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Background: Glycated keratin allows the monitoring of average tissue glucose exposure over previous weeks. In the present study, we wanted to explore if near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing glycation in diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 52 patients with diabetes mellitus and 107 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. A limited number (n = 21) of nails of healthy subjects were glycated in vitro with 0.278 mol/L, 0.556 mol/L and 0.833 mol/L glucose solution to study the effect of glucose on the nail spectrum. Consequently, the nail clippings of the patients were analyzed using a Thermo Fisher Antaris II Near-IR Analyzer Spectrometer and near infrared (NIR) chemical imaging. Spectral classification (patients with diabetes mellitus vs. healthy subjects) was performed using partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Results: In vitro glycation resulted in peak sharpening between 4300 and 4400 cm-1 and spectral variations at 5270 cm-1 and between 6600 and 7500 cm-1. Similar regions encountered spectral deviations during analysis of the patients' nails. Optimization of the spectral collection parameters was necessary in order to distinguish a large dataset. Spectra had to be collected at 16 cm-1, 128 scans, region 4000-7500 cm-1. Using standard normal variate, Savitsky-Golay smoothing (7 points) and first derivative preprocessing allowed for the prediction of the test set with 100% correct assignments utilizing a PLS-DA model. Conclusions: Analysis of protein glycation in human fingernail clippings with NIR spectroscopy could be an alternative affordable technique for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after dental extractions in patients receiving antiresorptive agents for osteoporosis or bone metastases. 240 patients with a median drug exposure of 43 months were retrospectively studied. The incidence of MRONJ after dental extraction in the osteoporosis cohort was 2.7 % per person-year (95 % CI 1.6–4.6 %) (n = 13/126), and for the bone metastases cohort 26.4 % per person-year (95 % CI 20.4–34.2 %) (n = 58/114). 92 % of MRONJ cases were stage 1. Dental infection as the reason for extraction increased the osteonecrosis risk in the osteoporosis (OR 22.77; 95 % CI 2.85–181.62; p = 0.003) and bone metastases cohorts (OR 2.72; 95 % CI 1.28–5.81; p = 0.010). Using leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin reduced this risk by 84 % (p = 0.003), as did antibiotics use by 86–93 % (p = 0.013). Within the bone metastases cohort, an interval since last administration of at least 3 months reduced risk of MRONJ (OR 0.83; 95 % CI 0.72–0.97; p = 0.018). Mucosal healing occurred in 11/13 patients (84.6 %; 95 % CI 54.5–98.1 %) with osteoporosis and 31/58 patients (53.4 %; 95 % CI 40.0–66.7 %) with bone metastases. In conclusion, though the MRONJ risk in this selected population taking antiresorptive agents and presenting to the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery clinic for a dental extraction is considerable and higher in those with dental infections, preventive measures such as antibiotics and use of LRPF membranes may significantly reduce that risk. [Display omitted] • MRONJ remains considerable in patients receiving antiresorptive agents. • Outcome of MRONJ differs between osteoporosis and oncology patients. • Dental extractions represent a frequent trigger of MRONJ development. • Preventive measures taken during dental extractions can reduce the risk of MRONJ. • Interruption of antiresorptive agent medication may influence the incidence of MRONJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Although HbA1c is a good diagnostic tool for diabetes, the precarity of the health system and the costs limit the use of this biomarker in developing countries. Fingernail clippings contain ± 85% of keratins, which are prone to glycation. Nail keratin glycation may reflect the average glycemia over the last months. We explored if attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) can be used as a non-invasive tool for assessing glycation in diabetes. Design and methods Using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, glycation and deglycation experiments with fructosamine 3-kinase allowed to identify the spectrum that corresponds with keratin glycation in fingernail clippings. Clippings of 105 healthy subjects and 127 diabetics were subjected to the standardized ATR-FTIR spectroscopy method. Results In vitro glycation resulted in an increased absorption at 1047 cm − 1 . Following enzymatic deglycation, this peak diminished significantly, proving that the AUC between 970 and 1140 cm − 1 corresponded with glycated proteins. Within-run CV of the assay was 3%. Storage of nail clippings at 37 °C for 2 weeks did not significantly change results. In diabetics, glycated nail protein concentrations (median: 1.51 μmol/g protein, IQR: 1.37–1.85 μmol/g protein) were significantly higher than in the controls (median: 1.19 μmol/g protein, IQR: 1.09–1.26 μmol/g protein) (p < 0.0001). ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.92 at a cut-off point of 1.28 μmol/g nail (specificity: 82%; sensitivity: 90%). No correlation was observed between the glycated nail protein concentrations and HbA1c. Conclusions Protein glycation analysis in fingernails with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy could be an alternative affordable technique for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. As the test does not consume reagents, and the preanalytical phase is extremely robust, the test could be particularly useful in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gingivitis is a common inflammatory condition. We explored the value of flow cytometry of saliva in patients with periodontal inflammation. Methods A cohort of 249 healthy adults (age range: 18-81 y; 2.5th to 97.5th percentile: 19-66 y) was investigated for caries, dental plaque and gingivitis. Saliva was analyzed using flow cytometry on a Sysmex UF-1000i®. Results Sysmex UF-1000i® is capable to reproduce reliable measurements of cellular components in saliva. A statistically significant lower number of salivary bacteria was found in patients with gingivitis in comparison with healthy adults (p < 0.0001). A significant difference in salivary leukocyte count was found between patients with different gingival index scores (p < 0.0005). The gingivitis score was strongly dependent on the number of salivary leukocytes, the age of the patient and the degree of caries and dental plaque (r² = 0.60, p < 0.001). At a cut-off level of 10³ leukocytes/µl saliva, an area under the curve of 0.82 was obtained with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 78% in patients (> 35 y) with a gingivitis score of 3. Conclusion Flow cytometry is an alternative method to evaluate local inflammatory processes in the mouth with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a group of rare tumors that vary in clinical and histological behavior. Histological classification is difficult and requires an experienced pathologist. Based on recent research in other medical fields, this study investigated the value of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in the diagnosis of SGTs supplementary to the histological investigation. The acquired spectra were analyzed with chemometric techniques. Enzymatic treatment (neuraminidase) resulted in spectral peak differences between healthy controls and different SGT types. Some malignant SGTs had higher spectral changes, suggesting bigger alterations in glycosylation of salivary mucins. Future biochemical research based on the further enzymatic dissection of SGTs and infrared spectroscopy could help pathologists to better understand the nature of these types of tumors. SGTs vary in histological behavior. Mucins, a major component in salivary glands, consist of a glycosylated and sialylated protein core. Rapid evolutions in glycobiology have demonstrated the important role of glycoproteins in cancer development. NIR spectroscopy is a method for the biochemical analysis of substrates. NIR spectra can be analyzed using specific chemometrics. Our aim was to explore the diagnostic possibilities of NIR spectroscopy in SGTs. 238 Hematoxylin and Eosine stained (H&E) SGT tissue sections were examined using NIR spectroscopy. 45 deparaffinized tissue sections were treated with neuraminidase to identify wavelengths in the NIR spectrum related to sialylation. NIR spectra were analyzed with chemometrics. NIR spectra could distinguish malignant SGTs from controls and benign SGTs. Prediction models based on the entire spectral range resulted in a 73.1% accurate classification of malignant SGTs and controls, while, based on neuraminidase experimental spectral peak differences (1436 nm; 1713 nm; 1783 nm; 1924 nm; 2032 nm; 2064 nm; 2178 nm; 2216 nm), an improved overall correct classification rate of 91.9% was obtained between healthy subjects and malignant tumors. H&E tissue section-based NIR spectroscopy can identify malignant SGTs from controls, promising an alternative method in the diagnosis of SGTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary gland malignancies (SGMs) account for less than 5% of new diagnoses in head and neck tumors. If feasible, surgery is the preferred treatment modality. Nevertheless, some malignancies have a tendency of recurrence, with possible distant metastasis. Alternative treatment strategies, such as primary radiation or chemotherapeutics, often present low response rates. As a result, there is an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches. Nowadays, target-based therapies (e.g., small inhibitors and immunotherapy) are used by the medical oncologist for possible treatment of advanced SGMs. Based on recent published trials, some novel treatments may provide additional disease control for some patients. However, sample sizes are small, the general findings are unsatisfactory, and a lot of uncertainties remain to be elucidated. Nevertheless, research shows that patients do not benefit from blind administration of systemic treatments and therefore a more personalized approach is highly needed. The aim of this review paper is to summarize the most recent advances in the biological understanding and molecular pathways of salivary gland cancers, the association of these pathways with the current treatments used and their implications for more personalized targeted-based therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematological diseases, due to their complex nature and diverse manifestations, pose significant diagnostic challenges in healthcare. The pressing need for early and accurate diagnosis has driven the exploration of novel diagnostic techniques. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, renowned for its noninvasive, rapid, and cost-effective characteristics, has emerged as a promising adjunct in hematological diagnostics. This review delves into the transformative role of IR spectroscopy and highlights its applications in detecting and diagnosing various blood-related ailments. We discuss groundbreaking research findings and real-world applications while providing a balanced view of the potential and limitations of the technique. By integrating advanced technology with clinical needs, we offer insights into how IR spectroscopy may herald a new era of hematological disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Up to 53% of patients with localized/locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) will be confronted with biochemical recurrence (BCR) at some point after primary radical prostatectomy. No robust prognostic biomarker exists in this patient setting. The aim of this retrospective study was therefore to determine if near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, an easy-to-use technique, could be an asset as a prognostic biomarker for PCa patients after radical prostatectomy. In a cohort of 82 patients, we confirmed that changes in the NIR spectrum of PCa specimens, obtained via radical prostatectomy, can be prognostic for BCR-free survival. The clinical implementation of NIR spectroscopy can therefore be a great asset as it can aid in the management of PCa patients following primary radical prostatectomy. Further elaboration is recommended. Background: Only a few biomarkers have been evaluated for their prognostic value with regard to biochemical recurrence (BCR) following primary radical prostatectomy. We explored the possibilities of using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a prognostic biomarker for BCR-free survival (BCR-FS). Methods: Tissue specimens from 82 prostate cancer patients were obtained. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded slides (hematoxylin–eosin-stained) were analyzed using NIR spectroscopy. Prognostic features for BCR-FS were determined following normalization of the spectra. Results: Several differences were found throughout the NIR spectrum for the patients with or without BCR, for both the first derivative and second derivative of the NIR spectrum. Following categorization and Cox regression analysis, spectral regions at 5236 cm−1 (first derivative; median BCR-FS not reached versus 3.2 years; HRhigh = 0.18 [0.08–0.39]; and p < 0.0001) and at 5956 cm−1 (second derivative; median BCR-FS not reached versus 3.8 years; HRlow = 0.22 [0.10–0.48]; and p = 0.0002) showed prognostic properties for BCR-FS. The combination of both parameters further increased the prognostic value of NIR (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: We demonstrated NIR spectral variations between patients with or without BCR, which have been shown to have prognostic value. This easy-to-use technique could possibly further improve post-primary radical prostatectomy monitoring and swift referral to adjuvant local therapies. Further elaboration is highly recommended to fully elucidate these variations and to gain a deeper insight into the changing chemical and physical compositions of the prostate tumor architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although assessment of glycated nail proteins may be a useful marker for monitoring of diabetes, their nature and formation are still poorly understood. Besides a detailed anatomical analysis of keratin glycation, the usefulness of glycated nail protein assessment for monitoring diabetic complications was investigated. Methods: 216 patients (94 males, 122 females; mean age ± standard deviation: 75.0 ± 8.7 years) were enrolled. Glycation of nail and eye lens proteins was assessed using a photometric nitroblue tetrazolium-based assay. Following chromatographic separation of extracted nail proteins, binding and nonbinding fractions were analyzed using one-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Using a hand piece containing a latch-type-bur, a meticulous cutting of the nail plate into superficial and deep layers was performed, followed by a differential analysis of fructosamine. Results: Using SDS PAGE, four and two bands were identified among the nonglycated and glycated nail fraction respectively. Significantly lower fructosamine concentrations were found in the superficial nail layer (mean: 2.16 ± 1.37 μmol/g nails) in comparison with the deep layer (mean: 4.36 ± 2.55 μmol/g nails) (P<0.05). A significant higher amount of glycated eye lens proteins was found in diabetes mellitus patients (mean: 3.80 ± 1.57 μmol/g eye lens) in comparison with nondiabetics (mean: 3.35 ± 1.34 μmol/g eye lens) (P<0.05). A marked correlation was found between glycated nail and glycated eye lens proteins [y (glycated nail proteins) = 0.39 + 0.99 x (eye lens glycated proteins); r2 = 0.58, P<0.001]. The concentration of glycated eye lens proteins and the HbA1c level were found to be predictors of the concentration of glycated nail proteins. Conclusions: Glycation of nail proteins takes place in the deep layer of finger nails, which is in close contact with blood vessels and interstitial fluid. Glycation of nail proteins can be regarded as a representative marker for diabetic glycation-associated target organ damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]