Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common and aggressive histologic subtype of head and neck cancer (HNC), difficult to treat effectively. Here, we discuss several studies on human and mouse HNSCC cell lines arising from the mucosal epithelium of various anatomical sites, as well as recent studies using murine models, focused on targeting key checkpoints in the glutamine (Gln) metabolism pathway, either alone or in synergy with other signaling pathways, as a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC. Emerging evidence demonstrates a complex interplay between Gln metabolism and pathways mediating altered cellular mechanisms, including ferroptosis, immune system evasion, mitochondrial energy production, and oncogenic transcriptional control. This review examines currently available gene expression databases and protein expression analyses of Gln metabolism-related components in tissue samples from HNSCC patients. From a translational perspective, the co-administration of pharmaceutical agents and biologic products targeting distinct molecular pathways, integrated with radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy (CT), may produce superior anti-HNSCC efficacy, thereby improving clinical outcomes and extending patient survival. Multimodal strategies represent a key direction in precision oncology, enabling personalized therapeutic interventions to suppress metastatic dissemination and disease progression more effectively. Therefore, an integrated therapeutic approach represents a promising path to defeat HNSCC.

Sugar reduction is technologically challenging in ice cream because sugars contribute not only to sweetness but also to rheological properties. A D-optimal mixture design was applied to optimize the formulation of reduced-sugar ice cream using inulin and carob flour as functional ingredients. The effects of sucrose, dextrose, inulin, and carob flour on viscosity, consistency index, flow behavior index, and thixotropy were investigated. All formulations exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, although marked differences in rheological properties were observed within the experimental domain. Sucrose increased viscosity and consistency, whereas dextrose reduced both parameters. Inulin and carob flour exerted a pronounced thickening effect due to their water-binding capacity. Based on the rheological targets defined using a commercial reference ice cream, an optimized formulation was identified and experimentally validated. The optimized sample showed a broadly comparable rheological profile to the commercial reference, although some discrepancies between predicted and experimental values were observed. Compared with both the experimental and commercial controls, the optimized formulation showed lower sucrose and glucose contents, corresponding a reduction of approximately 71% in glucose and sucrose. Total dietary fiber (calculated value) reached 11.59 g 100 g⁻¹, allowing the product to be potentially classified as “high in fiber” with a lower energy value. Sensory evaluation revealed a significant reduction in perceived sweetness (−25%) compared to the control formulation. Inulin and carob flour can be effectively used to develop reduced-sugar ice cream with improved nutritional quality while maintaining properties in agreement with the formulation targets.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and osteoporosis frequently co-occur in the elderly; however, the pathophysiological link between these two diseases remains unclear. This study investigates skeletal alterations in a triple transgenic 3xTg-AD mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD), which harbors mutations in β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP_Swe), presenilin-1 (PS1_M146V), and tau_P301L, and recapitulates key aspects of AD pathology, including age-dependent β-amyloid plaque accumulation and cognitive decline. To assess early skeletal changes, we analyzed femurs and tibiae of 2-month-old male non-Tg and 3xTg-AD mice (n = 9/group) using micro-CT. Despite the absence of β-amyloid plaques at this stage, 3xTg-AD mice showed significant cortical bone loss, with reduced bone surface, periosteal and endosteal perimeters, total and cortical cross-sectional area, and polar moment of inertia. The 3-point-bending test confirmed compromised mechanical properties, including reduced maximum load-to-fracture and stiffness. Histological analyses highlighted an increased number of Empty Osteocyte Lacunae, reduced TRAP⁺ osteocytes, and an elevated number of osteoclasts; such evidence indicates impaired osteocyte function and increased bone resorption. These findings indicate that cortical bone loss and compromised mechanical properties occur before detectable neuropathological hallmarks in this AD model.

Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed clear aligners represent a new alternative for treating orthodontic malocclusions. However, their biocompatibility remains a critical factor requiring careful evaluation. Methods: In the current study, the in vitro cytotoxicity of three innovative 3D-printed resins (Tera Harz TC-85 DAC, TA-28, and TR-07, Graphy, Seoul, Republic of Korea) and two conventional thermoformed materials (Smart Track, Invisalign, Align Technology, USA, and TruGEN, Spark, Ormco, USA) was assessed by measuring the cell viability of human primary gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) exposed to specimens via direct contact. Results: The MTT assay revealed that, at 7 days, 3D-printed resins exhibited a statistically significant reduction in HGF metabolic activity compared to both the control group and the thermoformed groups (p < 0.0001). A similar overall biological trend was observed at 14 days, with no progressive impairment in HGF viability, indicating that the materials maintain a stable in vitro biocompatibility profile over time. Across both time points, cell viability levels remained within the 60–90% range, categorized as “slight cytotoxicity” according to Ahrari et al., while consistently exceeding the 70% threshold required for compliance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10993-5 standards. Conclusions: While thermoformed materials are currently considered the conventional reference in orthodontics, the tested 3D-printed resins show promising in vitro results, aligning with their ongoing integration into clinical orthodontic practice.

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed clear aligners represent a new alternative for treating orthodontic malocclusions. However, their biocompatibility remains a critical factor requiring careful evaluation. In the current study, the in vitro cytotoxicity of three innovative 3D-printed resins (Tera Harz TC-85 DAC, TA-28, and TR-07, Graphy, Seoul, Korea) and two conventional thermoformed materials (Smart Track, Invisalign, Align Technology, USA, and TruGEN, Spark, Ormco, USA) was assessed by measuring the cell viability of human primary gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) exposed to specimens via direct contact. The MTT assay revealed that, at 7 days, 3D-printed resins exhibited a statistically significant reduction in HGF metabolic activity compared to both the control group and the thermoformed groups (p < 0.0001). This was categorized as "slight cytotoxicity" according to the Ahrari et al. classification. A similar overall biological trend was observed at 14 days, with no progressive impairment in HGF viability, indicating that the materials maintain a stable in vitro biocompatibility profile over time. Notably, all tested materials maintained cell viability levels above the 70% threshold, in compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10993-5 standards. While thermoformed materials are currently considered the conventional reference in orthodontics, the tested 3D-printed resins revealed no relevant in vitro cytotoxic risk, aligning with their ongoing integration into clinical orthodontic practice.