The identification of human remains is a major challenge in forensic science, particularly in cases of advanced decomposition. Human teeth are among the most resilient tissues to environmental and post-mortem degradation, making them a valuable source of DNA for forensic identification. However, DNA preservation in teeth is influenced by multiple factors that can compromise the success of genetic analysis. Objective: This review analyzes the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting DNA preservation in human teeth, focusing on ante-mortem and post-mortem variables rather than the methodological aspects of DNA extraction and analysis. Methodology: A review of the literature was conducted, evaluating studies that assess the impact of biological factors (such as dental structure, pathology, and treatment) and environmental conditions (such as burial environment, temperature, and humidity) on DNA degradation in human teeth. Results: The findings indicate that DNA preservation is significantly influenced by the type of tooth, the presence of dental restorations or pathological conditions, and exposure to environmental factors. While some studies address these variables individually, forensic cases often involve complex interactions among multiple factors, making DNA recovery outcomes unpredictable. Conclusions: The degradation of DNA in human teeth results from a multifactorial process where intrinsic and extrinsic elements interact dynamically. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for optimizing sampling strategies and improving DNA recovery success rates in forensic applications. Future research should aim to develop predictive models that account for these variables, enabling more effective case-specific approaches to forensic DNA analysis.

Objetivo: Identificar las principales manifestaciones y describir su ubicación en la cavidad oral en pacientes COVID-19. Métodos: Se utilizaron las bases de datos PubMed, Medline, LILACS, LIVIVO, Web of Science y SciELO; utilizando los términos de búsqueda oral mucosa, oral mucosa lesion, oral manifestations, COVID-19 y SARS-CoV-2. Se eliminaron duplicados, luego se realizó preselección de artículos, y finalmente se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 47 publicaciones, encontrando manifestaciones orales en pacientes COVID-19 tales como alteración en gusto, xerostomía, úlceras, vesículas, entre otras; ubicándose en diferentes áreas de la mucosa oral. Conclusiones: Se necesitan más estudios para vislumbrar la posible etiopatogenia a nivel oral del SARS-CoV-2. Además, se destaca el rol del odontólogo en el equipo multidisciplinario y en la teleconsulta.

Este congreso se desarrolló los días 24 y 25 de noviembre del 2023 y abarcó conferencias de expositores internacionales y nacionales de reconocida trayectoria científica y clínica, workshops y un concurso científico de revisiones bibliográficas y casos clínicos para estudiantes de pregrado, postgrado y de especialidades. En este número especial se presentan a continuación las actas del congreso.

The human AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinases (ARKs) are a conserved family of serine/threonine kinases primarily activated by liver kinase B1 (LKB1). ARKs play crucial roles in various cellular processes, particularly in energy metabolism and stress signaling pathways. While AMPK is well-known as a key regulator of energy homeostasis, its paralogs have emerged as significant modulators of metabolic adaptation, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis, placing them at the center of cancer cell physiology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the ARKs family, detailing their structural features, regulatory mechanisms, and activation pathways. We categorized ARKs by shared molecular mechanisms and tumorigenic roles, highlighting their complex involvement in cancer. Understanding the functions of ARKs in cancer and other diseases unveils an important and often overlooked layer of metabolic and stress regulation. As research continues to clarify their roles, ARKs are becoming recognized as promising yet largely underexplored contributors to tumor biology. This knowledge provides valuable insights into cellular adaptation and presents new opportunities for targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.