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The article "Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil of Tabernaemontana dichotoma" provides information on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil derived from Tabernaemontana dichotoma, a shrub or tree found in the wet tropical biome. The essential oil was obtained through hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. The major components of the oil were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with β-caryophyllene being the most dominant component. The essential oil also demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity. This study contributes to the understanding of the chemical properties and potential health benefits of Tabernaemontana dichotoma. [Extracted from the article]

It is estimated that 48% of children globally and over 70% of those in Malaysia suffer from early childhood caries (ECC). This review aimed to systematically gather studies on ECC and determine key factors associated with it using bibliometric analysis. The "early childhood caries" keyword was searched in the Scopus database. A total of 1,984 articles were selected based on the selection criteria. Author, country, document and keyword analysis was done using VOSviewer 1.6.19. The United States is the leading country in ECC research. The bibliometric analysis of keywords showed seven clusters and the keywords were further ranked according to the risk factors. Dental care was the main key factor of ECC, followed by microbiome, diet and socioeconomic. This insight highlights the emphasis on understanding and addressing issues related to dental care practices in the context of preventing and managing ECC. It is a disease of multifactorial aetiology. Hence, prevention might still be the best way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral microbiome is composed of microorganisms residing in the oral cavity, which are critical components of health and disease. Disruption of the oral microbiome has been proven to influence the course of oral diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Oral microbiome is comprised of inter-kingdom microorganisms, including yeasts such as Candida albicans, bacteria, archaea and viruses. These microorganisms can interact synergistically, mutualistically and antagonistically, wherein the sum of these interactions dictates the composition of the oral microbiome. For instance, polymicrobial interactions can improve the ability of C albicans to form biofilm, which subsequently increases the colonisation of oral mucosa by the yeast. Polymicrobial interactions of C albicans with other members of the oral microbiome have been reported to enhance the malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells, such as the attachment to extracellular matrix molecules (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Polymicrobial interactions may also exacerbate an inflammatory response in oral epithelial cells, which may play a role in carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the role of polymicrobial interactions between C albicans and other oral microorganisms, including its role in promoting oral carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial infection has been shown to involve in oral carcinogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to characterize the growth of oral microorganisms as both monospecies and polymicrobial biofilms and determine the effects of their products on oral keratinocytes. Candida albicans (ALC3), Actinomyces naeslundii (AN) and Streptococcus mutans (SM) biofilms or a combination of these (TRI) were grown in flow-cell system for 24 h. The biofilms were subjected to fluorescent in situ hybridization using species-specific probes and analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effluent derived from each biofilm was collected and incubated with malignant (H357) and normal (OKF6) oral keratinocytes to assess extracellular matrix adhesion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cytokines expression. Incubation of OKF6 with ALC3 and TRI effluent significantly decreased adhesion of the oral keratinocyte to collagen I, whereas incubation of H357 with similar effluent increased adhesion of the oral keratinocyte to laminin I, significantly when compared with incubation with artificial saliva containing serum-free medium (NE; P < 0.05). In OKF6, changes in E-cadherin and vimentin expression were not consistent with EMT although there was evidence of a mesenchymal to epithelial transition in malignant oral keratinocytes incubated with AN and SM effluent. A significant increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, particularly interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, was observed when H357 was incubated with all biofilm effluents after 2- and 24-h incubation when compared with NE (P < 0.05). In conclusion, C.albicans, A.naeslundii and S.mutans form polymicrobial biofilms which differentially modulate malignant phenotype of oral keratinocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial interactions are necessarily associated with the development of polymicrobial oral biofilms. The objective of this study was to determine the coaggregation of eight strains of Candida albicans with Actinomyces naeslundii and Streptococcus mutans. In autoaggregation assays, C. albicans strains were grown in RPMI-1640 and artificial saliva medium (ASM) whereas bacteria were grown in heart infusion broth. C. albicans, A. naeslundii and S. mutans were suspended to give 106, 107 and 108 cells mL-1 respectively, in coaggregation buffer followed by a 1 h incubation. The absorbance difference at 620 nm (ΔAbs) between 0 h and 1 h was recorded. To study coaggregation, the same protocol was used, except combinations of microorganisms were incubated together. The mean ΔAbs% of autoaggregation of the majority of RPMI-1640-grown C. albicans was higher than in ASM grown. Coaggregation of C. albicans with A. naeslundii and/or S. mutans was variable among C. albicans strains. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that A. naeslundii and S. mutans coaggregated with C. albicans in dual- and triculture. In conclusion, the coaggregation of C. albicans, A. naeslundii and S. mutans is C. albicans strain dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibit memory immunity acquired during natural infection. However, a decline in immunity after infection renders these individuals vulnerable to re-infection, in addition to a higher risk of infection with new variants. This systematic review examined related studies to elucidate the antibody response in these infected individuals after messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccination. Hence, the focus of this review was to ascertain differences in the concentration of binding and neutralising antibodies of previously infected individuals in comparison to those of infection-naïve individuals after administration of two doses of mRNA vaccination through available case-control and cohort studies. Positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test or detectable anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies at the baseline in included studies showed categorisation of infected and uninfected individuals. This review utilised three online databases: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane with the following keywords: (COVID-19 OR 'Coronavirus Disease 2019' OR SARS-CoV-2) AND Immun* AND (Pfizer OR BioNTech OR BNT162b2 OR Comirnaty OR Moderna OR mRNA-1273) from January 2019 to July 2021. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2020 guidelines and assessment based on the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT), we included 13 related qualified papers of observational studies discerning the binding and neutralising antibody concentrations of infected and uninfected individuals after administration of mRNA vaccines, such as the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccine. The mRNA vaccines induced robust binding and neutralising antibody responses in both groups. However, infected individuals showed induction of higher antibody responses in a shorter time compared to uninfected individuals. Hence, a single dose of mRNA vaccination for infected individuals may be sufficient to reach the same level of antibody concentration as that observed in uninfected individuals after receiving two doses of vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic switching is characterized as a virulence factor of Candida spp. This study was carried out to evaluate the phenotypic switching ability of C. krusei ATCC 14243 and to determine its effect on the biological properties, adherence capacity and susceptibility towards chlorhexidine digluconate ( CHX). To induce switched generations C. krusei was cultured under nitrogen-depleted growth conditions by adding phloxine B. These phenotypically switched colonies were designated as the 1st generation. Subsequent sub-culturing was performed to produce the 2nd, 3rd and 4th switched generations. The recovery of the 3rd generation was the highest at 85.7% while that of the 4th generation was lower at 70.8%, and the recovery of the 1st and 2nd generations gradually reduced to 46.6% and 36.4%, respectively. All generations of C. krusei were susceptible towards CHX. The unswitched C. krusei was the most susceptible but the least adherent to coated hard surfaces. The 2nd generation was the least susceptible, but with the highest adherent ability. The minimum inhibition concentration and minimal fungicidal concentration of C. krusei of all generations were determined at 0.4 mg mL−1. These observations suggest that the switching activity of C. krusei induces changes to its biological properties and susceptibility towards CHX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of Monocarpia maingayi Essential Oil" provides information on the chemical composition and bioactivities of the essential oil derived from Monocarpia maingayi, a tree found in Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatera. The essential oil was obtained from the leaves of the tree and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. The major components of the oil were globulol, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, t-muurolol, and α-cadinol. The essential oil exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans, as well as moderate antioxidant activity. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in Chemistry of Natural Compounds, discusses the chemical composition and antibiofilm properties of the essential oil from Syzygium cinereum. The genus Syzygium is a large group of flowering plants that is widely distributed throughout the world. Syzygium cinereum, also known as "pokok jambu air gunung" in Malaysia, is a tree found in montane forest environments and is used in reforestation projects and agroforestry systems. The essential oil from S. cinereum was obtained through hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major components of the essential oil were pogostol, α-selinene, α-bulnesene, β-selinene, and β-caryophyllene. Pogostol, in particular, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and has various applications in perfumery, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. The essential oil also showed promising antibiofilm activity against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. [Extracted from the article]

In this article, we review the current studies on the role of podoplanin in oral cancer and the potential application of podoplanin inhibitors as a therapeutic agent for oral cancer. The narrative review approach was conducted, providing a comprehensive perspective of related literature. Publications addressing podoplanin and its inhibitors in the context of oral cancer were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus databases. Podoplanin has emerged as a biomarker and therapeutic agent for oral cancer. Numerous studies have reported high podoplanin expression in oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesions compared to normal cells. A specific inhibitor targeting podoplanin may have the potential to prevent oral carcinogenesis via interfering with the pathway of cancerous cells involved in cell proliferation and metastasis. Antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, cancer-specific mAb (CasMab), synthetic molecules, and lectins are among the materials used as anticancer agents targeting podoplanin. Plant-derived lectins appear to demonstrate a unique advantage against alternative candidates. The use of podoplanin inhibitors in place of existing therapeutic approaches could be a promising and novel approach to the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Nevertheless, further research is required to investigate the practical application of such inhibitors. • Podoplanin (PDPN) presents as an attractive target for oral cancer therapy. • Antibodies neutralise PDPN-CLEC-2 interaction but present high production costs. • The synthetic molecule, 2CP, is a low-cost adjuvant anti-cancer agent. • Cancer specific mAbs inhibit PDPN without risking toxicity to normal cells. • Lectins show efficient targeting with a unique advantage of oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact globally. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were forced to work with uncertainties about the virus, extended working hours, and increasing cases. It is known that stress causes immunosuppression, and salivary IgA (sIgA) is the immune marker most strongly related to work stress. However, the relationship between stress level, COVID-19 fear, and immunosuppression was unknown. The study investigated the relationship between COVID-19-related fear and stress of the sIgA level. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 109 staff nurses in SASMEC, Kuantan, Pahang. Stratified randomised sampling was done for selection of participants. The PSS-10 and FCV -19S-M Questionnaires were administered to objectively assess stress and fear, followed by non-invasive saliva sample collection. Quantitative measurement of IgA level was done using an Enzyme- linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit (ELISA) for sIgA. Pearson correlation test and coefficient of determination (R2) were applied. 86% of participants were female, 83% were aged between 26-45 years old, 75% were married, 95% had worked for more than 1 year, and 68% worked in high-risk stations. The majority of the participants scored moderate severity in terms of perceived stress (84%) and fear level (61%), and the mean sIgA level was 3.96ng/mL. Further analysis showed no linear correlation between stress and fear with salivary IgA levels. Conclusion: HCWs are inevitably exposed to high stress, especially during the pandemic, not just work-related stress and COVID exposure but also other demographic and situational factors. Though the current study revealed moderate stress and fear levels among the staff nurses with no significant association between salivary IgA and stress and fear, further study should examine other factors such as coping skills, working environment, and protective factors that may modify perceived stress and, subsequently, immunological response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in Chemistry of Natural Compounds, explores the chemical constituents of Lindera subumbelliflora, a species of the Lindera genus. Lindera plants have been used in traditional medicine for various health-related issues and are known to produce diverse secondary metabolites with medicinal properties. The researchers investigated the roots of L. subumbelliflora and identified eight compounds, including 5,6-dehydrokawain, pinostrobin, β-sitosterol, pinocembrin, ferulic acid, quercetin, syringic acid, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone. These compounds were isolated from L. subumbelliflora for the first time, although some have been previously reported in other Lindera species. The study was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, and the authors express gratitude to the Fraser's Hill Research Center for plant collection and identification. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The roots of E. longifolia jack (E.L.) or Tongkat Ali have been used in traditional medicine as well as supplements and food additives. Many chemical compounds have been detected in extracts of its roots which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties. In this study, our objectives were to study the effects of EL root extracts on the growth of Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacillus and Candida Albicans isolated from saliva of adult patients with high caries risk. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of the root of this plant was tested against saliva isolated Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacillus and Candida Albicans via disc diffusion assay at a concentration of 200mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration was carried out by the standard broth microdilution method. Cell viability of test microorganisms against different concentration of the extract and inhibition zones were calculated. Results: Disk diffusion assay showed positive zones of inhibition for all test microorganisms with S. mutans, Lactobacillus and C. albicans exhibiting zones of inhibition of 8.3 ± 0.7mm, 12.4 ± 2.4mm and 21.4 ± 2.7mm respectively. For minimum inhibitory concentration, the test microorganisms were tested at concentration of 250mg/ mL, 125mg/mL, 62.5mg/mL, 31.3mg/mL and 0mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration showed that MIC of S. mutans was at 62.5mg/mL, Lactobacillus at 125mg/mL and C. albicans at 31.3mg/mL. Lastly, the cell viability results supported the MIC determined prior. Conclusion: Ethanol-based E. longifolia Jack root extract has an antimicrobial effect on the following microorganisms isolated from the saliva of high-risk caries adult patients: S. mutans, Lactobacillus and C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with many known risk factors including tobacco smoking, chronic alcoholism, poor oral hygiene, unhealthy dietary habits and microbial infection. Previous studies have highlighted Candida albicans host tissue infection as a risk factor in the initiation and progression of oral cancer. C albicans invasion induces several cancerous hallmarks, such as activation of proto-oncogenes, induction of DNA damage and overexpression of inflammatory signalling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these responses remain unclear. A recently discovered fungal toxin peptide, candidalysin, has been reported as an essential molecule in epithelial damage and host recognition of C albicans infection. Candidalysin has a clear role in inflammasome activation and induction of cell damage. Several inflammatory molecules such as IL-6, IL-17, NLRP3 and GM-CSF have been linked to carcinogenesis. Candidalysin is encoded by the ECE1 gene, which has been linked to virulence factors of C albicans such as adhesion, biofilm formation and filamentation properties. This review discusses the recent epidemiological burden of oral cancer and highlights the significance of the ECE1 gene and the ECE1 protein breakdown product, candidalysin in oral malignancy. The immunological and molecular mechanisms behind oral malignancy induced by inflammation and the role of the toxic fungal peptide candidalysin in oral carcinogenesis are explored. With increasing evidence associating C albicans with oral carcinoma, identifying the possible fungal pathogenicity factors including the role of candidalysin can assist in efforts to understand the link between C albicans infection and carcinogenesis, and pave the way for research into therapeutic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Eurycoma longifolia jack (E.L) is a herbal medicinal plant of South-East Asian origin, popularly recognized as 'Tongkat Ali.' The plant roots have been scientifically proven to have many biological effects including antibacterial activity however, no previous research to date has studied the effect on oral pathogens including cariogenic bacteria. This study was done to determine the antibacterial and antifungal activities of E.L. root extract against three common oral pathogens. Material and Methods: The microorganisms used were Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei. E.L root was extracted using soxhlet method. Disc diffusion assay was conducted using extract concentration of 200 mg/ml. Nystatin and Ampicillin were used as positive control for fungal and bacterial tests respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was done to determine the lowest inhibitory concentration of the extract on the microorganisms. Results: E.L extract inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans at a concentration of 200 mg/ ml with a zone of inhibition of 16.0 ± 3.0 mm and 7.0 ± 1.0 mm respectively. There was no antimicrobial effect of the extract on Lactobacillus casei. The MIC of E.L extract against both Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans was 25 mg/ml. Conclusions: The results from this study revealed the potential use of Eurycoma longifolia jack as an antimicrobial agent which can be used to produce new oral care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The aim of this review was to identify the activity of the probiotics on oral carcinogenesis. • Five studies were included in the review discussing on the effects of probiotics against oral carcinogenesis. • Lactobacillus salivarius REN could be a promising inhibitory agent in the development of oral cancer. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects if probiotics can inhibit oral carcinogenesis. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PLOS databases were searched up to February 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment of articles. This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA-P) 2015 protocol guidelines. The initial search retrieved 774 articles. Of these, only five articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Two out of the five papers were further analysed for quantitative synthesis in meta-analysis. The majority of the included studies were found to be of "moderate quality". The qualitative synthesis found four probiotics that exhibited potential therapeutic effects in oral carcinogenesis, including Acetobacter syzygii , AJ2, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus salivarius REN. Among them, the application of L. salivarius REN resulted in a 95 % lower risk for developing oral cancer (p < 0.05). It is known that probiotics have the potential to inhibit oral carcinogenesis, thus supporting the hypothesis of the study. The ability of L. salivarius REN to inhibit the development of oral cancer suggested that this bacterium can be a potential inhibitory agent against oral carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]