatment options are diverse,inclu-ding surgical resection,liver transplantation,percutaneous ablation,transarterial chemoembolization,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,targeted therapy,immuno-therapy,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).A multidisciplinary team(MDT)is essential to customize treatment plans based on tumor staging,liver function,and performance status(PS),ensuring individualized patient care.Treatment decisions require a MDT to tailor strategies based on tumor staging,liver function,and PS,ensuring personalized care.The approval of new first-line and second-line drugs and the establishment of standard treatments based on immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly expanded treatment options for advanced liver cancer,improving overall prognosis.However,many patients do not respond effectively to these treatments and ultimately succumb to the disease.Modern oncology treatments,while extending patient survival,often come with severe side effects,resistance,and damage to the body,negatively impacting quality of life.Huang et al's study published at World Journal of Gastroenterology rigorously validates the anticancer properties of Calculus bovis,enhancing our understanding of TCM and contributing to new liver cancer treatment strategies.For over 5000 years,TCM has been used in East Asian countries like China to treat various diseases,including liver conditions.Analysis of real-world clinical data suggests that for patients with advanced-stage tumors lacking effective treatments,integrated TCM therapies could provide significant breakthroughs.

Adjuvant postbiotic administration improves dental caries prognosis by restoring the oral microbiota

Conventional filling therapy fails to fundamentally reduce oral cariogenic bacteria.Thus,oral microbiota follow-up intervention after filling would be necessary for improving dental caries prognosis.We recruited 9 caries-free individuals,and 89 dental caries subjects(5 dropouts).Eighty-nine patients were randomized into three groups:caries(n=8;no treatment),control(n=40;filling),and postbiotics(n=41;filling and 14-day Probio-Eco®intervention).Salivary samples were collected at 0 day(after filling)and 14 days.Our results showed that the diversity of dental caries oral microbiota was significantly increased compared with healthy subjects,and filling could restore a healthier oral microbiota partially and temporarily.Thepostbiotics intervention keeps a low alpha-diversity.Co-occurrence network analysis showed that a more stable oral microbiota structure after postbiotics intervention.Taxonomic and functional annotation of the microbiota revealed that postbiotics co-treatment significantly:increased the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and P.reactans,decreased the relative abundance of Prevotella shahii,and enriched the energy metabolism-related pathways.BugBase-predicted phenotypes inferred to an oral microbiota with decreased potential pathogenic bacteria and increased oxidative stress-tolerant bacteria after postbiotics intervention.Collectively,it suggested that postbiotics co-treatment could be a promising strategy that restores the oral microecological balance for dental caries.

The Dental Absces: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects at the Dental Office of the Prefectoral Hospital of Siguiri in 2021 in the Republic of Guinea

Introduction: A dental abscess is a collection of pus located in the tissues surrounding the tooth roots. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of dental abscess in order to contribute to the management of patients suffering from this pathology at the dental office of the Siguiri Prefectural Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study lasting 2 months carried out on the registers of patients received between October 2017 and October 2020 at the dental office of the Siguiri prefectural hospital. Results: 4690 patient files were identified during the study, of which 546 met our selection criteria, i.e. a frequency of 11.64%. During our study, we found 51.83% female compared to 48.17% male, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.07. 54.21% of our patients resided in rural communes compared to 45.76% for the urban commune. The age group most affected was that of 16 - 25 years old or 33.69%. Swelling, pain and functional discomfort were the reasons for consultation in all patients followed by other associated reasons in 41.21%. The premolar-molar group was the most represented, i.e. 86.70%. 80.04% of our patients presented an acute abscess compared to 19.96% of chronic cases. Antibiotic, analgesic, and mouthwash were prescribed in all patients during the study followed by 96.37% of cases prescription of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 93.04% of causal teeth were extracted followed by 6.78% of cases of conservative treatment in our study. In our study, 80.95% of our patients had a good post-therapeutic outcome. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for prevention and early management of dental abscesses.

Study on the Treatment of Reusable Care Equipment in Public and Private Dental Practices in the City of Conakry

Introduction: The effective sterilization of reusable instruments in dental care is a crucial issue for public health. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the processing conditions of reusable care instruments in dental practices in the city of Conakry. Methods: We carried out an observational and cross-sectional study of a descriptive type lasting three months from January to April 2022 in public and private dental practices approved for activities. Results: A total of 48 dental practices were surveyed, including 7 public and 41 private. 91.67% had the trays for instrument sterilization. 77.08% had a sterilization device. The instruments were: cleaned 100%, disinfected 70.83%, sterilized 20.83% and 20.83% reused the instruments without being sterilized. 72.97% sterilized the instruments at the end of the day. 50% of respondents declared that there were six stages of sterilization. According to standard standards, one dental office or 2.70% respected the normal sterilization process and 13.51% respected the duration and temperature. The storage quality was inadequate at 95.83%. 95.83% of dental practices are at high risk of contamination. The difficulties encountered by staff in daily activity during our study were lack of hygienists (87.50%), insufficient material resources (58.33%), and lack of protocol procedure (45.83%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to note shortcomings of dental surgeons in the process of processing reusable care materials.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies among Patients Who Report to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s Orthodontic Clinic

BACKGROUND: Dental anomalies are variations from the established well-known general anatomy and morphology of the tooth as a result of disturbances during tooth formation. They can be developmental, congenital, or acquired and may be localized to a single tooth or involve systemic conditions. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in patients who report to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) dental clinics. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a sample size of 92 patients aged 18 or older, obtained through convenience sampling. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: The study included 92 patients aged 18 to 72 years, with 47.8% males and 52.2% females. Dental anomalies were observed in 51.1% of participants, with a higher prevalence in females (55.3%). The most common anomalies were diastema (48.3%), impacted teeth (22.0%), dilaceration (11.9%), and peg-shaped lateral teeth (6.8%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of conducting thorough dental examinations to identify and address dental anomalies, which may have implications for treatment. Early detection and correction of these anomalies are crucial to prevent future complications.

Prescription of Antibiotics in Oral-Dental Practice: Case of the Dental Practice at the Coyah Prefectoral Hospital in the Republic of Guinea 2019-2020

Introduction: Antibiotics are medications that have the property of destroying bacteria or preventing their proliferation. The aim of this study is to evaluate antibiotic prescriptions in oral practice: case of the dental office of the Coyah prefectural hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place from August 2019 to January 2020 inclusive, i.e. a duration of six (6) months, during which 400 patients were identified. Results: Our results revealed a frequency of 70% of antibiotic prescriptions. The 16 - 25-year-old age group was the most dismayed, at 47.25% and with an average age of 27.78 years. Men represent 55% compared to 45% of women, i.e. sex ratio of 1.22. Pulp gangrene was the most common pathology in 55% of cases. The most prescribed family was Betalactamine or 61.71% and the most represented molecules were Amoxicillin with 56.10% followed by Metronidazole or 34.16%. And the favorable prognosis was observed in 99% of cases. Conclusion: Prescription should always be based on the benefit-risk ratio. This prescription by practitioners aims to prevent or eradicate infections and pain in order to obtain a good therapeutic result.

Associated Factors of Dental Caries among Intellectually Disabled Persons in Specialized Centers of Ouagadougou

Introduction: Several studies have reported a high prevalence of dental caries among the people with intellectual disabilities. In order to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors associated with it, we conducted a study in specialized centers welcoming subjects with intellectual disabilities in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with it among intellectually disabled in the specialized centers of Ouagadougou. Methods: The study was cross-sectional analytical. The survey took place between November 2020 and January 2021 among people with intellectual disabilities in reception centers receiving a grant from the Ministry of Women, National Solidarity, Family and Humanitarian Action. Data collection was done with a questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and dental caries was recorded according to WHO criteria in decayed, missing or filled teeth generating a DMF index. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the presence of dental caries. Results: A total of 193 participants were included in the study with an average age of 12.4 years ± 7.9. The overall prevalence of caries measured with the DMF index was 58.6% 95% CI [51.2 - 65.8]. It was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 4.2;95% CI [1.4 - 12.5], p = 0,01), the clinical form of mental illness (epilepsy OR = 3.8 95%;CI [1.2 - 12.7], p = 0,02, trisomy OR = 5.0;95% CI [1.1 - 22.9], p = 0,03, motor autonomy OR = 0.2 95%;CI [0.1 - 0.7], p = 0,01) and at use of toothpaste OR = 9.33;95% CI [1.05 - 82.7], p = 0,04. Conclusion: Dental caries remains a very present pathology in most people living with an intellectual disability. Also, it is necessary to put in place prevention strategies to reduce its prevalence and improve access to oral care for these people.

An overview of autophagy in the differentiation of dental stem cells

Dental stem cells(DSCs)have attracted significant interest as autologous stem cells since they are easily accessible and give a minimal immune response.These properties and their ability to both maintain self-renewal and undergo multi-lineage differentiation establish them as key players in regenerative medicine.While many regulatory factors determine the differentiation trajectory of DSCs,prior research has predominantly been based on genetic,epigenetic,and molecular aspects.Recent evidence suggests that DSC differentiation can also be influenced by autophagy,a highly conserved cellular process responsible for maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis under various stress conditions.This comprehensive review endeavors to elucidate the intricate regulatory mechanism and relationship between autophagy and DSC differentiation.To achieve this goal,we dissect the intricacies of autophagy and its mechanisms.Subsequently,we elucidate its pivotal roles in impacting DSC differentiation,including osteo/odontogenic,neurogenic,and angiogenic trajectories.Furthermore,we reveal the regulatory factors that govern autophagy in DSC lineage commitment,including scaffold materials,pharmaceutical cues,and the extrinsic milieu.The implications of this review are far-reaching,underpinning the potential to wield autophagy as a regulatory tool to expedite DSC-directed differentiation and thereby promote the application of DSCs within the realm of regenerative medicine.

Harnessing the power of Calculus bovis:Anti-cancer properties and Wnt pathway modulation in hepatocellular carcinoma

In this manuscript,we comment on the article,which explores the anti-cancer effects of Calculus bovis(CB)in tumor biology.We highlight its potential,particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),where it inhibits the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways and induces apoptosis.CB contains compounds such as oleanolic acid and ursolic acid that target interleukin-6,mitogen-activated protein kinase 8,vascular endothelial growth factor,and caspase-3,offering anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective benefits.The manuscript also discusses CB sativus(CBS),an artificial substitute,which has shown efficacy in reducing hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress in animal models.We emphasize the need for further research on the effects of CBS on the gut-liver axis and gut microbiota,and on targeting Wnt signaling and M2 tumor-associated macrophage as potential therapeutic strategies against HCC.