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Dental anxiety is a very important factor affecting the efficacy of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases, both in patients in the developmental age and in young adults. Anxiety is considered an emotional state with negative connotations. The aim of the study was to determine the level of dental anxiety in first year university students, the intent being to help to develop an individual treatment plan in this group of patients. The study involved 280 students including 230 females and 50 males. Of these, 122 patients were from the Medical University of Lublin, 79 from University of Life Sciences and 79 from University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska. The mean age of the study subjects was 21 years and 8 months ± 3,9 months. No differences in the level of dental anxiety between women and men were observed. The highest level of dental anxiety was observed among students of University of Life Sciences, while the lowest level was observed among students of the Medical University

A 9.5 year-old patient, following an accident, suffered a comminuted lateral fracture of the root of tooth 21 at the neck level. The treatment consisted of immobilizing and maintaining tooth vitality. The presented case provides a basis for the conclusion that premature radical, surgical and endodontic actions should not always be performed.

Background: This longitudinal study examined the early effects of type 1 diabetes on bone mechanical properties and metabolic markers in mature rats, focusing on the natural progression of diabetes-induced changes without external treatments. Methods : Forty-eight 8-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Assessments were performed 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-administration, including serum biochemical analyses, bone marker assessments, and mechanical bone tests. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA to evaluate the impact of time and treatment. Results : At 2 weeks, diabetic rats showed increased fasting blood glucose ( p < 0.001), decreased insulin levels ( p = 0.03), and changes in HOMA markers ( p < 0.001), liver enzymes ( p < 0.001), inflammatory markers ( p < 0.001), and bone metabolism markers (osteocalcin ( p < 0.001), OPG ( p = 0.006), RANKL ( p < 0.001), and OPG/RANKL ratio ( p < 0.001)), with initial alterations in bone geometry. By week 4, decreased body weight in the diabetic group ( p < 0.001) led to further changes in bone geometry and initial differences in mechanical properties. At 8 weeks, significant declines in body ( p < 0.001) and bone ( p < 0.001) weights were observed, along with further deterioration in bone geometry and mechanical properties. Conclusions : The study highlights the significant impact of STZ-induced diabetes on bone health as early as two weeks post-STZ administration, with marked temporal changes in biochemical markers and mechanical properties., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) in young individuals may lead to disease-related secondary sarcopenia (SSARC), characterized by muscle loss and systemic inflammation. In this study, CP was induced in young pigs, and serum levels of key hormones, muscle fiber diameters in various muscles, and the mRNA expression of genes related to oxidative stress and programmed cell death were assessed. A decrease in muscle fiber diameters was observed in SSARC pigs, particularly in the longissimus and diaphragm muscles. Hormonal analysis revealed alterations in dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, oxytocin, myostatin, and cortisol levels, indicating a distinct hormonal response in SSARC pigs compared to controls. Oxytocin levels in SSARC pigs were significantly lower and myostatin levels higher. Additionally, changes in the expression of catalase ( CAT ), caspase 8 (CASP8), B-cell lymphoma 2 ( BCL2 ), and BCL2-associated X protein ( BAX ) mRNA suggested a downregulation of oxidative stress response and apoptosis regulation. A reduced BAX / BCL2 ratio in SSARC pigs implied potential caspase-independent cell death pathways. The findings highlight the complex interplay between hormonal changes and muscle degradation in SSARC, underscoring the need for further research into the apoptotic and inflammatory pathways involved in muscle changes due to chronic organ inflammation in young individuals.

The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of prenatal exposure to fumonisins (FBs) on bone properties and metabolism in weaned rat offspring divided into groups intoxicated with FBs at either 0 (the 0 FB group), 60 (the 60 FB group), or 90 mg/kg b.w. 0 (the 90 FB group). Female and male offspring exposed to FBs at a dose of 60 mg/kg b.w. had heavier femora. Mechanical bone parameters changed in a sex and FBs dose-dependent manner. Growth hormone and osteoprotegerin decreased in both sexes, regardless of FBs dose. In males osteocalcin decreased, while receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand increased regardless of FBs dose; while in females changes were dose dependent. Leptin decreased in both male FBs-intoxicated groups, bone alkaline phosphatase decreased only in the 60 FB group. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 protein expression increased in both female FBs-intoxicated groups and decreased in male 90 FB group. Osteoprotegerin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 protein expression decreased in males, regardless of FBs dose, while nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand expression increased only in the 90 FB group. The disturbances in bone metabolic processes seemed to result from imbalances in the RANKL/RANK/OPG and the OC/leptin systems.

Fumonisins are protein serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors and potent inhibitors of sphingosine N-acyltransferase (ceramide synthase) disrupting de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fumonisins (FB) exposure from the 7th day of pregnancy to parturition on offspring bone development. The rats were randomly allocated to either a control group ( n = 6), not treated with FBs, or to one of the two groups intoxicated with FBs (either at 60 mg FB/kg b.w. or at 90 mg FB/kg b.w. Numerous negative, offspring sex-dependent effects of maternal FB exposure were observed with regards to the histomorphometry of trabecular bone. These effects were due to FB-inducted alterations in bone metabolism, as indicated by changes in the expression of selected proteins involved in bone development: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The immunolocalization of MMPs and TIMP-2 was performed in trabecular and compact bone, as well as articular and growth plate cartilages. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the exposure of pregnant dams to FB negatively affected the expression of certain proteins responsible for bone matrix degradation in newborns prenatally exposed to FB in a dose- and sex-dependent manner.

Prenatal and postnatal supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) and alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) affects the development and maturation of offspring. Both substances have the potential to stimulate cell metabolism via different routes. However, parity affects development and may alter the effects of dietary supplementation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of gestational supplementation with HMB and/or AKG to primiparous and multiparous minks on the structure and maturation of the offspring's small intestine. Primiparous and multiparous American minks ( Neovison vison ), of the standard dark brown type, were supplemented daily with HMB (0.02 g/kg b.w.) and/or AKG (0.4 g/kg b.w.) during gestation ( n = 7 for each treatment). Supplementation stopped when the minks gave birth. Intestine samples were collected from 8-month-old male and female offspring during autopsy and histology and histomorphometry analysis was conducted (LAEC approval no 64/2015). Gestational supplementation had a long-term effect, improving the structure of the offspring's intestine toward facilitating absorption and passage of intestinal contents. AKG supplementation affected intestinal absorption (enterocytes, villi and absorptive surface), and HMB affected intestinal peristalsis and secretion (crypts and Goblet cells). These effects were strongly dependent on parity and offspring gender. Present findings have important nutritional implications and should be considered in feeding practices and supplementation plans in animal reproduction.

The effect of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) supplementation to experimentally-induced, perinatal growth-retarded piglets was examined. Sows were treated with a synthetic glucocorticoid (Gc) during the last 25 days of pregnancy, and after the birth, piglets were randomly divided into three groups depending on the treatment. The Gc/Gc + AKG and Gc/AKG groups born by Gc-treated sows after the birth were treated with Gc or Gc + AKG for 35 days. Significantly lower serum growth hormone, IGF-I, osteocalcin, leptin, and cortisol concentrations were observed in the Gc/Gc + AKG group, while the bone alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher. Serum insulin concentration was higher in the control group. Serum alanine, lysine, histidine, and tryptophan concentrations were higher in the Gc/Gc + AKG and Gc/AKG groups. The perinatal action of Gc significantly affects histomorphometry of articular cartilage and trabecular bone and bone mechanics. The results clearly showed that dietary AKG had positive effects with regards to the profile of free amino acids. Taking into account the function of AKG as an energy donor and stimulator of collagen synthesis, it can be concluded that the anabolic role of AKG may be the main mechanism responsible for its protective effect against the GC-induced perinatal intensified catabolic state.

Changes to the features of the enamel surface submitted to induced demineralisation and subsequent remineralisation were studied. The in vitro examination was conducted on polished slices of human molar teeth, divided in four groups: the untreated control ( n = 20), challenged by a demineralisation with orthophosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) ( n = 20), and challenged by a demineralisation following remineralisation with fluoride (F) varnish containing casein phosphopeptides (CPP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) compounds ( n = 20). The specimens' enamel surfaces were subjected to analysis of structure, molecular arrangement, mechanical features, chemical composition, and crystalline organization of apatite crystals. Specimens treated with acid showed a significant decrease in crystallinity, calcium, and phosphorus levels as well as mechanical parameters, with an increase in enamel surface roughness and degree of carbonates when compared to the control group. Treatment with fluoride CPP-ACP varnish provided great improvements in enamel arrangement, as the destroyed hydroxyapatite structure was largely rebuilt and the resulting enamel surface was characterised by greater regularity, higher molecular and structural organisation, and a smoother surface compared to the demineralised one. In conclusion, this in vitro study showed that fluoride CPP-ACP varnish, by improving enamel hardness and initiating the deposition of a new crystal layer, can be an effective remineralising agent for the treatment of damaged enamel.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a neuroactive metabolite of tryptophan. KYNA naturally occurs in breast milk and its content increases with lactation, indicating the role of neonatal nutrition in general growth with long-term health effects. KYNA is also an antagonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors expressed in bone cells. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of chronic KYNA supplementation on bone homeostasis in young rats, using mandible as a model bone. Female and male newborn Wistar rats were divided into control and KYNA-administered groups until 60 days of age (25x101 mg/L or 25x102 mg/L in drinking water). Hemimandibles were subjected to densitometry, computed tomography analysis and mechanical testing. Rats supplemented with KYNA at both doses showed a decrease in body weight. There were no effects of KYNA administration and mandible histomorphometry. In males, a significant quadratic effect (P < 0.001) was observed in the densitometry of the hemimandible, where BMD increased in the group supplemented with 2.5x101 mg/L of KYNA. Analysis of mechanical tests data showed that when fracture forces were corrected for bone geometry and rats body weight the improvement of bone material properties was observed in male and female rats supplemented with lower dose of KYNA. This study showed that chronic supplementation with KYNA may limit weight gain in the young, without adversely affecting the development of the skeleton., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Structural changes in the enamel surface subjected to induced demineralization and assessment of the influence of prenatal administration of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on enamel resistance were investigated. The examination was conducted on five sets of teeth from one-day-old spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), one from the control and four from the experimental groups. Surface structure, molecular arrangement and crystalline organization of offspring's enamel both before and after etching were studied. Obtained results revealed that the physical and molecular arrangements of enamel were altered after the prenatal supplementation, and significantly affected its final structure and resistance against acid action. The enamel of incisors from the offspring which mothers were supplemented with HMB in a high dose (0.2 g/kg bw ) and in the late period of gestation (26th-39th day) showed the highest endurance against acid treatment demonstrating only vestigial changes in their surface structure after acid action. Comparing to the remaining experimental groups, it was characterized by a reduced roughness and fractal dimension, significantly lower degree of demineralization and simultaneous lack of notable differences in the Raman spectra before and after acid etching. The results suggest that an increased enamel resiliency was the effect of a relatively high degree of mineralization and higher organization of the surface., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Entamoeba gingivalis , as the name implies. typically lives around the gumline of the teeth in the tartar and gingival pockets of the oral cavity. Pathogenicity of protozoa in the oral cavity is not completely understood. The occurrence in patients with a good state of the immune system usually does not cause any pathological changes. In the presentede survey, an increased incidence of Entamoeba gingivalis in conjunction with pathological changes in the oral cavity was found., Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis in children treated in Department of Paediatric Dentistry of the Medical University in Lublin and its correlation with dental caries., Material and Methods: Diagnostic materials in the form of swabs were obtained from 154 children in the age 2-18 years old, treated in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry of the Medical University in Lublin. The main index for epidemiological surveys in oral health - DMFT (decayed, missed, and filled teeth) for permanent teeth and DMFT for deciduous teeth was calculated., Results: The average number of Entamoeba gingivalis in urban children was 12.84. The DMFT number in the deciduous teeth was lower in urban patients (5.0) than from rural patients (5.4). The DMFT number in the permanent teeth was lower in urban patients (3.155) than rural patients (3.98). There was no statistically significant correlation between the DMFT value and the number of Entamoeba gingivalis ., Conclusions: 1) Entamoeba gingivalis occurs in the oral cavity of children. 2) In the presented survey, both DMFT and dmft indexes were high which proves high activity of dental carious. 3) There was no significant statistical correlation observed between dental caries and the presence of Entamoeba gingivalis .

Introduction: Epilepsy is a common medical disorder and due to a variety of barriers, people with epilepsy may not have access to needed healthcare services, particularly based on their place of residence., Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess access to dental treatment in children and adolescents with epilepsy in Lublin Voivodeship., Material and Methods: Clinical and questionnaire examinations were performed in 107 children and young people, of both sexes, in the ages between 6 and 18years old from the Lublin macroregion., Results: The majority (77.57%) of respondents regularly visited a general practitioner. Most of the children did not undergo regular dental checkups. Children from the large cities significantly more often went to a dentist compared with examinees from a small town and from rural areas. According to the respondents 46.73% have encountered barriers to dental care of their child., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The studies have indicated the necessity to intensify dental health care in certain Polish provinces. The purpose of study was to evaluate dental condition and establish dental health needs in the population of 18-year old youth from urban and rural region in Podkarpackie Province, Poland., Material and Method: Mean DMFT index (D-decayed, M-missing and F-filled teeth) was calculated as a key measure of dental decay and dental health needs identified., Results: The results found the highest percentage of teeth affected by active decay (D) in the second molars, both upper and lower (>20%), the highest F score in the first and second maxillary and mandibular molars (>50% and >40% respectively), and the highest M score was observed in the first upper and lower molars. Mean DMFT score was 7.13. Higher scores were observed among the urban teenagers (DMFT=7.72 and D=2.86) compared to the teenagers from rural areas (DMFT=6.42 and D=1.37). The analysis of DMFT index with regard to gender found almost the same DMFT in males and females (males 7.15, females 7.12), and D, M and F scores differed slightly. No dental health needs were found in 36.67% examined, however 63.33% teenagers needed dental treatment., Conclusions: Professional prophylactic activities should be intensified in the group of children and teenagers living in Podkarpackie Province. A scheme of refunded fissure sealing of teeth should cover second molars as well. Professional dental health care should be extended in the group of teenagers attending vocational schools.

Background: Anticancer therapy entails qualitative and quantitative changes in the physiological bacterial flora of the organism, including the oral microflora., Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the number of cariogenic bacteria - Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. - in the saliva of children with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and the relationship between the dynamics of neutrophils in the blood and the number of cariogenic bacteria in the saliva., Material and Methods: The study included 52 children aged 3-17.5 years, diagnosed with cancer and undergoing antineoplastic treatment. The control group comprised 52 generally healthy children matched for age and gender. Both groups underwent microbiological analysis of the saliva. The Dentocult SM Strip Mutans test (Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland) was used to evaluate the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies in the saliva, while the Dentocult LB test (Orion Diagnostica) was used to assess the number of Lactobacillus spp. bacteria. The statistical analysis was carried out using STATISTICA 10 software (StatSoft Inc., Tulsa, USA)., Results: The statistical analysis using Kendall's tau test showed a significant inverse correlation between the number of neutrophils in the blood and the number of the Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. colonies in the saliva of the children undergoing anticancer therapy. The highest titres of cariogenic bacteria in the saliva were observed during severe neutropenia, which was frequently observed between day 7 and day 21 of the chemotherapy course., Conclusions: A significant increase in the number of cariogenic bacteria in the saliva during episodes of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia suggests that the activity of dental caries increases in children undergoing antineoplastic treatment.