This study tested the hypothesis that gingival circadian clock gene and protein expressions differ among periodontal health, gingivitis, and stage III grade B periodontitis. Sixty systemically healthy, non-smoking individuals with regular sleep schedules, assessed by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, were classified as periodontally healthy (n = 20), gingivitis (n = 20), or stage III grade B periodontitis (n = 20). Gingival biopsies were obtained at a single time point (09:00 to 11:00). Clock gene and protein expressions were analyzed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Inflammatory mediators were quantified by RT-qPCR, and IL-1β and IL-6 protein levels were measured by ELISA. Age, sex distribution, sleep duration, and chronotype scores were comparable among groups (p > 0.05). In periodontitis, CLOCK and Per3 were higher, and CRY1, CRY2, and Rev-Erb-β were lower at both gene and protein levels (p < 0.05). Per1 and Per2 were lower at the gene level, whereas Per1 protein did not differ and Per2 protein was lower in both diseased groups (p < 0.05). BMAL1 did not differ at either level, and ROR-α gene expression did not differ (p > 0.05). In pooled exploratory analyses, proinflammatory mediators correlated positively with CLOCK and Per3 and negatively with CRY1, CRY2, Per1, Per2, and Rev-Erb-β, which in turn correlated positively with OPG (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). RANKL was higher and OPG lower in periodontitis (p < 0.05). Clock gene expressions were also correlated with clinical periodontal parameters. Gingival tissues affected by stage III grade B periodontitis showed differential clock gene and protein expression. Because measurements were obtained at a single time point, these findings indicate differential expression rather than disrupted circadian clock function.
This in vitro study evaluated the wear performance of microlayered (ML) zirconia crowns and investigated method-dependent differences in volumetric loss estimates obtained using scanner-integrated and external laser-scanning workflows. A mandibular first molar crown design was used to fabricate ML (CER, IQS, MIY, and STR; n = 8 per ceramic) and monolithic zirconia (MZ) crowns (n = 3). All crowns were subjected to 600000 cycles in a scanner-integrated mastication simulator (50 N, 2.5 Hz), with surface data recorded at baseline and after 60000, 120000, and 600000 cycles. External laser scans were additionally obtained at baseline and after 600000 cycles. Separate linear mixed-effects models were used to assess longitudinal volumetric loss across evaluation time points for the 4 microlayering ceramics and to compare post-aging volumetric loss estimates between scanning workflows at 600000 cycles. MZ was evaluated descriptively as a negative control (α = 0.05). STR showed lower volumetric loss than MIY and IQS (p ≤ 0.018). Volumetric loss increased significantly with mastication cycles (p < 0.001). No measurable volumetric loss was observed for MZ. Volumetric loss estimates were affected by the scanning workflow and its interaction with the microlayering ceramic (p ≤ 0.001). External laser-scanning yielded significantly higher volumetric loss estimates (p ≤ 0.048). STR exhibited significantly lower estimated marginal mean volumetric loss than MIY and IQS, while the volumetric loss increased progressively. No measurable volumetric loss was observed for MZ. Volumetric loss estimates were higher with the external laser-scanning workflow, with material-dependent differences. Tested microlayering ceramics influenced the wear behavior of ML crowns. The scanner-integrated workflow enabled longitudinal monitoring of relative wear; however, workflow-dependent volumetric loss estimates precluded conclusions on absolute wear, agreement, interchangeability, or measurement superiority.
To evaluate the biocompatibility of processed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin (NTS) following submucosal implantation into the gingival mucosa of Wistar rats using histopathological criteria established by ISO 10993-6. An in vivo experimental study was conducted using eighteen female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) allocated to three groups (n = 6): control group (CG), wound treatment group (WTG), and treated tilapia graft group (TTGG). Sterility of NTS was confirmed by microbiological culture before implantation. Animals were monitored for 7 days, recording body weight, food intake, and water consumption. Gingival mucosal specimens were processed for histopathological evaluation using a semiquantitative scoring system for inflammatory cells, multinucleated giant cells, regenerative cells, and collagen fibers. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn’s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). The TTGG demonstrated preservation of tissue architecture, moderate collagen deposition, fibroblastic proliferation, neovascularization, and predominantly mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates without extensive necrosis or abscess formation. No significant differences were observed among groups for lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, regenerative cells, or collagen fibers (p > 0.05). Multinucleated giant cell scores differed significantly among groups (H = 6.273, p = 0.043), with higher scores in TTGG than in CG after Dunn–Bonferroni adjustment (p = 0.038). Body weight trajectories differed among groups (group × time interaction, p < 0.001), although no significant between-group differences were observed at baseline or at the final assessment (p = 0.200 and p = 0.438, respectively). Processed NTS demonstrated favorable local biocompatibility following submucosal implantation into the oral mucosa of Wistar rats. The findings support further preclinical evaluation of NTS for oral soft tissue applications; regenerative efficacy remains to be established.
To evaluate the anti-plaque effect of a prophylactic paste containing Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-ionomer (S-PRG) fillers under cariogenic challenge using a randomized in situ model. This randomized, double-blind study involved 18 volunteers; both the participants and the outcome assessor were blinded to the prophylactic agent allocation. The prophylactic agents were the S-PRG-based Pro-Care Gel (Shofu Inc.; test), Herjos (Vigodent; conventional comparator), and pumice and water (negative control). The other factors were cariogenic challenge (presence or absence) and time of plaque accumulation (24 h and 7 days). During 8 days, volunteers wore intraoral appliances with enamel blocks divided into 2 rows (split-mouth design), in one of them a cariogenic challenge was applied (20
To compare the frequency of developmental dental anomalies (DDAs) in children with and without molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and to evaluate whether any association is independent of demographic factors. This comparative cross-sectional study included children aged 6–14 years with and without MIH. Demographic data were collected by structured maternal questionnaire. MIH was diagnosed by calibrated examiners using a validated MIH Index. DDAs were assessed on panoramic radiographs by a blinded examiner using predefined criteria. Group comparisons used Fisher’s exact test (two-sided), and multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95
