Targeting IL-6 trans-signalling by sgp130Fc attenuates severity in SARS-CoV-2 -infected mice and reduces endotheliopathy.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered as a relapsing inflammatory process with a dysregulation of IL-6 signalling. Classic IL-6 signalling is thought to represent a defence mechanism against pathogens. In contrast, IL-6 trans-signalling has pro-inflammatory effects.

Protein Quality Control Systems and ER Stress as Key Players in SARS-CoV-2-Induced Neurodegeneration.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the intricate relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on neurological complications, including potential links to neurodegenerative processes, characterized by a dysfunction of the protein quality control systems and ER stress. This review article explores the role of protein quality control systems, such as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), the Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation (ERAD), the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS), autophagy and the molecular chaperones, in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our hypothesis suggests that SARS-CoV-2 produces ER stress and exploits the protein quality control systems, leading to a disruption in proteostasis that cannot be solved by the host cell.

The provenance of the stones in the Menga dolmen reveals one of the greatest engineering feats of the Neolithic.

The technical and intellectual capabilities of past societies are reflected in the monuments they were able to build. Tracking the provenance of the stones utilised to build prehistoric megalithic monuments, through geological studies, is of utmost interest for interpreting ancient architectures as well as to contribute to their protection. According to the scarce information available, most stones used in European prehistoric megaliths originate from locations near the construction sites, which would have made transport easier.

Identification of IL-6 Signalling Components as Predictors of Severity and Outcome in COVID-19.

IL-6 is one of the major mediators of the hyper-inflammatory responses with complex biological functions as it can signal different modes of action. IL-6 by classical signalling has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, while trans-signalling mediates pro-inflammatory effects. The net biological effect of IL-6 is established by multiple factors beyond its absolute concentration.

Stem cells and oral surgery: A systematic review.

Background: Considering the structural loss that occurs after surgical procedures for cystic and tumoral pathology, in periodontitis, as well as the maxillary atrophy that determines the rehabilitation with dental implants, it is imperative to find satisfactory solutions. The opportunity provided by the findings in stem cells is a recent introduction in the field of oral surgery, based on the regenerative potential that these cells possess in order to restore defects at different levels of the oral cavity. The aim of this systematic review is to discover the real applications that stem cells may have in our treatments in the near future.

In Vitro Toxicity of Asparagus Saponins in Distinct Multidrug-Resistant Colon Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Many efforts have focused on finding natural molecules with potential chemo-preventive activity due to their low toxicity compared to synthetic drugs. However, comprehensive information on the bioactive fractions and components is still missing.

Bariatric surgery as a risk factor in the development of dental caries: a systematic review.

Objectives: Obesity is one of the most prevalent chronic pathologies in the world and has become a public health problem. At the present time, bariatric surgery (BS) is considered the best option and the only effective method of treatment, but it can occasionally result in a series of alterations at the oral level. This study aims to review the current literature to establish the possible association of patients who have undergone BS and a greater risk of dental caries.

Combination of straight and tilted implants for supporting screw-retained dental prostheses in atrophic posterior maxillae: A 2-year prospective study.

Objectives: To evaluate the two-year survival rate (SR) and marginal bone loss (MBL) of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) supported by straight (S) and tilted (T) implants under the influence of diverse study variables.

Methods: A prospective investigation comprising 21 patients provided with a total of 27 maxillary screw-retained restorations fixed to 70 dental implants was developed. Two groups of implants were considered depending on their inclination with respect to the occlusal plane: Group 1 (S, n=37): straight/axial implants and Group 2 (T, n=33): tilted/angled fixations.

Is there an association between dental implants and squamous cell carcinoma?

Introduction The complications associated with dental implants are numerous, most of them of an inflammatory nature; nevertheless, some isolated cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been found in the vicinity of the implants. The objective of the present article is to know whether there is an association between dental implants and the development of OSCC.Method and materials A search was carried out in Medline, Tripdatabase and Cochrane with the keywords 'dental implants' AND 'squamous cell carcinoma', and 'dental implant complications' AND 'squamous cell carcinoma.

Validation of a new, specific, complete, and short OHRQoL scale (QoLFAST-10) for wearers of implant overdentures and fixed-detachable hybrid prostheses.

Objectives: To validate a new index for assessing the whole concept of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of implant-prosthesis wearers.

Methods: 113 patients who were not requesting dental treatment were assigned to: Group 1 (CD; n=38): complete denture users (control); Group 2 (IO; n=38): implant overdenture wearers; and Group 3 (HP; n=37): hybrid implant prosthesis users. Patients answered the newly-designed 'Quality of Life related to Function, Aesthetics, Socialization, and Thoughts about health-behavioural habits' (QoLFAST-10) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20sp) questionnaires.

'Pre-prosthetic use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) membranes treated with oxygen plasma and TiO2 nanocomposite particles for guided bone regeneration processes'.

Objectives: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) processes are frequently necessary to achieve appropriate substrates before the restoration of edentulous areas. This study aimed to evaluate the bone regeneration reliability of a new poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) membrane after treatment with oxygen plasma (PO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite nanoparticles.

Methods: Circumferential bone defects (diameter: 10mm; depth: 3mm) were created on the parietal bones of eight experimentation rabbits and were randomly covered with control membranes (Group 1: PLGA) or experimental membranes (Group 2: PLGA/PO2/TiO2).

Effect of the Nd:YAG laser on sealer penetration into root canal surfaces: a confocal microscope analysis.

Objectives: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the use of the Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser as part of the root canal treatment on the penetration of sealer into dentinal tubules.

Methods: Eighty extracted lower premolars were randomly assigned to two groups (n=40 each): Control group (CG), subjected to a conventional protocol of endodontic instrumentation and obturation; and Laser group (LG), in which Nd:YAG laser irradiations were combined with conventional preparation and obturation. Endodonted samples were sectioned at 3 and 5 mm from the apex and observed under a confocal scanning microscope (CLSM).

Outcome of single immediate implants placed in post-extraction infected and non-infected sites, restored with cemented crowns: a 3-year prospective study.

Objectives: To compare the survival of immediate implants placed in postextraction infected and non-infected sites, restored with cemented crowns.

Methods: Thirty-six implants were immediately placed in non-infected sockets (control group (CG), n=18), and in infected alveoli (test group (TG), n=18) that had been debrided, curetted, cleaned with 90% hydrogen peroxide, irradiated with yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, and irrigated with a sterile solution. Guided bone regeneration was performed under antibiotic coverture.