Analysis of the Saliva Proteome Using 2D-DIGE.

Saliva is now an established biofluid with a number of important applications in use across research and clinical settings. Saliva contains an assortment of biomolecules, including proteins, metabolites, RNA, DNA, and microorganisms. Numerous biomolecules enter saliva from the blood by passing through the intercellular spaces, reflecting the physiological state of the body.

Proteomic Identification of Saliva Proteins as Noninvasive Diagnostic Biomarkers.

Many biomedically relevant biomarkers are proteins with characteristic biochemical properties and a relatively restricted subcellular distribution. The comparative and mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of body fluids can be particularly instrumental for the targeted identification of novel protein biomarkers with pathological relevance. In this respect, new research efforts in biomarker discovery focus on the systematic mapping of the human saliva proteome, as well as the pathobiochemical identification of disease-related modifications or concentration changes in specific saliva proteins.

Mouse Models of Tumor Bone Metastasis and Invasion for Studying CCN Proteins.

Bone metastasis and bone destruction are common occurrences in human malignancies, including breast, prostate, and lung cancer, and are associated with a high morbidity rate because of intractable bone pain, pathological fractures, hypercalcemia, and nerve compression. Animal models of bone metastasis and bone destruction are important tools to investigate the pathogenesis and develop treatment strategies. However, there are few models of spontaneous bone metastasis despite the fact that animals often spontaneously develop cancer.

Angiogenesis Assays for the Analysis of CCN Proteins.

Angiogenesis, the process of generating new blood vessels from an existing vasculature, is essential in normal developmental processes such as endochondral ossification and in numerous kinds of pathogenesis including tumor growth. A part from the actin of angiogenic factor or antiangiogenic factor, it is still unknown at which stage of the angiogenic cascade these agents affect angiogenesis. Here, we describe methods for the use of cellular communication network factor/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) and CCN2-neutralizing antibody in the currently used principal angiogenesis assays, including those in vitro ones for the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and tube formation of endothelial cells and in vivo assays such as those utilizing type I collagen implantation and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).

The Evaluation of Meniscus Regenerative Effects of LIPUS-Induced CCN Proteins: Induction by LIPUS of CCN2 and Meniscus-Related Genes in Cultured Meniscus Cells and Meniscus Tissues.

Menisci are a pair of crescent-shaped fibrocartilages and composed primarily of type I collagen. Inner region of the meniscus has similar characteristics to articular cartilage. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been reported to have chondroprotective effects on chondrocytes by inducing the expression of chondrocyte differentiation markers and CCN2/CTGF production.

Analyses of the Posttranscriptional Regulation of CCN Genes: Approach to Multiple Steps of CCN2 Gene Expression.

Cells generally control the concentration of mRNA via transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, so the separate contributions of synthesis and degradation (decay) cannot be discriminated by the quantification of mRNA. To elucidate the contribution of posttranscriptional regulation, all experimental procedures for the analysis of the total transcript level, transcriptional induction, degradation of the target mRNA, and inhibition of mRNA translation are performed either individually or in combination. From our experience, measurement of the steady-state levels of mRNA using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction is an essential first step in quantifying the ccn2 gene expression.

Protocols for Screening Peptides Binding to CCN Family Proteins and Their Extended Utility.

The function of CCN family proteins is determined by their interactions with multiple cofactors that are present in the microenvironment. Therefore, determining these cofactors is critically important in understanding the molecular function of CCN family members. For this objective, a bacteriophage random peptide display library is a suitable tool.

Evaluation of the Molecular Interaction Between CCN Protein and Its Binding Partners: A Solid-Phase Binding Assay and Surface Plasmon Resonance.

CCN proteins are known to bind to various growth factors, cytokines, and membrane proteins. Since these bindings are closely involved in the function of CCN proteins, the analysis of the binding partners is the first step toward understanding the mechanisms of actions of CCN proteins. This chapter describes two approaches used for such analyses: a solid-phase binding assay, which is suitable for confirming the binding easily because of its simplicity and cost advantage, and a surface plasmon resonance assay, which can determine the binding affinities between CCN proteins and their partners.

Imaging of Molecular Interaction Between CCN Protein and Its Binding Partners: An In Situ Proximity Ligation Assay of Interaction Between CCN2 and Rab14 in Chondrocytes.

An in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) enables visualization of protein interactions in fixed cells. It is a powerful method for investigating protein-protein binding of endogenously expressed proteins. To confirm binding between CCN2 and Rab14 GTPase (Rab14) in chondrocytes, we performed a PLA using chondrocytic HCS-2/8 cells.

Cellular Fluorescence Imaging for the Evaluation of Bioactivity of CCN Family Proteins.

The method of labeling proteins of interest with fluorescent dyes that can specifically stain organelles in living cells provides a tool for investigating various cellular processes under a microscope. Visualization (imaging) of the cells using fluorescence has many advantages, including the ability to stain multiple cell organelles and intracellular proteins simultaneously and discriminately, and is used in many research fields. In this chapter, we describe the observation of cell organelles using fluorescence staining to analyze the functions of CCN family proteins involved in various cellular events.

CCN Proteins (Cellular Communication Network Factors): Expanding Their Repertoire Toward a New Concept.

I herein report the general structures and functions of CCN proteins and possible molecular mechanisms involved in the unique biological actions of this family of intercellular signaling regulators, which are considered matricellular proteins and were once referred to as "signal conductors" but have recently been renamed "Cellular Communication Network Factors." Their repertoire of functions beyond their role as matricellular proteins is also described to aid in future studies. Advanced research concerning their relevance to pathology is briefly introduced as well.

Does Multifunctional Acrylate's Addition to Methacrylate Improve Its Flexural Properties and Bond Ability to CAD/CAM PMMA Block?

This study investigated the effects of a multifunctional acrylate copolymer-Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate (TMPTA) and Di-pentaerythritol Polyacrylate (A-DPH)-on the mechanical properties of chemically polymerized acrylic resin and its bond strength to a CAD/CAM polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) disk. The methyl methacrylate (MMA) samples were doped with one of the following comonomers: TMPTA, A-DPH, or Trimethylolpropane Trimethacrylate (TMPTMA). The doping ratio ranged from 10 wt% to 50 wt% in 10 wt% increments.

Oral lichen planus clinician reported outcome measure: Development, content validity, and further development.

Objective: To establish and test a clinician-reported outcome measure of oral lichen planus (OLP): OLP Investigator global assessment (IGA).

Methods: OLP IGA scale was tested with retrospective data from clinical practice and a phase II clinical trial. A comparison of the OLP IGA score with patient-reported outcomes was completed.

Novel rechargeable nano-calcium phosphate and nano-calcium fluoride resin cements.

Objective: In most clinical circumstances, secondary caries at the margin of fixed dental restorations leads to restoration failure and replacement. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a novel rechargeable nano-calcium phosphate (NACP) and nano-calcium fluoride (nCaF) resin-based cement; and (2) investigate their mechanical properties and calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and fluoride (F) ion release, recharge, and re-release for the first time.

Methods: The cement matrix consisted of pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM), ethoxylated bisphenol-A-dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) was denoted PEHB.

An international Delphi survey and consensus meeting to define the core outcome set for trigeminal neuralgia clinical trials.

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an excruciating unilateral facial pain, which negatively affects patient's quality of life. Historically, it has been difficult to compare treatment efficacy due to the lack of standardized outcomes. In addition, patients' perspective has seldomly been acknowledged.

Embedding environmental sustainability within oral health professional curricula-Recommendations for teaching and assessment of learning outcomes.

The FDI World Dental Federation suggests that "dentistry, as a profession, should integrate Sustainable Development Goals into daily practice and support a shift to a green economy in the pursuit of healthy lives and wellbeing for all, through all stages of life." This article reports on the recent activity of the Association for Dental Education in Europe Special Interest Group for Sustainability in Dentistry. Following on from the group's previous activities, which explored current educational practice, this work aimed to reach a pan-European consensus on a number of learning outcomes for environmental sustainability, in order to (i) support institutions in designing and delivering their curriculum, and (ii) to further harmonise the delivery of oral health professional education across Europe.

Translation, linguistic validation and reliability of FACT-H&N questionnaire in Oral Cancer patients in Sudan.

Background: This study aimed to translate and validate an Arabic version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Head and Neck Scale (FACT-H&N, v-4) for use among Sudanese oral cancer patients.

Methods: The instrument underwent translation and validation following the standard FACT translation methodology. The translated instrument was pre-tested for face validity and content validity using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten oral cancer patients to assess acceptability.

Response rates to questionnaire-based studies in the contemporary dental literature: A systematic review.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to investigate what is a reasonable response rate for dental questionnaire-based studies in recent literature and to assess the factors that affect the response rates.

Methods: We used MEDLINE/PubMed to search the dental literature of 2021 (January-October). Two reviewers independently assessed studies eligibility and extracted data using standardized electronic extraction form.

Self-reported dental attendance, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits of adults with cystic fibrosis.

Aims: To evaluate the dental attendance, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits of adults with Cystic Fibrosis in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods And Results: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a structured anonymous questionnaire. A total of 71 adults with Cystic Fibrosis responded.

Current and future trends in the teaching of removable partial dentures in dental schools in Malaysia: A cross sectional study.

Aims: To investigate, using a validated questionnaire, the teaching of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in dental schools of Malaysia.

Materials And Methods: A validated questionnaire to investigating trends in the teaching of RPDs in dental schools in Oceania was emailed (in English version form) to Heads of Restorative/Prosthodontics/course coordinators in the 13 dental schools in Malaysia. Follow-up reminders were sent and participants were given six weeks to complete and return the questionnaire.

Human periodontal ligament stem cell encapsulation in alginate-fibrin-platelet lysate microbeads for dental and craniofacial regeneration.

Objective: Tissue engineering is promising for dental and craniofacial regeneration. The objectives of this study were to develop a novel xeno-free alginate-fibrin-platelet lysate hydrogel with human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) for dental regeneration, and to investigate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs using hPL as a cell culture nutrient supplement.

Methods: hPDLSCs were cultured with Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM), DMEM + 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and DMEM + hPL (1%, 2.

Effects of thermal cycling on mechanical and antibacterial durability of bioactive low-shrinkage-stress nanocomposite.

Objectives: Recent studies developed low-shrinkage-stress composite with remineralizing and antibacterial properties to combat secondary caries and increase restoration longevity. However, their long-term durability in thermal cycling is unclear. The objectives of this study were to develop an antibacterial, remineralizing and low-shrinkage-stress composite, and to investigate its durability in thermal cycling for 20,000 cycles, equivalent to two years of clinical life.

Patient-reported outcome measures in third molar surgery: a scoping review.

Despite a surge of interest in patient-centred outcomes (PROMs) in healthcare settings, they remain an underutilised resource in third molar surgery. Clinicians and researchers in the field of oral surgery who are interested in incorporating PROMs into their clinical practice may face challenges in instrument selection with as yet no consensus registry available. PROMs have undoubtedly transcended their original brief as research instruments, with the collection of PROMs data now a routine undertaking in many healthcare systems.