Preliminary Study of Scent Rolling in Captive Wolves (Canis lupus L. 1758) in Response to Olfactory Enrichment.

Scent rolling, a behaviour observed in various large carnivores like wolves, entails the animal lowering its chin and neck towards a scent, followed by rubbing the head, neck, shoulders, and back into it. This behaviour is prevalent among wolves exposed to diverse scents, though its exact purpose remains uncertain. In this study, captive wolves at Osijek Zoo responded differently to odours during olfactory enrichment sessions. In the initial year of this study, the highest level of interest, evidenced by both the frequency of responses and scent-rolling behaviour, was noted when the wolves encountered odours such as curry and rosemary, along with deer/mouflon and rat faeces. While certain odours, such as llama faeces and deer/mouflon faeces, garnered longer durations of interest in the second year of study, others, like guinea pig faeces and oregano, elicited shorter responses. Female wolves demonstrated a higher level of engagement with scents compared with males, particularly through scent rolling behaviour, which was exclusively observed in females during the second year of this study. Interestingly, certain odours did not trigger scent rolling, suggesting selective preferences. On the other hand, sheep's wool induced the longest duration of scent rolling, and a lack of significant differences in behaviour was observed between morning and afternoon sessions. Despite the existence of multiple hypotheses put forward to explain the causation of scent rolling in wolves, it seems to be elicited by unfamiliar odours.

Efficacy of pastes containing CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) containing pastes among individuals with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were randomised into three groups: CPP-ACP, CPP-ACFP, and 0.05 % NaF to be used two times a day during a 28-day experimental period. Saliva was analysed for flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and mineral concentrations. Dental plaque was examined for pH. Following the formation of artificial carious lesion, participants wore enamel slabs for an in situ remineralisation study. Remineralisation potential was examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) technique. SE microphotographs were subsequently analysed for area, diameter, perimeter, roundness and the number of enamel defects and percentage of tooth surface affected by defects. RESULTS: At the end of the experimental period, a slight increase of salivary pH could have been observed. No differences in mineral composition of saliva were noted. The use of CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP contributed to a significant rise of plaque pH. Image analysis revealed excessive reduction of defects' dimensions in the three experimental groups, and a decrease of the number of enamel defects in the CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP groups. The EDS analysis did not show differences in Ca/P, Ca/O and P/O ratios in any of the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: CPP-ACP and CPP-ACFP hold promise as remineralising agents for patients with SS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pastes containing CPP-ACP/CPP-ACFP show enhanced remineralisation potential compared with NaF mouthrinse in patients with SS.

Eugenol-based temporary luting cement possesses antioxidative properties.

INTRODUCTION: Antioxidants protect against reactive oxygen species and expose beneficial anti-inflammatory activity when in contact with biological tissues. Dental materials that are used as temporary luting on fixed dental restorations are often in contact with injured gingival tissue, hence they should contain anti-inflammatory characteristics that are essential after prosthetic procedures preceding cementation of final restauration. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect through the oxidation inhibition (OI) of mixed dental cement for temporary luting or their liquid component. METHODS: Eight study groups were prepared each by ten samples: 1) ex tempore preparation of zinc-oxide eugenol paste (Kariofil Z Galenika, Serbia), 2) Viko Temp paste (Galenika, Serbia), 3) Temp Bond NE paste (Kerr, Germany), 4) ScutaBond (ESPE, Germany), 5) Cp-CAP paste (Germany, Lege Artis) and oil component of 6) Kariofil Z, 7) Viko Temp and 8) Cp-CAP. The samples were subjected to spectrophotometer to measure OI 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) using Randox kit, United Kingdom. The control samples were pure ascorbic acid (1% w/v). RESULTS: High values of OI exposed materials (groups 1, 5, 6, 7, 8) with content of eugenol (or its derivates) in the range of 100-88.8% were statistically more significant than the values of non-eugenol substances (groups 2, 3, 4) with the range of 8.2-43.5%. CONCLUSION: Eugenol containing temporary fixation materials show significant antioxidative properties and therefore they may be used in those clinical situations where surrounding gingival tissue is injured during restorative procedure.

Antioxidative status of saliva before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress and antioxidants play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, including chronic periodontitis (CP). Saliva contains enzymatic (glutathione peroxidase - GPx, superoxide dismutase - SOD, etc.) and non-enzymatic (albumin - ALB, uric acid - UA, glutathione, etc.) antioxidants. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate: a) level of SOD, GPx, UA, ALB and total antioxidative status (TAS) of saliva in CP patients before and after non-surgical treatment, and b) correlations between clinical periodontal parameters and levels of salivary antioxidants. METHODS: Saliva was collected from 21 CP patients before and after non-surgical treatment. The condition of periodontium was assessed by plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Level of investigated antioxidants (except GPx) and TAS was determined using colorimetric method and commercial kits. GPx activity was determined using UV method and commercial kits. RESULTS: After the treatment significant increase of UA, ALB, Gpx, TAS was detected (p<0.01) and decrease of SOD activity (p>0.05). A significant correlation was observed between GPx and PI (r=0.575, p=0.008), SOD and GI (r=0.525, p=0.017) before therapy, and SOD and bleeding on probing (BP) (r=0.59, p=0.006), TAS and BP (r=0.453, p=0.045) after therapy. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that levels of salivary antioxidants generally increase after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Correlation between some clinical periodontal parameters and level of salivary antioxidants was found.

[Common immunophenotypic features of submandibular salivary glands and thymus in rats].

INTRODUCTION: Submandibular salivary gland is a part of the neuro-immune-endocrine system. It contains biological factors which regulate a number of functions in the body including the modulation of thymus function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate immunophenotypic characteristics of submandibular salivary glands of rats during ontogenesis, using the panels of monoclonal antibodies and to compare with the phenotypic characteristics of epithelial components of the thymus. METHODS: Submandibular salivary glands and thymus were obtained from 1, 30 and 60 days old male AO (Albino, Oxford) rats. Streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method was used for staining. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis of rat submandibular salivary glands showed phenotypic heterogeneity of particular components of this gland during the postnatal development. We demonstrated that rat submandibular salivary glands share common antigens with rat thymic epithelial cells, but the observed phenotypic similarity between the individual regions was considered much more significant. Our data showed that the phenotypic similarity between duct epithelial cells and subcapsular epithelial cells and most medullary cells, whereas cortical epithelial cells are phenotypically similar to acinar cells. CONCLUSION: This immunohistological study showed phenotypic complexity of the submandibular salivary gland and similarity to the thymus that opens new perspectives in studying phenotypic similarities between this gland and lymphatic organs.

[Periodontal condition in diabetics in Belgrade].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Diabetes mellitus (DM) as a complex metabolic disease influences functioning of numerous organs. Therefore, frequent diabetic complication is chronic periodontitis. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of various risk factors, like age, sex, duration of DM, oral hygiene, on oral manifestations of diabetes. METHODS: The group of diabetics included 52 adult patients, 18-79-year of age, both sexes (33 females, 19 males) out of which 35 patients were with diabetes mellitus type I and 17 with type II. Mean age of the patients was 54.6 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 11.1 years. The controls consited of 67 volunteers from the city of Belgrade, 19-24-year of age, both sexes (47 females, 20 males) with no paradonthopathy and non-systemic diseases. Estimation of periodontal status of the patients was performed by measuring dental plaque index, gingival index and periodontal pockets' depth. RESULTS: The results suggest an increased incidence and severity of periodontitis in diabetic patients. It was established that duration of diabetes, patients' age and bad oral hygiene had a negative influence on status of remained teeth in diabetics, while the sex had no influence on parameters monitored. CONCLUSION: Indices of oral hygiene level and periodontal status (dental plaque index, gingival index and periodontal pockets' depth) were significantly worsened in patients with diabetes. Negative influence on remained teeth had patients' age (> 50 years), duration of diabetes (> 20 years) and bad oral hygiene. About half of the patients had a total or partial bridge suggesting that periodontitis is significant complication of diabetes mellitus.

Calcium and magnesium content in hard tissues of rats under condition of subchronic lead intoxication.

Lead manifests toxic effects in almost all organs and tissues, especially in: the nervous system, hematopoietic system, kidney and liver. This metal has a special affinity for deposition in hard tissue, i.e., bones and teeth. It is generally believed that the main mechanism of its toxicity relies on its interaction with bioelements, especially with Ca and Mg. This article analyses the influence of Pb poisoning on Ca and Mg content in hard tissues, (mandible, femur, teeth and skull) of female and young rats. Experiments were carried out on 60 female rats, AO breed, and on 80 of their young rats (offspring). Female rats were divided into three groups: the first one was a control group, the second one received 100 mg/kg Pb2+ kg b.wt. per day in drinking water, the third one received 30 mg/kg Pb(2+) kg b.wt. per day in drinking water. Young rats (offspring) were divided into the same respective three groups. Lead, calcium and magnesium content in hard tissues (mandible, femur, teeth-incisors and skull) was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in mineralized samples. There was a statistically significant Pb deposition in all analyzed female and young rat hard tissues. Ca and Mg contents were significantly reduced in all female and young rat hard tissues. These results show that Pb poisoning causes a significant reduction in Ca and Mg content in animal hard tissues, which is probably the consequence of competitive antagonism between Pb and Ca and Mg.

Enzimas salivales y enfermedad periodontal / Salivary enzymes and periodontal disease

Objetivos: Las enfermedades que producen daño tisular producen la liberación de diferentes enzimas relacionadas con la muerte y destrucción celular, como son la aspartato y alanino aminotransferasa (AST, ALT), lactato dehidrogenasa (LDH), creatinin kinasa (CK), alcalina y ácida (ALP, ACP) y gamma glutamil transferasa (GGT). Al tratarse la enfermedadperiodontal (EP) de un proceso inflamatorio con afectación de la encía y periodonto, parece lógico pensar que la actividad enzimática debe reflejar los cambios metabólicos secundarios a esta reacción inflamatoria.Diseño del estudio: En este artículo examinamos la actividad de CK, LDH, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP y ACP en la saliva de pacientes con EP, antes y después del tratamiento periodontal (grupo experimental–30 muestras) así como en la saliva de pacientes sin enfermedad periodontal (grupo control–20 muestras). La EP se diagnosticó en base a parámetros clínicos(índice gingival–GI, sangrado al sondaje-BOP y profundidad al sondaje-PD). Todos los pacientes con enfermedad periodontal recibieron tratamiento convencional de la misma. Se registró la actividad enzimática en todos los pacientes y se cuantificó por espectrofotometríaResultados: Se observó un aumento estadísticamente significativo en la actividad de CK, LDH, AST, ALT; GGT, ALP y ACP en la saliva de los pacientes con enfermedad periodontal en relación a los resultados obtenidos en el grupo control. Se detectó una correlación positiva entre la actividad de las enzimas salivales examinadas y el valor del GI. Después del tratamiento periodontal convencional la actividad de estas enzimas salivales disminuyó significativamente.Conclusiones: Basándonos en estos resultados. Podemos concluir que la actividad de estas enzimas puede ser útil en el diagnóstico y evaluación del tratamiento de la EP

Background: Host responses to periodontal disease include the production of different enzymes that are released by stromal, epithelial or inflammatory cells. There are important enzymes associated with cell injury and cell death like: aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST, ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine cinase (CK), alkaline and acidic phosphatase (ALP, ACP), gama glutamil transferase (GGT). Changes in enzymatic activity reflect metabolic changes in the gingiva and periodontium in inflammation.Design of Study: In this paper we have examined the activity of CK, LDH, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and ACP in saliva from patients with periodontal disease before and after periodontal treatment (experimental group – 30 samples) and in saliva from healthy patients (control group – 20 samples). Periodontal disease was determined based on clinical parameters (gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD)). Patients with periodontal disease were under conventional periodontal treatment.Results: Obtained results were shown statistically significant increases of activity of CK, LDH, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, ACP in saliva from patients with periodontal disease in relation to control group. There is positive correlation between the activity of examined salivary enzymes and value of the gingival index. After conventional periodontal therapy the activity of all salivary enzymes was significantly decreased.Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be assume that activity of these enzymes in saliva, as biochemical markers for periodontaltissue damage, may be useful in diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of therapy effects in periodontal disease

Salivary enzymes and periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Host responses to periodontal disease include the production of different enzymes that are released by stromal, epithelial or inflammatory cells. There are important enzymes associated with cell injury and cell death like: aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST, ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline and acidic phosphatase (ALP, ACP), gama glutamyl transferase (GGT). Changes in enzymatic activity reflect metabolic changes in the gingiva and periodontium in inflammation. DESIGN OF STUDY: In this paper we have examined the activity of CK, LDH, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and ACP in saliva from patients with periodontal disease before and after periodontal treatment (experimental group, 30 samples) and in saliva from healthy patients (control group--20 samples). Periodontal disease was determined based on clinical parameters (gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD)). Patients with periodontal disease were under conventional periodontal treatment. RESULTS: Obtained results were shown statistically significant increases of activity of CK, LDH, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, ACP in saliva from patients with periodontal disease in relation to control group. There is positive correlation between the activity of examined salivary enzymes and value of the gingival index. After conventional periodontal therapy the activity of all salivary enzymes was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it can be assume that activity of these enzymes in saliva, as biochemical markers for periodontal tissue damage, may be useful in diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of therapy effects in periodontal disease.

[Use of saliva as a diagnostic fluid in dentistry].

Saliva is a secretion of the salivary and mucous glands and is of major importance in the maintainance of oral health. Over the last few decades, saliva has been evaluated as a diagnostic fluid in medicine for determining systemic disease markers as well as for monitoring numerous drugs, narcotics, and hormones. The biochemical analysis of saliva is particularly important in dentistry. The estimation of the risk of appearance and diagnosis of disease, monitoring of disease progression, evaluation of therapy efficacy for caries, periodontitis, premalignant and malignant oral lesions, as well as infectious diseases of the oral cavity, can be assessed by analysing different constituents of saliva. Individuals at risk of caries can be identified using tests that determine saliva flow rate, saliva buffer capacity, and colonisation of the oral cavity by cariogenic bacteria. Today, these rapid and simple diagnostic tests are used routinely in caries risk determination. The study and use of saliva-based diagnostics have increased over the last few decades. Clinical testing of saliva shows much promise. However, there is a need for much additional research in this area, before the true clinical value of saliva as a diagnostic fluid in dentistry can be determined.

The influence of magnesium on the activity of some enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and lead content in some tissues.

Many authors in different studies have reported the antagonism between Mg and Pb. Our previous results suggested that oral Mg treatment have better effect on investigation biochemical parameters (protoporphyrins, aminolevulinic acid--ALA and d-aminolevulinic dehydratase ALA-D) used in evaluating Pb intoxication, then CaNa2EDTA, chelation agents, currently used in therapy of Pb intoxication. The toxic effect of Pb induced considerably modifies the activity of many other enzymes. In this work we have examined the influence of Mg (as alternative therapy of Pb poisoning) on enzymes activity--biochemical markers for general health conditions--aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in condition of lead intoxication. Many studies showed disturbances of activity ALT, AST and ALP. The aim of this study was to confirm positive effects of Mg intake in condition of such intoxication at the level on activity of investigated enzymes. The experiment was performed on 45 male Wister rats, divided in three groups. I--control group; II--group treated daily for 30 days with 100 mg Pb, per kg body weight and next 60 without Pb treatment (spontaneous detoxication); III group--the same treatment as II group for the first 30 days, but next 60 days rats were treated orally with 40 mg Mg/kg body weight. Activity of AST and ALT was significant increased in condition of Pb poisoning, but ALP activity was significant reduced. Influence of excessive oral Mg treatment was positive: decrease of AST activity and ALT activity, which was probably in correlation with significant elimination of Pb from liver and increase of ALT enzyme activity at the normal level.