A eubiotic microbiota influences many physiological processes in the metazoan host, including development and intestinal homeostasis. Here, we have shown that the intestinal microbiota modulates inflammatory responses caused by sex steroid deficiency, leading to trabecular bone loss. In murine models, sex steroid deficiency increased gut permeability, expanded Th17 cells, and upregulated the osteoclastogenic cytokines TNFα (TNF), RANKL, and IL-17 in the small intestine and the BM. In germ-free (GF) mice, sex steroid deficiency failed to increase osteoclastogenic cytokine production, stimulate bone resorption, and cause trabecular bone loss, demonstrating that the gut microbiota is central in sex steroid deficiency–induced trabecular bone loss. Furthermore, we demonstrated that twice-weekly treatment of sex steroid–deficient mice with the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or the commercially available probiotic supplement VSL#3 reduces gut permeability, dampens intestinal and BM inflammation, and completely protects against bone loss. In contrast, supplementation with a nonprobiotic strain of E. coli or a mutant LGG was not protective. Together, these data highlight the role that the gut luminal microbiota and increased gut permeability play in triggering inflammatory pathways that are critical for inducing bone loss in sex steroid–deficient mice. Our data further suggest that probiotics that decrease gut permeability have potential as a therapeutic strategy for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, particularly in diabetic wounds, represents a major challenge in clinical care due to their high mortality rate. Despite the continued use of antibiotics as the primary clinical treatment for diabetic wounds, there is an urgent need to develop antibiotic-free therapeutic strategies to combat MDR bacteria, given the limitations and resistance of antibiotics. In this study, a “nanotank”, MXene@MOF@CORM-401 (MMC), was designed to target bacteria. The basis of this approach is the combination of 2-dimensional transition metal carbides/carbon nitrides (MXene), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs). MMCs exhibit photothermal and photodynamic properties upon irradiation with near-infrared laser. The photodynamic effect generates a substantial quantity of reactive oxygen species, which subsequently triggers the release of carbon monoxide in a “gas bombs”-like manner. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that MMC is not only biocompatible but also exhibits robust antimicrobial properties and accelerates diabetic wound healing. Consequently, this innovative 2-dimensional “nanotank” represents a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic therapies for the treatment of MDR bacterial infections in the future.

This clinical case report describes the fabrication of monolithic self-glazed zirconia prostheses via a digital workflow, for full-arch rehabilitation in a patient with a severely worn dentition. Prostheses composed of self-glazed zirconia are less prone to chipping, and have a lower risk of progressive wear of the opposing natural teeth. The use of a digital workflow not only ensures a higher degree of precision in the fabrication of self-glazed zirconia prostheses, but it also greatly improves patient comfort, and reduces the clinical chairside time required for adjustments.

Monolithic self-glazed zirconia is a new type of biomimetic zirconia that has been successfully used as crown and bridge restorations in the anterior and posterior regions. It exhibits excellent biomechanics and aesthetic properties through completely digital processing technology. This case presents a young patient's aesthetic rehabilitation with self-glazed ultra-thin zirconia veneers by closing the scattered diastema in the aesthetic zone of the anterior teeth with a fully digital workflow. The restorations exhibited excellent aesthetic outcomes with a minimally invasive concept and superior mechanical properties over glass-based ceramic veneers. The application of full-contour monolithic ultra-thin self-glazed zirconia restorations in the anterior aesthetic zone constitutes a reliable, fully digital clinical workflow.