Oral transmission of rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) drives delayed systemic infection and organ specific immune reprogramming in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus).

Amelioration of D-galactose-induced hyposalivation in aging rats by the GLP-1 receptor agonist Exendin-4.

Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of a β‑AgVO₃ coating applied to dental acrylic resin.

Bioactive constituents from Gardenia aqualla (Rubiaceae) stem bark as promising antibacterial agents: In vitro and in silico insights.

Individuals with neutropenia or defective neutrophil disorders exhibit significantly increased susceptibility to oral infections and dental complications compared to the general population. Despite the elevated risk profile associated with these conditions, comprehensive and standardized dental care guidelines for affected individuals remain limited. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates pre-procedural risk stratification, individualized treatment planning, and appropriate post-procedural care strategies. There is a pressing need for well-controlled clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic regimens and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in mitigating infection risks in this vulnerable population. However, the rarity and heterogeneity of neutrophil disorders pose substantial challenges to the development of evidence-based protocols. Risk assessment must be individualized, tailored to individual patient profiles, considering factors such as the degree of neutropenia, prior history of infections, and the nature of planned dental procedures. Here, we review and summarize guidelines for dental management in patients with congenital neutrophil disorders and propose the need for targeted, evidence-based clinical studies to ensure safe and effective care.

Herbal drugs are increasingly consumed today to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage various health problems. Their popularity has grown due to their perceived safety, cost-effectiveness and long history of use since ancient times, even predating conventional medicine. Wheatgrass is a promising therapeutic herbal remedy with numerous nutritional benefits and is widely used for the prevention and treatment of various disorders. It is often referred to as “green blood” because of its high chlorophyll content, which is largely responsible for its health-promoting effects. Wheatgrass is a multi-targeted natural agent that can be used alongside conventional medicine to combat cancers and other health complications. The present review article aimed to highlight the nutritional benefits of wheatgrass and its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, which contribute to its use in several disease conditions, including oral infections. Given its easy availability and minimal side-effects, incorporating wheatgrass into the daily diet may maximise its benefits in maintaining both general and oral health.

ObjectivesPediatric and adolescent oral and maxillofacial trauma and infections differ significantly from adults in anatomy, development, and immunity, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. This study retrospectively evaluated the etiology, clinical features, and management of oral and maxillofacial trauma and infections among patients aged 3 to 15 years.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of 824 pediatric and adolescent patients who presented to the emergency department of Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024. Patients were categorized based on chief complaints into trauma, infection, or other conditions. Primary analyses focused on trauma and infections, and secondary analyses included etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.ResultsTrauma accounted for 742 cases (90.0%) and infections for 44 cases (5.3%). Boys (65.7%) outnumbered girls (34.3%), and school-aged children (6-11 years) were most frequently affected (56.5%). Lacerations (49.2%) and abrasions (34.1%) were the most common traumas, followed by dental trauma (31.0%) and facial fractures (5.0%). Among fractures, the mandibular condyle (35.1%) was most commonly involved. Most fractures were managed non-surgically (54.0%), while 30.0% required surgery. Infections were mainly odontogenic abscesses (44.7%), cellulitis (36.4%), and sialadenitis (15.9%). Abscesses were treated with incision and drainage (57.1%) or antibiotics (19.1%), with 23.8% requiring hospitalization.ConclusionTrauma was the most frequent emergency cause in pediatric and adolescent patients, particularly among school-aged boys. Most cases were successfully managed with appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential for favorable outcomes in pediatric maxillofacial emergencies.

Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers (HNC), particularly oropharyngeal cancer. This longitudinal cohort study investigated the prevalence and dynamics of oral HPV infection among healthy adults in South India. A total of 5325 participants were enrolled, and demographic, behavioral, and oral gargle samples were collected. HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected using nested PCR (PGMY/GP) and genotyped by Sanger sequencing. HPV16 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and validated using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios. At baseline, 5011 samples were analyzed; 274 (5.5%) were HPV-positive and 4737 were negative. Among 3792 initially HPV-negative participants followed up, 126 (3.3%) acquired new infections (median 8 months; range, 6-15 months). Of 274 baseline HPV-positive individuals, 241 were followed up: 24 (10%) showed persistence, while 217 (90%) cleared infection after a median of 9 months (range, 6-20 months). Sanger sequencing of 471 samples from prevalent and incident infections yielded 290 (61.6%) high-quality sequences; 284 (98%) were HPV16, with isolated detections of HPV18, HPV66, HPV70, and HPV89. Ten novel variants were identified-nine HPV16 and one HPV89-while remaining sequences aligned with established Indian cervical HPV lineages. None of the 176 HPV16 DNA-positive samples analyzed expressed mRNA by RT-PCR, confirmed in 136 samples using ddPCR. Oral HPV infection among healthy individuals in India appears predominantly transient. Long-term monitoring may elucidate the oncogenic potential of oral HPV in this population.

Proposed in the early 20th century, the focal infection theory hypothesizes that teeth with dental caries, endodontic-periapical/periodontal diseases, plus impacted teeth and residual roots, might act as infection foci, inducing pathologies in distant organs including respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and brain, etc. During the prevalence of this theory, tooth extraction was well received as a key adjuvant therapy for systemic diseases, profoundly influencing paradigms of dentistry and clinical medicine. In the mid-20th century, advances in evidence-based medicine and diagnostic/therapeutic techniques led to the demise of focal infection theory. Tooth extraction ceased to be a major systemic disease intervention, while conservative dentistry as represented by root canal therapy progressed substantially. Since the proposal of "periodontal medicine" in the 1990s, the link between oral infectious diseases and systemic diseases has regained attention from dental and medical professionals. Recent progress in oral-systemic comorbidity animal models and high-throughput multi-omics has increasingly elucidated mechanisms by which oral infections exacerbate/induce systemic diseases. This article comprehensively reviews the historical evolution and impacts of focal infection theory on dental medicine (especially endodontics), offering references for future researches.

The prescription of antimicrobials is a common practice in pediatric dentistry for the management of oral infections, trauma, and prophylactic indications. However, inappropriate use and misuse of these agents remain a significant concern, contributing to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions, and unnecessary exposure in children. The aim of this review was to evaluate the appropriate indications, clinical considerations, and common causes of misuse of antimicrobials in pediatric dental practice, with particular emphasis on antibiotics and analgesics. Children present unique anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that influence drug selection, dosage, and administration. Antibiotics are indicated primarily in cases of spreading odontogenic infections, facial cellulitis with systemic involvement, specific traumatic injuries, salivary gland infections of bacterial origin, and selected medically compromised conditions requiring prophylaxis. In contrast, antibiotics are not indicated for localized dental conditions such as irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulps, localized apical abscesses without systemic signs, plaque-induced gingivitis, or viral infections, where definitive dental treatment and local measures are sufficient. Despite clear guidelines, antibiotic overuse in pediatric dentistry is frequently driven by misdiagnosis, time constraints, parental pressure, and insufficient knowledge of evidence-based indications. Such practices increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and may delay definitive dental care. The review also discusses the role of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in pediatric dentistry, emphasizing that pain management should primarily rely on agents such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen rather than antibiotics. In conclusion, antimicrobials play an essential but limited role in pediatric dental care. Judicious prescribing based on accurate diagnosis, clinical severity, and established guidelines is critical to minimize misuse. Increasing practitioner awareness, improving education, and adhering to evidence-based protocols are key strategies to promote rational antimicrobial use and safeguard both individual and public health.

Mentha longifolia (horsemint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint) are economically valuable aromatic plants widely utilized in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to their rich reservoir of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the antifungal and antibiofilm properties of essential oils extracted from these species against various Candida strains, particularly Candida albicans, a major opportunistic pathogen responsible for oral and systemic infections. Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and chemically characterized through GC-MS, revealing that M. longifolia oil was predominantly composed of pulegone (29.7%), menthone (26%), and eucalyptol (17.8%), while M. spicata oil was mainly enriched in pulegone (68.5%), eucalyptol (5.2%), and thymol (3.5%). The antifungal activity, evaluated by agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution assays, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9-14 mm for M. longifolia and 9-12 mm for M. spicata, with corresponding minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.39-6.25 mg/mL and fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of 12.5-100 mg/mL. Both oils markedly reduced biofilm biomass in a concentration-dependent manner, with up to 90% inhibition observed at 4× MIC. The potent biofilm disruption was attributed to the high terpenoid content, capable of altering fungal membrane integrity. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the essential oils of M. longifolia and M. spicata possess significant antifungal and antibiofilm potential, highlighting their possible application as natural, plant-derived therapeutic agents for controlling Candida-associated oral and biomedical infections.

The role of chlorhexidine in oral care for mechanically ventilated elderly patients remains debated, particularly regarding its impact on oral microbiota and clinical outcomes. To compare oral microbiota composition and prognosis among elderly mechanically ventilated patients receiving oral care with either chlorhexidine solution or normal saline. Sixty intubated patients (≥ 65 years) were randomized to receive oral care with 0.12% chlorhexidine (intervention group) or 0.9% saline (control group) three times daily during mechanical ventilation. All patients underwent standardized oral hygiene during mechanical ventilation. Oral samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, with outcomes compared to oral health and clinical data. Secondary outcomes included dental plaque index, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), 28-day mortality, patient outcomes, and oral complications. One week after intervention, the chlorhexidine group exhibited a significant decrease in oral bacterial diversity (Simpson index, P = 0.037). Despite this, no significant differences were observed in clinical infection symptoms-defined as fever, purulent airway secretions, elevated white blood cell count, or increased C-reactive protein levels requiring evaluation by the attending physician. All participants received standard ICU antimicrobial prophylaxis or therapy according to institutional protocols; no additional systemic antibiotics were initiated solely for oral or respiratory infections. There were no significant differences between groups in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence (P = 1.000), duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.063), ICU stay (P = 0.191), 28-day mortality (P = 0.82), or rates of complications and plaque formation. The chlorhexidine group also showed a decrease in dominant microbial taxa and an increase in specific anaerobic bacteria. Chlorhexidine temporarily altered oral microbiota composition without improving short-term clinical outcomes. Although no infections increased, its potential impact on microbial balance warrants caution, and larger studies are needed to validate these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06691841. Registeration Date 23 September 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06691841.

BackgroundPoor oral health (OH), including periodontal disease and tooth loss, has been linked to systemic inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline, underscoring the critical yet underexplored connection between oral and brain health. Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) disproportionately affect aging populations, and with cases projected to triple by 2050, there is an urgent need to integrate OH into dementia care practice‐and‐research (DCPaR).PerspectiveGiven that there is currently no cure for AD/ADRD, the importance of prevention and early intervention is heightened, yet oral health—despite its crucial role in systemic health and cognitive function—remains largely overlooked in DCPaR. Chronic oral infections and oral microbiome dysbiosis are significant contributors to systemic inflammation, potentially accelerating AD/ADRD progression. Conversely, cognitive decline impairs individuals’ ability to maintain OH, perpetuating a cycle of worsening health. The Health and Aging Brain Study‐Health Disparities (HABS‐HD) is the most AD/ADRD comprehensive study among diverse communities within the US. While it provides critical insights into aging and cognitive health disparities, it currently lacks direct OH measures. This limitation presents an opportunity to explore OH's impact on cognitive decline and overall quality of life. The Health Equity Scholars Program (HESP) addresses this gap by fostering a diverse, culturally competent workforce to study and treat AD/ADRD. Through the project “Exploring Neurological and Indirect Biomarkers for Potential Correlations with Oral Health: An Interdisciplinary Approach,” HESP and HABS‐HD are advancing efforts to integrate OH into DCPaR, crucial for developing targeted interventions and preventive care for aging populations.Call to ActionA multidisciplinary approach is essential to address the bidirectional relationship between oral and cognitive health, promote early detection of oral diseases, and implement preventive measures. Incorporating OH into DCPaR aligns with broader health equity goals, addressing disparities in access to care and bridging existing gaps.ConclusionAs the global burden of AD/ADRD continues to grow, integrating OH into DCPaR will enhance understanding of its role in AD/ADRD progression, improve outcomes for those with cognitive decline, and foster equitable, holistic geriatric healthcare systems.

Background: Oral manifestations are common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and serve as important clinical indicators of immune status and disease progression. Despite extensive global research, data from the Gulf Cooperation Council region, particularly Saudi Arabia, remain limited. Aims: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of oral manifestations, and their associations with immunological parameters, in a large cohort of PLWH in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 1500 adult PLWH who attended the Dammam Medical Complex HIV Clinic between January and December 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected through medical record review. Standardized oral examinations were performed once per participant by two calibrated dentists using World Health Organization criteria. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 38.3 ± 11.5 years and was predominantly male (78.3%). Most patients (89.6%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), with 75.7% achieving viral suppression. The mean CD4 count was 527 ± 221 cells/μL. Common co-infections included hepatitis C virus (11.7%), tuberculosis (17.2%), and hepatitis B virus (4.3%). The prevalence of any HIV-related oral manifestation was 72.9% (n = 1093); the most common findings were xerostomia (subjective dry mouth sensation, 48.1%), oral candidiasis (21.6%), and periodontitis (42.7%). Among severely immunosuppressed patients (CD4 < 200 cells/μL, n = 114), 89.5% had oral manifestations, with oral candidiasis affecting 66.7%. Severe immunosuppression was strongly associated with ART-naive status (92.0% vs. 8.0%, χ2 = 864.55, p < 0.001). The presence of HIV-related oral manifestations was significantly associated with CD4 count < 200 cells/μL (χ2 = 15.96, p < 0.001). Conclusions: HIV-related oral manifestations remain highly prevalent in our large Saudi cohort, despite high ART coverage, with xerostomia and oral candidiasis as the predominant findings. Severe immunosuppression was strongly associated with both ART-naive status and opportunistic oral infections. The association between oral manifestations and immunosuppression underscores their continued clinical relevance as accessible indicators of disease status. Integration of routine oral health screening into HIV care is essential for comprehensive patient management in the region.

Comparative efficacy of minimally invasive lavage with negative pressure sealing drainage versus traditional incision and drainage combined with ornidazole for oral and maxillofacial space infections: a retrospective study.

Yellow fever virus (YFV), a mosquito-borne Orthoflavivirus, remains a significant public health concern, especially in regions with low vaccine coverage. Since 2010, yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for breastfeeding women due to reported cases of vaccine strain transmission through breast milk causing neonatal meningoencephalitis. However, breastfeeding transmission efficiency of the vaccine strains remains unknown, and wild-type strains transmission has been suggested following viral RNA detection in milk. Obtaining direct evidence of breastfeeding-related transmission in humans is challenging as vector-borne exposure confounds analyses, making animal models essential for assessing this risk. We used A129 mouse model to investigate YFV transmission via breastfeeding for wild-type and vaccine strains, and human epithelial in vitro models to explore mechanisms of mammary and intestinal barrier crossing. Wild-type and vaccine strains spread to mammary glands, targeting mainly stromal and immune cells, and are excreted into milk as free and cell-associated virus. In vitro, mammary epithelial cells also support infection, suggesting two mechanisms of epithelial crossing. Neonates are susceptible to oral infection, showing higher infection rates for wild-type virus but evidence of neuroinvasion for both strains. These strains infect and cross an in vitro human intestinal barrier model, suggesting this epithelium as a potential viral entry site for neonates. Finally, the virus can be transmitted from infected dams to suckling pups via breastfeeding, though rarely. This study demonstrates YFV transmission through breastfeeding in an animal model and supports the biological plausibility of this route, highlighting its potential among YFV transmission risks.

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) of the intestinal epithelium are major regulators of metabolism and energy homeostasis. This is mainly due to their expression and secretion of enteroendocrine peptides (EEPs). These peptides serve as hormones that control many aspects of metabolic homeostasis including feeding behavior, intestinal contractions, and utilization of energy stores. Regulation of EEP production and release depends largely on EEC-exclusive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that sense nutrient levels. Here we report the characterization of a GPCR expressed principally in EECs, which we have named GulpR due to its role in the response to nutrient stress. We show that GulpR regulates transcription of the EEP Tachykinin (Tk) and that both GulpR and Tk are essential for the transcriptional response that promotes survival of nutrient limitation. Oral infection with V. cholerae also activates expression of GulpR, Tk, and lipid mobilization genes. However, Tk does not play a role in regulation of lipid mobilization genes during infection and does not impact survival. Our findings identify a role for GulpR and Tk in survival during starvation and suggest that, although starvation and infection result in significant mobilization of energy stores, the signal transduction systems that regulate the metabolic response to each are distinct.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent gastric bacterium increasingly detected in the oral cavity and may contribute to the progression of oral diseases. This study aimed to assess the association between oral diseases and oral H. pylori infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to compare oral H. pylori prevalence between patients with oral diseases and healthy controls. Data were pooled to estimate overall associations, and subgroup analyses were performed by oral disease type, detection site, detection methods, and region to assess their potential impact on the observed relationships. Ten studies with 1166 participants met the inclusion criteria. Oral H. pylori infection was significantly associated with oral diseases (OR = 3.24, 95%CI:1.78-5.92, p = 0.0001), particularly periodontitis (OR = 4.28, 95%CI:2.46-7.44). The strongest associations were observed when H. pylori was detected in dental plaque (OR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.60-8.33), using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods (OR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.31-7.24), and in Asian populations. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, and no publication bias was detected. Oral H. pylori, particularly when detected in dental plaque by PCR, is strongly associated with periodontitis, suggesting that it may contribute to the progression of oral diseases. However, these findings are limited by potential confounding and the observational nature of the included studies, warranting cautious interpretation and further prospective research. Oral H. pylori is associated with periodontitis, highlighting the need for standardized detection methods and further prospective studies to clarify causal mechanisms and guide integrated management of oral diseases and the risk of gastric reinfection.

Antifolate antibiotics are used to treat meningitis and refractory listeriosis caused by drug-resistant Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). Their bactericidal activity is attributed to the deactivation of thymidylate synthase (ThyA), which subsequently induces bacterial cell death when thymidine is depleted, a process known as thymineless death (TLD). Despite decades of study, the mechanisms of TLD, especially during infection, remain unclear. Cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP), a common bacterial second messenger that regulates bacterial stress responses, is elevated in response to antifolate antibiotics. In this study, we found that elevated c-di-AMP is required to inhibit TLD in Lm. Conversely, reducing c-di-AMP levels in the ΔthyA mutant led to increased bacterial cell death under thymidine starvation and significant reduction in intracellular growth. Furthermore, we found that ΔthyA exhibited a more pronounced growth defect during oral infection compared to intravenous infection, due to limited thymidine availability in the gallbladder, which acts as a bottleneck for ΔthyA in establishing infection. Notably, decreasing c-di-AMP levels abolished the infection capacity of ΔthyA in both infection models. Finally, we identified that the c-di-AMP-binding protein PstA contributes to bacterial cell death when c-di-AMP concentrations are low. Deletion of pstA in the ΔthyA background rescued the elevated cell death caused by c-di-AMP depletion both in vitro and during mouse infections. Our study identifies a previously unrecognized mechanism of TLD regulation mediated by c-di-AMP. This expands fundamental knowledge of TLD in the context of infection and provides insights into potential combined therapeutic strategies for listeriosis targeting both antifolate and c-di-AMP metabolic pathways.IMPORTANCEConsuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) can cause severe listeriosis, a leading foodborne illness with a 20% fatality rate. Most cases require hospitalization, and 25% of pregnancy-associated cases result in fetal or neonatal death. Antibiotics, especially β-lactams, are the main treatment, but alternatives like antifolates are used when resistance or allergies occur. Still, over 30% of patients experience treatment failure, the causes of which remain poorly understood due to limited knowledge of antibiotic action within Lm's intracellular niches and how the pathogen adapts during infection. This gap hinders the development of effective therapies. Our study bridges this gap by using a thymidine auxotroph mutant of Lm (ΔthyA) to investigate thymineless death both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, antifolate-resistant Lm strains, many of which are thymidine auxotrophs, are often found in food, posing a public health risk. Our study on how ΔthyA strains survive will provide insights into novel therapeutic targets.

Oral infections that cause inflammation typically affect the gingival tissues. The immuneinflammatory reactions significantly influence the patient's vulnerability to periodontal diseases. Numerous studies have found a correlation between persistent inflammation and an increased risk of developing cancer in the afflicted oral epithelium. New research demonstrates a startling connection between periodontal conditions and various forms of cancer, including oral cancer. The aim of the study was to use bioinformatics techniques in order to predict interatomic hub genes in oral cancer and periodontitis. The datasets were screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in periodontitis and oral cancer using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, a gene expression data analysis tool. GeneMANIA was used to identify hub genes between oral cancer and periodontitis. Orange machine learning was conducted for hub gene prediction using random forest, decision tree, AdaBoost, and neural network. The top 5 hub genes (RSPO4, CDHR2, DDAH2, HLA-J, and IRF3) were prioritized to explore their relationship with oral cancer and periodontal disease. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed, with the area under the curve (AUC) for random forest at 0.999, for the decision tree at 0.998, for AdaBoost at 1.000, and for the neural network model at 0.865. The AdaBoost model, followed by random forest and decision tree, exhibited the highest level of accuracy (1.000). These results suggest that the 3 models demonstrate good predictability and may facilitate the early detection of periodontitis and oral cancer. The insights derived from this study may contribute to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for chronic inflammatory periodontitis and oral cancer by utilizing computational approaches and integrating multi-omics data. The identification of interactome hub genes in these diseases has important clinical ramifications. The obtained outcomes may help decipher disease pathways, promote early detection, and create targeted treatments for better patient outcomes. The accurate prediction of hub genes may promote their utilization as biomarkers in the development of individualized treatment plans for both illnesses.