Background/Objectives: The diversity of the oral microbiota exerts its effects in maintaining dental and overall health. The unique genetic profile of each individual influences the composition of the oral microbiota, determining susceptibility to certain diseases. The aim is to observe its role by highlighting the pathogenic mechanisms involved in oral dysbiosis and identify genetic determinism’s influence in maintaining balance. Methods: This study was designed as a narrative review of the oral microbiota, utilizing some of the principles and guidelines of systematic review to increase methodological rigor. We examined 121 articles such as reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, and observational studies, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for studies were as follows: (1) studies that evaluated the impact of the microbiota in oral or/and systemic diseases; (2) studies that observed pathogenic mechanisms in the oral microbiota; (3) studies that evaluated the interaction of the microbiota with the immune system (4); studies that evaluated genetic implications in the microbiota. Results: Host genes regulate inflammatory and immunological reactions that play a role in microbiological balance. This explains the increased resistance of some to diseases, including gingivitis or periodontitis. Also, the implications of oral dysbiosis are reflected not only locally, but also generally, being associated with various systemic conditions. Conclusions: Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and genetic determinants involved in oral dysbiosis may help create individualized therapies for preventing and managing oral and systemic disorders. A healthy lifestyle and adequate oral hygiene can facilitate a diverse and balanced microbiome, crucial for overall health.

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are chronic disorders affecting different organs, and evidence has proposed a bidirectional link between them. Fecal calprotectin, which reflects intestinal inflammation and gut barrier injury, is augmented in different neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether fecal calprotectin levels in PD increase independently of gastrointestinal inflammation and aging. Methods: Fecal calprotectin values were compared in two groups (PD and IBD) of 30 patients each, taking into consideration variables such as endoscopic aspects and age. Analyses of fecal calprotectin levels in PD patients show an increase with advancing age, which was not observed in the IBD cohort. Results: Most PD patients had fecal calprotectin values exceeding 200 μg/g (mean value 366.25 μg/g), and their levels were comparable to those of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, mean value 537.70 μg/g). In the PD cohort, a weak positive association between calprotectin levels and inflammatory signs was observed, and in the IBD cohort, higher calprotectin levels were strongly associated with more severe endoscopic modifications. Conclusions: This weak but positive correlation with intestinal inflammation in PD patients suggests the involvement of complex mechanisms, other than those related to inflammaging or gut barrier injuries.

This review systematically examines the oral complications associated with conventional and novel anti-cancer therapies. It highlights that while molecularly targeted agents including monoclonal antibodies targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, the epidermal growth factor receptor, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors tend to exhibit a lower overall toxicity profile compared to traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, they are nonetheless linked to significant oral adverse events. These complications encompass inflammatory mucosal reactions known as mucositis, salivary gland dysfunction leading to a sensation of dryness in the mouth, taste alterations referred to as dysgeusia, and, critically, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. In particular, bone-modifying agents such as bisphosphonates and denosumab disrupt bone remodeling and the formation of new blood vessels, thereby increasing the susceptibility to osteonecrosis of the jaw, especially following invasive dental procedures. The review delineates the multifactorial pathogenesis underlying these toxicities, which involves direct cell toxicity, impaired wound healing, and secondary infections. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of pre-treatment dental evaluation and preventive strategies including patient education, prophylactic dental care, and the integration of adjunctive therapies such as laser therapy and autologous platelet concentrates to mitigate these adverse effects. The analysis advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and dental professionals to optimize management protocols, enhance treatment adherence, and ultimately improve the quality of life for oncology patients undergoing anti-cancer therapy.

Background and Objectives: Saliva is of utmost importance for maintaining oral health. Management of saliva flow rate deficiency recently includes salivary neuro-electrostimulation. The aim of this paper is to present a new model of salivary pacemaker—the MICROSAL device (MD), an intelligent, miniaturized, and implant-supported oral device used for salivary stimulation. Materials and Methods: This report presents the development, calibration, and first clinical tests which involved the MD. The novel features of this device are the pH sensor and the fact that it communicates with the patient’s smartphone, where oral wetness and pH are graphically exposed. Saliva samples were taken before and after the MD was used on a 68-year-old patient suffering from post-irradiation xerostomia, and albumin and total protein were analyzed. Results: The device uses up to 3 V and time intervals of 2 s seconds for stimulation. The total volume of all saliva samples collected during the clinical trial was almost seven times higher after the device was used. Albumin decreased from a maximum of 0.15 g/dL to 0.04 g/dL, and total proteins from 0.65 g/dL to 0.21 g/dL, after salivary stimulation. Conclusions: The MD increased saliva secretion of the patient, and we are confident it will be a good solution for future management of salivary gland hypofunction.

Dental esthetics have gained momentum in recent decades, with the growing interest in an adequate dental appearance and, implicitly, a more pleasant physiognomic appearance. Thus, the purpose of this material is to present several in­te­res­ting technological details which intervene in the tech­no­lo­gical flow of manufacturing full-coverage single tooth and/or multiple teeth prosthetic restorations.

It is well known that World War I (1914-1918) was the second blo­odiest military conflict of the 20th century. Essentially, this mas­­sive military conflict involved the armies of the Allies (France, England, Russia, Italy etc.) as well as the armies of the Central Powers (Prussia – today’s Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria). Spe­ci­fi­cally, in this material, which we structured in two distinct parts, we present the biographies of three nurse heroines of the Great War: Edith Louisa Cavell, Helen Fairchild and Nicole Girard-Mangin.