Factors Related to Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life in Adult Male Inmates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The level of oral health among inmates living in restricted environments is poor. We investigated oral health behaviours and oral symptoms among male inmates and analysed factors related to OHRQoL. Three hundred and seventy-six male inmates in two prisons were investigated using a self-reported questionnaire. The survey items included oral health behaviours, oral symptoms, self-esteem, and OHRQoL level. We analysed the cross-correlations and factors related to OHRQoL. Toothbrushing after lunch and dinner was practiced by 83.5% of male inmates. 'Food impaction' was experienced by 45.4%. The OHRQoL level among male inmates was low, at 39.90 points. A hierarchical multiple regression model that controlled for general characteristics identified the following OHRQoL factors in order of significance: trouble biting/chewing (ß = -0.307), toothache (ß = -0.154), temporomandibular joint disorder (ß = -0.099), and periodontal health (ß = 0.089). Self-esteem and OHRQoL were not significantly correlated. To ensure oral health in male inmates, the results of this study suggest that an oral health education programme, as well as the provision of adequate dental care services, is required to increase appropriate oral health practice rates.

Association of Denture Use and Chewing Ability with Cognitive Function Analysed Using Panel Data from Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2018).

This study aimed to investigate the association between denture use, chewing ability, and cognitive function in Korean middle-aged adults, using samples representing middle-aged people at the national level. This longitudinal study included 9998 middle-aged adults using the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging 7th special survey data. Denture use, chewing ability, health-related factors, and general characteristics were assessed using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview. After controlling for general characteristics using a generalized estimating equation model, the association of denture use and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores with the chewing ability of those with or without dentures and MMSE scores were analysed. Among them, 24% of participants wore dentures, and 35.1% complained of difficulty chewing when wearing dentures. Among the participants who did not wear dentures, 16.4% complained of difficulty chewing. MMSE scores were lower among denture wearers than non-denture wearers (ß = -0.026, p < 0.001). In both groups, MMSE scores decreased with chewing difficulty and were significantly reduced among non-denture wearers (p < 0.05). Chewing ability was closely associated with cognitive functioning. Therefore, in order to prevent cognitive decline, chewing discomfort while wearing dentures must be eliminated, and oral health must be maintained.

Evaluation of Salivary Biomarkers of Periodontal Disease Based on Smoking Status: A Systematic Review.

Saliva is a useful biomarker for diagnosing oral health conditions, including periodontal disease (PD). Smoking is a risk factor for PD. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the salivary biomarkers associated with PD based on smoking status. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and Web of Sciences databases was conducted up to 1 January 2021 using key terms relevant to the topic of our research and Cochrane methodology and improved with searching a gray literature resource. The methodological quality of all included studies was assessed with the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Seven studies were included. Smokers had increased levels of malondialdehyde, sialic acid, salivary cortisol, salivary interleukin 1ß, albumin, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP), and the pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), as well as decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, activity of lactate dehydrogenase, activity of enzyme activity of ß-glucuronidase, uric acid, matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8)/TIMP-1 ratio, and combinations of MMP-8 and ICTP. However, mixed results were observed some studies in detecting glutathione peroxidase, MMP-8, and MMP-14. The results were interpreted with caution because of limitations in the number of included studies and the study design. Some salivary biomarkers are potentially useful in combination or alone for diagnosing PD. Methodological and systematic studies are needed to develop more effective biomarkers.

Association of Number of Teeth with ADL/IADL in Korean Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An Analysis of the 7th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging.

We determined the association between the number of natural and implant teeth with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) levels in middle-aged and older adults aged ≥ 55 years. We included 6,925 participants, who underwent a computer-assisted personal interview in the 7th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. After controlling for general characteristics, the associations between the number of natural and implant teeth with ADL and IADL levels were examined using multiple regression analysis. The participants had 21.2 natural teeth and 1.08 implant teeth on average. The ADL and IADL levels were 0.61 and 1.56, 0.40 and 1.16, and 1.10 and 0.31 in participants with ≤ 9, 10-19, and ≥ 20 teeth, respectively. There was no significant association between ADL and the number of natural and implant teeth (p > 0.05). However, a one-unit increase in IADL score was associated with a reduced number of natural (ß = -0.031, p < 0.001) and implant (ß = -0.194, p = 0.006) teeth. Difficulties regarding IADL were associated with fewer natural and implant teeth, suggesting that maintaining and managing the number of teeth is critical to promoting the health of middle-aged and older adults.

Factors Related to the Intention to Use Dental Care by Industrial Workers Due to COVID-19: Application of Anderson Model and Planned Behavior Theory.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected medical and dental care in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the intention to use dental care in industrial workers, an economically active population. An online questionnaire survey was completed by 301 industrial workers. Stress and anxiety to viral epidemics-6 (SAVE-6), attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, and intention to use dental care, based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), were measured. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors based on the Andersen model were measured as control variables for influencing factors. In the final hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the most significant relevant factors affecting intention to use dental care were attitude (ß = 0.598, p < 0.001), followed by experience of dental clinic visits (ß = 0.237, p < 0.001), subjective norm (ß = 0.125, p < 0.001), perceived behavior control (ß = 0.114, p = 0.004), SAVE-6 (ß = -0.073, p = 0.025), and gingival bleeding (ß = 0.062, p = 0.029). Dental care use decreased to 58.5%, and socio-psychological factors based on TPB were closely associated with the intention to use dental care. Therefore, awareness must be raised regarding oral health practices to increase the use of dental care among industrial workers.

Association between Healthy Lifestyle (Diet Quality, Physical Activity, Normal Body Weight) and Periodontal Diseases in Korean Adults.

This study aimed to investigate the association between healthy lifestyle (HLS; i.e., diet quality, physical activity, normal weight) and periodontal diseases in Korean adults. Studying this association may help inform future intervention programs aimed at preventing the development of periodontal diseases. Raw data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII (2016-2018) were used. Data from 12,689 adults aged 19 years and over who had a periodontal examination were analyzed. The associations between HLS and periodontal diseases were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for demographic and health factors as covariates. We found that each of the HLS (diet quality, physical activity, normal body weight) practices was significantly associated with periodontal diseases (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13-1.55; OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.30; OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14-1.40, respectively). In particular, having poor HLS practices was identified as a risk factor for periodontal diseases (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.10-2.15). HLS was associated with periodontal diseases. Thus, in addition to improving oral hygiene-the primary focus in the past-improving HLS should be emphasized for patients with periodontal diseases.

Correlation between Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE) and Burnout among Korean Dental Hygienists during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the correlations among Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE), job stress (JS), and burnout among Korean dental hygienists during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the moderating effect of JS. As a cross-sectional study, a self-reporting questionnaire was used to survey 204 clinical dental hygienists to measure the levels of SAVE, JS, and burnout, along with their demographic characteristics as the control variables. Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed to analyse the correlations among burnout, SAVE, and JS, including the moderating effect of JS. With education level and subjective health controlled, JS (ß = 1.05, p < 0.001), SAVE (ß = 0.69, p = 0.020) and the interaction between SAVE and JS (ß = −0.93, p = 0.050) were identified as significant influencing factors of burnout. The adjusted explanatory power of the model was found to be 52.4%. In summary, both SAVE and JS were significant influencing factors of burnout among dental hygienists, while a moderating effect of JS was also identified. Therefore, it is necessary to create a work environment that can relieve SAVE and JS to reduce burnout among dental hygienists.

Preliminary investigations for the development of a virtual reality-based English-language communication program: Using the Delphi method.

The purpose of this study was to gather opinions from experts via the Delphi method to inform the future development of a virtual reality based English language communication program for university level students in Korea. The participants, who consisted of a panel of experts and professors who majored in English language and multimedia education, completed three Delphi surveys based on Context, Input, Process, and Product evaluation, which is referred to as CIPP. In the first Delphi survey, the participants answered multiple choice questions and open-ended questions related to four areas relevant to the development of a virtual reality based program. Based on their answers, a second Delphi survey was designed to determine the participants' level of agreement with the appropriateness of the questions related to the four areas. In the third Delphi survey, participants were shown the results (mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range, consensus chart, and convergence degree) and were asked to confirm or modify their answers based on the other participants' answers. According to the analysis of the Delphi survey results, need for the development of a virtual reality based English language communication program was suggested, and recommendations were made regarding the content and application of the program.

Effect of oral health intervention program on the self oral care of children attending childcare facilities: a quasi-experimental study

This study aimed to conduct a quasi-experimental study for assessing the effects of an oral health intervention program (OHIP), on the self-management of oral health in children attending childcare centers. The participants recruited were 83 children from two childcare centers, who were allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the OHIP. At baseline, a self-reported survey of parents was conducted. In addition, the oral status of the children at baseline and at 5 weeks was evaluated. Their brushing behavior was assessed once a week and every day during the OHIP intervention period and at home, respectively. After the follow-up at 12 weeks, dental plaque index (PI) was measured and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed. The PI of the intervention group significantly decreased at week 5, compared to the baseline (1.90 ± 0.53, p < 0.001). Despite a substantial increase in week 12 (2.67 ± 0.08, p < 0.001), the PI was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.37 ± 0.60). The OHIP was effective in reducing the PI and modifying the brushing behavior among children. It is necessary to develop and expand a systematic oral health education program to promote self-management of oral health in children.

Factors Influencing Protective Behaviors for Dental Radiation Exposure among Female Korean Dental Hygienists Using Health Belief Model.

This study aimed to identify the associated factors for protective behaviors for dental radiation exposure (PBDRE) among dental hygienists using the health belief model (HBM). The HBM, which is composed of perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action, explains preventive behavior. In this study, self-efficacy and modifying factors were additionally applied to the HBM. The subjects of the study were 204 dental hygienists who were working at hospitals or clinics in Korea. An online survey was conducted to measure PBDRE-related factors based on the HBM and self-efficacy. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Regarding modifying factors, performance was found to be high when protection facilities were sufficient (ß = 0.24, p < 0.001) and low when radiation education was not received (ß = -0.16, p < 0.05). Among the HBM factors, cues to action for PBDRE (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001) was the most influential factor in the performance of PBDRE, and the effect of its perceived benefits on radiation exposure was also high (ß = 0.17, p < 0.001). Regarding the performance of PBDRE according to the HBM, providing education programs on protection can stimulate appropriate cues to action to perform PBDRE. In addition, if the benefits of PBDRE are highlighted, the performance of PBDRE by dental hygienists is increased.

Effect of Oral Health Education Using a Mobile App (OHEMA) on the Oral Health and Swallowing-Related Quality of Life in Community-Based Integrated Care of the Elderly: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study investigated the effect of oral health education using a mobile app (OHEMA) on the oral health and swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QoL) of the elderly population in a community-based integrated care project (CICP). Forty elderly individuals in the CICP were randomized into intervention and control groups. OHEMA provided information on customized oral health care management, oral exercises, and intraoral and extraoral massage methods for 50 min/session, once a week, for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed the unstimulated salivary flow rate, subjective oral dryness, tongue pressure, and SWAL-QoL, which were analyzed using ANCOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. In the intervention group, tongue pressure increased significantly from pre- (17.75) to post-intervention (27.24) (p < 0.001), and subjective oral dryness decreased from pre- (30.75) to post-intervention (18.50). The unstimulated salivary flow rate had a higher mean score in the intervention group (7.19) than in the control group (5.04) (p < 0.001). The SWAL-QoL significantly improved from pre- (152.10) to post-intervention (171.50) in the intervention group (p < 0.001) but did not change significantly in the control group (p > 0.05). OHEMA appears to be a useful tool for oral health education for the elderly as it improved the SWAL-QoL, with increased tongue pressure and reduced oral dryness.

Complete genome sequence of Arthrobacter sp. PAMC25564 and its comparative genome analysis for elucidating the role of CAZymes in cold adaptation.

BACKGROUND: The Arthrobacter group is a known set of bacteria from cold regions, the species of which are highly likely to play diverse roles at low temperatures. However, their survival mechanisms in cold regions such as Antarctica are not yet fully understood. In this study, we compared the genomes of 16 strains within the Arthrobacter group, including strain PAMC25564, to identify genomic features that help it to survive in the cold environment. RESULTS: Using 16 S rRNA sequence analysis, we found and identified a species of Arthrobacter isolated from cryoconite. We designated it as strain PAMC25564 and elucidated its complete genome sequence. The genome of PAMC25564 is composed of a circular chromosome of 4,170,970 bp with a GC content of 66.74 % and is predicted to include 3,829 genes of which 3,613 are protein coding, 147 are pseudogenes, 15 are rRNA coding, and 51 are tRNA coding. In addition, we provide insight into the redundancy of the genes using comparative genomics and suggest that PAMC25564 has glycogen and trehalose metabolism pathways (biosynthesis and degradation) associated with carbohydrate active enzyme (CAZymes). We also explain how the PAMC26654 produces energy in an extreme environment, wherein it utilizes polysaccharide or carbohydrate degradation as a source of energy. The genetic pattern analysis of CAZymes in cold-adapted bacteria can help to determine how they adapt and survive in such environments. CONCLUSIONS: We have characterized the complete Arthrobacter sp. PAMC25564 genome and used comparative analysis to provide insight into the redundancy of its CAZymes for potential cold adaptation. This provides a foundation to understanding how the Arthrobacter strain produces energy in an extreme environment, which is by way of CAZymes, consistent with reports on the use of these specialized enzymes in cold environments. Knowledge of glycogen metabolism and cold adaptation mechanisms in Arthrobacter species may promote in-depth research and subsequent application in low-temperature biotechnology.

Associations between Dental Checkups and Unmet Dental Care Needs: An Examination of Cross-Sectional Data from the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018).

To identify gender- and age-related associations between adult dental checkups and unmet dental care needs, we analyzed data of 14,000 participants, from the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). Data were collected via self-report questionnaires and interviews. The complex sample chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that 31.7% of participants had unmet dental care needs. Within the previous 12 months, 56.5% did not undertake dental checkups, and 29.3% did not use a dental service. Odds ratios (ORs) of the unmet dental needs were 8.87 (confidence interval (CI) = 7.80-10.09, p < 0.001) for those who did not use dental services and 1.28 (CI = 1.13-1.44, p < 0.001) for those who did not have dental checkups. Significant age-dependent associations between those not receiving dental checkups and the rate of unmet dental care included men and women aged 50-59 years and women ≥70 years. However, unmet dental care needs for men aged ≥70 years not undergoing dental checkups were not statistically significant (p = 0.311). Overall, it was found that the use of dental service and dental checkups were the influencing factors for unmet dental care needs.

Association between denture use, chewing ability, and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults who exercised regularly in Korea.

Herein, using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2018), we evaluated denture use and chewing ability to determine the status of oral health in middle-aged adults who exercised regularly; further, we investigated the relationship of oral health with all-cause mortality. From the basic survey conducted in 2006, we interviewed 10,254 participants who were followed up until death. The participants were grouped based on regular exercise into REG (n = 3921) and non-REG (n = 6290) groups. The mortality rate was higher in the non-REG group than in the REG group (35.8% versus 26.9%; p < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in denture users (versus non-denture users), non-drinkers (versus alcohol drinkers), and those on medical aid (versus national health insurance). The mortality rate was higher in participants with poor masticatory ability, lower education level, and poor subjective health perception (p < 0.001). Denture use and masticatory discomfort were not significant risk factors for mortality in the non-REG group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, masticatory discomfort was a risk factor for increased mortality in middle-aged Korean adults who exercised regularly, at least once a week. Thus, assessment of masticatory ability could be a useful indicator of life expectancy in middle-aged adults.

Level of professional ethics awareness and medical ethics competency of dental hygienists and dental hygiene students: the need to add ethics items to the Korean Dental Hygienist Licensing Examination

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the level of professional ethics awareness and medical ethics competency in order to assess the potential need for ethics items to be included on the Korean Dental Hygienist Licensing Examination. METHODS: In total, 358 clinical dental hygienists and dental hygiene students completed a structured questionnaire to evaluate their level of ethical awareness and medical ethics competency. The sub-factors of medical ethics were classified into relationships with patients, medical and social relations, and individual specialized fields. RESULTS: Only 32.1% of participants indicated that they had taken a course on professional ethics in the university curriculum, but 95.2% of respondents considered professional ethics to be important. The overall score for medical ethics competency was average (3.37 out of 5). The score for relationships with patients was 3.75 points, followed by medical and social relations (3.19 points) and individual specialized fields (3.16 points). The level of professional ethics awareness was higher among participants who had taken a course on professional ethics than among those who had not done so or who did not remember whether they had done so. CONCLUSION: Dental hygienists were aware of the importance of professional ethics, but their medical ethics competency was moderate. Therefore, medical ethics should be treated as a required subject in the university curriculum, and medical ethics competency evaluations should be strengthened by adding ethics items to the Korean Dental Hygienist Licensing Examination.

Keyword Trends for Mother-Child Oral Health in Korea Based on Social Media Big Data from Naver.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined trends in search keywords related to the oral health of infants and pregnant women using "social media cafés" on the Korean portal site, Naver. METHODS: We obtained data from January 2015 to December 2017, collected by searching for common terms related to oral health, such as "dental caries", "oral health", "scaling", "tooth brushing", and "oral examination". Search results for these terms were organized by frequency and visualized by increase in the font size with increasing frequency. RESULTS: The ranking of keywords on Naver cafés for pregnant women and women with infants was as follows (in descending order): "oral examination", "tooth filling", and "tooth brushing". The "oral health" network was linked to "dental caries", "oral health education", and "tooth brushing". In addition, the analysis of trends of keyword frequencies according to time periods showed that "dental caries" and "oral examination" were of highest interest to the café users. CONCLUSION: We found a high interest in keywords related to preventive measures for the oral health of infants and children, but there was a lack of awareness regarding the oral health of pregnant women. These findings suggest that prevention in infants and pregnant women is necessary, and that public awareness regarding education about oral healthcare needs to be raised.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of titanium by surface modification with polydopamine and silver for dental implant application.

BACKGROUND: Biofilm formation and microbial colonization on the surface of implant devices may cause dental caries and peri-implantitis. Therefore, various surface treatments have been developed to improve the antibacterial activity of titanium implant. METHODS: Silver-loaded polydopamine coating was formed by immersing pure titanium in dopamine hydrochloride/HCl buffer solution for 24 h in 50 mL silver nitrate solutions with different concentrations for 30 min. Microbial growth inhibition and microbial growth curve analyses for bacterial solutions of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis incubated with the specimens were respectively conducted by counting the numbers of colonies on agar solid medium and by measuring absorbance using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader. RESULTS: Silver nanoparticles were uniformly distributed over the whole surface of the polydopamine and silver-coated titanium specimens. The numbers of microbial colonies for both bacteria cultured with surface-modified titanium were significantly lower than those cultured with uncoated titanium. When Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were cultured with surface-modified titanium, the lag phase of the growth curves for both bacteria was continually maintained, whereas the lag phase for Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis changed to exponential phase after 9 and 15 h, respectively, when both bacteria were cultured with uncoated titanium. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that the coating of polydopamine and silver on the surface of titanium effectively retards the microbial growth, which can cause the formation of biofilm and pathogenesis of gum disease in the mouth.

Antimicrobial effect against oral bacteria on bioactive compounds in a high-pressure enzymatic Prunus mume extract / Efeito antimicrobiano contra bactérias orais sobre compostos bioativos em um extrato enzimático de Prunus mume de alta pressão

To evaluate high-pressure processing combined with enzymatic treatment for extraction of Prunus mume by determining the optimum extraction conditions for the antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria. Highpressure enzymatic extraction was used to isolate biologically active components from P. mume. The effects of process variables such as enzyme type (Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Novozym 33095 and Viscozyme L), enzyme concentration, incubation time/temperature, pH, and ratio of enzymes antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens related to dental caries and periodontal diseases were determined by disk diffusion assay. The optimal conditions for enzymatic extraction from P. mume were pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v% with Pectinex Ultra SP-L. The maximum antimicrobial activity of P. mume extract obtained using Novozym 33095 was at pH 7.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v%. The Viscozyme L extract showed the maximum inhibitory effect at pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, and 5 v/v%. Use of combinations of enzymes did not result in significantly different antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05) compared with each enzyme alone. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were 3.125 to 12.50%. These results indicated that high-pressure enzymatic extraction yielded P. mume extract with antimicrobial activity which has the potential for improving oral environment.

Avaliar o processamento de alta pressão combinado com o tratamento enzimático para a extração de Prunus mume, determinando as condições ótimas de extração para a atividade antimicrobiana contra as bactérias orais. A extração enzimática de alta pressão foi utilizada para isolar os componentes biologicamente ativos de P. mume. Os efeitos das variáveis do processo como o tipo enzimático (Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Novozym 33095 e Viscozyme L), a concentração de enzima, o tempo/temperatura de incubação, pH, e a relação da atividade antimicrobiana de enzimas contra os patógenos orais relacionados à cárie dentária e doenças periodontais foram determinados pelo ensaio de difusão em disco. As condições ótimas para a extração enzimática de P. mume foram pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, e 5 v/v% com Pectinex Ultra SP-L. A máxima atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de P. mume obtida usando Novozym 33095 foi em pH 7.0, 45°C, 20 h, e 5 v/v%. O extrato de Viscozyme L apresentou o efeito inibitório máximo em pH 6.0, 45°C, 20 h, e 5 v/v%. O uso de combinações de enzimas não resultou em uma atividade antimicrobiana significativamente diferente (p < 0.05) em comparação com cada enzima por separada. Os valores mínimos da concentração inibitória foram de 3.125 a 12.50%. Estes resultados indicaram que a extração enzimática de alta pressão produziu o extrato de P. mume com atividade antimicrobiana,o qual tem o potencial para melhorar o ambiente bucal.

Enhancing of Osseointegration with Propolis-Loaded TiO2 Nanotubes in Rat Mandible for Dental Implants.

TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) formation is beneficial for improving bone cell-material interaction and drug delivery for Ti dental implants. Among the natural drugs to be installed in TNT, selected propolis has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a resinous natural product which is collected by the honeybees from the various types of plants with their salivary enzymes. This study concludes that TNT loaded with a propolis (PL-TNT-Ti) dental implant has the ability to improve osseointegration. The propolis particles were embedded within the TNT or adhered to the top. In a cytotoxicity test using osteoblast, PL-TNT-Ti group exhibited an increased cell proliferation and differentiation. A Sprague Dawley rat mandibular model was used to evaluate the osseointegration and bone bonding of TNT or PL-TNT-Ti. From the µ-CT and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) histological results after implantation at 1 and 4 weeks to rat mandibular, an increase in the extent of new bone formation and mineral density around the PL-TNT-Ti implant was confirmed. The Masson's trichrome staining showed the expression of well-formed collagenous for bone formation on the PL-TNT-Ti. Immunohistochemistry staining indicate that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP-2 and BMP-7) around the PL-TNT-Ti increased the expression of collagen fibers and of osteogenic differentiation whereas the expression of inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is decreased.

Neoagarohexaose-mediated activation of dendritic cells via Toll-like receptor 4 leads to stimulation of natural killer cells and enhancement of antitumor immunity.

ß-Agarase cleaves the ß-1,4 linkages of agar to produce neoagarooligosaccharides (NAO), which are associated with various physiological functions. However, the immunological functions of NAO are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that ß-agarase DagA-produced neoagarohexaose (DP6), an NAO product, promoted the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). DP6 directly and indirectly enhanced the activation of natural killer (NK) cells in a TLR4-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the antitumor activity of DP6 against B16F1 melanoma cells was inhibited in NK cell-depletion systems by using NK-cell depleting antibodies in vivo. Collectively, the results indicated that DP6 augments antitumor immunity against B16F1 melanoma cells via the activation of DC-mediated NK cells in a TLR4-dependent manner. Thus, DP6 is a potential candidate adjuvant that acts as an immune cell modulator for the treatment of melanoma. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(5): 263-268].