Intimacy, including partnered sex or masturbation, may modestly improve sleep continuity via neuroendocrine and circadian pathways, supporting cautious, ethical and patient-centred integration into behavioral sleep medicine.
Intimacy, including partnered sex or masturbation, may modestly improve sleep continuity via neuroendocrine and circadian pathways, supporting cautious, ethical and patient-centred integration into behavioral sleep medicine.
Background: Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) is considered the most effective and safe antimicrobial agent in dentistry. Recently, it has often been produced in the form of preparations with additional substances that may modify its effect.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of various simple and combined CHG rinses against selected bacterial and yeast strains.
Material and methods: This research followed the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines, using the disk diffusion method. The study was carried out on the following reference strains: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300; Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212; Candida albicans ATCC 10231; C. glabrata ATCC 15126; C. krusei ATCC 14243; and C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019. The disinfection efficacy of 9 commercial mouthwashes with CHG was assessed (4 simple preparations, with different concentrations (0.5%, 0.2%, 0.12%, and 0.05%), and 5 combined preparations (0.2% CHG with adjuvants)) by comparing the size of the growth inhibition zones (GIZs) of microorganisms after 24 h of incubation.
Results: Growth inhibition zones were observed around all tested substances, for all assessed strains. In simple preparations, the greatest reduction in growth was observed for Gram-positive bacteria. Statistically significantly smaller GIZs were recorded for P. aeruginosa and all Candida strains. The size of GIZ also depended on the CHG concentration used. In combined preparations, the greatest reduction in growth was also observed for Gram-positive bacteria (especially large GIZs for S. aureus when using 0.2% CHG with colostrum). Statistically significantly smaller GIZs were observed for P. aeruginosa and all yeasts. None of the evaluated adjuvants impaired the disinfecting effect of CHG.
Conclusions: The evaluated combined preparations of CHG showed disinfecting efficacy against selected bacterial and fungal strains comparable to that of simple formulations. The combination of 0.2% CHG with colostrum showed the additive synergism of antimicrobial activity against the S. aureus ATCC 43300 strain.
Background: In the field of pediatric dentistry, preventing microleakage of glass ionomer cement (GIC) is important for clinical success. The abrasion and roughness of the surface of the restorative material that results from brushing can cause microleakage. The application of surface protection is intended to prevent this situation.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of microleakage following toothbrushing after the application of GICs with or without surface protection.
Material and methods: Cavities formed on the buccal surfaces of 180 extracted primary teeth were restored with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and the teeth were divided into 3 groups according to the surface protection application, with an equal number of samples in each group (n = 60). The thermal cycle was applied to all samples. Subsequently, the groups were divided into 5 subgroups (n = 12/group) according to the brushing simulation (no brushing, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of brushing). The samples were stored in 2% methylene blue for 24 h and sectioned in the buccolingual direction. The presence of microleakage was determined with the use of a stereomicroscope. The data was statistically analyzed.
Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the main groups at all brushing times (p > 0.05). However, higher microleakage results were obtained in the group without surface protection. When the groups were evaluated according to the duration of brushing, no statistically significant differences were identified (p > 0.05), but higher microleakage results were obtained in the samples that underwent brushing for 12 months.
Conclusions: Although statistically significant results were not obtained in terms of microleakage regarding surface protection application and brushing, it should be noted that coating restorations with surface protectants may contribute to a smoother surface and marginal integrity, and may be beneficial in reducing microleakage.
The study objective was to review the literature and to present 3 cases of the anterior Stafne bone defect (SBD). The electronic databases - MEDLINE via PubMed and Google Scholar - were searched by 2 independent authors, who retrieved 20 articles concerning this pathology. The Stafne bone defect is an asymptomatic bone lesion, diagnosed mostly incidentally through radiological imaging, typically located in the lateral section of the mandible. The anterior SBD is exceedingly rarely observed. So far, less than 40 cases have been described. The hypothesis of the formation of a bone cavity in connection with the sublingual salivary gland has not been confirmed in the literature, considering other tissue structures present within the lesion, including lymphoid or adipose tissues. The anterior variant of SBD can be mistaken for other lesions, considering its atypical location and lower incidence rate. In most cases, it does not require any treatment and the 'wait-and-see' strategy is adopted. In the present study, 2 cases of twochamber and 1 case of single-chamber anterior SBDs were presented. Their course was asymptomatic; however, in 2 cases, increased tension of the suprahyoid muscles on physical examination was reported. The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was employed in each case. There was no need for biopsy, and the monitoring of the lesion was established in each reported case.
Background: Comparing the new and existing products is essential to identify the one that minimizes risks to the dental structures while effectively fulfilling its intended purpose.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible changes in the surface properties, mineral loss and color of bovine enamel subjected to bleaching dentifrices used in combination with a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching gel.
Material and methods: Bovine tooth substrates disinfected with thymol were used to make 112 circular samples with a diameter of 4 mm. After the samples were embedded in transparent acrylic resin, they were polished with grit of decreasing granulation and divided into 8 groups (n = 14 per group), according to the bleaching treatment (Opalescence Go (OpGo) - 10% HP or immersion in buffered water (BW) - control) and the toothpastes used (OMW - Oral-B 3D Mineral White Clean; CLW - Colgate Luminous White Advanced; STW - Sensodyne True White; or CT - Colgate Total 12). The bleaching gel was used for 30 min daily for 10 days. The samples were brushed using an electric brush and a slurry (3:1 ratio) for 120 s twice a day, with an interval of 12 h, with the first brushing immediately after the bleaching treatment. Prior to the commencement of the treatment, the initial microhardness, surface roughness and color data was evaluated.
Results: For microhardness, a reduction in values was observed for all groups, except for the control (CT + salt), whereas for roughness, there was an increase in the final values for all groups. A significant difference in the post-treatment values was observed only for the lightening treatment factor (p = 0.0079).
Conclusions: There was a reduction in enamel microhardness for all groups, except for the group that used a non-bleaching dentifrice and was treated with BW.
Dental implants are a widely used solution for tooth replacement, yet implant failures remain a challenge. Genetic predispositions and epigenetic modifications influence osseointegration and peri-implant health. The present review explores genetic mechanisms affecting implant healing and introduces implantogenomics - a personalized approach to implant therapy based on an individual's genetic profile.A comprehensive review of literature from PubMed®, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science (2008-2024) was conducted using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms such as "genetic markers," "implantogenomics" and "epigenetics." After removing duplicates and screening for relevance, a total of 46 studies were included in the analysis.Key genetic variants in bone metabolism (collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), vitamin D receptor (VDR)), immune response (interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6), and osseointegration-related genes (osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)) were identified as potential contributors to implant failure. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone changes and microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate bone remodeling and immune responses, and have an influence on implant integration. Advances in genomics have paved the way for personalized implant therapy through genetic screening, optimizing outcomes and reducing the number of implant failures. Implantogenomics is aimed at tailoring treatments based on genetic profiles, while epigenetic therapies, such as gene modulation, enhance implant integration. Future research should focus on predictive biomarkers and precision-based strategies to improve implant longevity. Genetic and epigenetic factors play a crucial role in the success of dental implants. Integrating genomic insights into clinical practice can enhance patient selection, predict implant success and improve treatment outcomes. Further research is necessary to establish predictive biomarkers and targeted interventions.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, systemic disease with complex and unclear pathogenesis, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a wide spectrum of extraintestinal complications, among which cancer is of particular importance. It is well known that IBD is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet, the incidence of CRC in this group of patients has decreased due to the development of surveillance techniques and therapy. In contrast, the relationship between IBD and extraintestinal malignancies (EMs) remains unclear, and it is taking on new significance in light of the rise in the incidence of malignant tumors, both in IBD patients and in the general population. Based on the literature review, it can be stated that the available studies suggest a possible association between IBD and oral, pancreatic and hepatobiliary malignancies. However, the dynamic epidemiological situation, combined with the methodological limitations of many existing studies, underscores the need for further research to better understand the relationship between IBD and cancer. In this group of patients, special oncological vigilance, the employment of the available prevention methods (e.g., vaccination), patient education, and, when recommended, screening tests are required. A clinical challenge involving a multidisciplinary approach is the treatment of IBD in cancer patients, especially during disease exacerbation, as well as cancer therapy in IBD patients.
Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that affects the soft and hard tissues of the periodontium due to dysbiosis by Porphyromonas gingivalis. The bacterium establishes its pathogenicity through its virulence factors, such as fimbriae, and by the releasing proteases like gingipains. The lysine-specific gingipain K (Kgp) is characterized by the presence of a hemagglutinin (HA)-adhesin domain, which provides the micronutrients for the survival of the microbe. 4-Caffeoylquinic acid (4-CQA) is classified as a phenylpropanoid. It exhibits a variety of bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihistaminic, and antioxidant properties. Moringa oleifera has multiple therapeutic benefits and is used in the treatment of cancer, infections, diabetes, and arthritis. 4-Caffeoylquinic acid was identified among the phenolic phytocomponents present in M. oleifera.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to use in silico docking and a dynamic model to evaluate the potential inhibition of Lys-gingipain of P. gingivalis by 4-CQA of M. oleifera.
Material and methods: Molecular docking and dynamic simulations of the Lys-gingipain protein and 4-CQA ligands were performed using the Desmond software. The protein structure of Lys-gingipain was downloaded from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and preprocessed using the optimized potentials for liquid simulations (OPLS 2005) force field.
Results: During the course of the dynamic simulation, the trajectories were saved for the analysis every 100 ns. The stability of the complex was confirmed by a root mean square deviation (RMSD) plot. In the context of molecular docking, the protein (Lys-gingipain) and the ligand (4-CQA) were found to have a potential binding site with the use of hydrogen bonds. The compound had a docking score of -6.6 kcal/mol. According to the results of the dynamic study, as depicted in the RMSD plot, the compound demonstrated stability within the range of 1.0-3.0 Å.
Conclusions: The inhibition of Lys-gingipain by 4-CQA is a promising avenue for further investigation, whether in vitro or in vivo.
In recent years, significant advancements in the understanding of the processes underlying heart failure (HF) have been made, particularly regarding the role of chronic low-intensity inflammation or smoldering inflammation (SI). This review consolidates findings from the available literature and illustrates the relationships between inflammation, neurohormonal activation, metabolic derangements, and comorbidities in HF, with a focus on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed®, Wiley Online Library, Scopus, and Web of Science (limited to 2025). The search terms included "heart failure", "HFpEF", "inflammation", "smoldering inflammation", "biomarkers", "cytokines", "fibrosis", and "comorbidities". Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, as well as clinical and observational studies describing the mechanistic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects of SI in HF were included. Studies limited to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were excluded.Structural changes leading to hemodynamic perturbations in HFpEF are correlated with processes mediated by SI. Several biomarkers measure inflammation and provide diagnostic and prognostic value, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), galectin-3 (Gal-3), and iron homeostasis. Clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and other targeted interventions in the modulation of SI.Smoldering inflammation is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of HFpEF and the progression of comorbidities. Understanding SI may improve risk stratification and management strategies. Both established and emerging anti-inflammatory therapies, when administered alone or in combination, may target SI in order to enhance HF management.
Cholelithiasis is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, which often manifests asymptomatically. Statistically, up to 20% of the global population is affected by gallbladder diseases. The prevalence of these conditions rapidly increases with the patient's age. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleeprelated breathing disorder that causes pharyngeal airway collapse, hypopnea and snoring. It is estimated that nearly half of the global population suffer from OSA. Cholelithiasis and OSA are separate medical conditions. However, they both affect a significant part of the general population, have tremendous impact on patients' overall health, and share common risk factors, pathophysiology and disease development.Thus, the aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize and update the current knowledge on the link between gallstone disease and OSA regarding the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in patients with both OSA and cholelithiasis.

