Introduction and objective: Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are tobacco-free and non-combustible products that are pouch-shaped and fit between the alveolar process and the upper lip. Through their use, nicotine is absorbed into the body through the oral mucosa. Their harmfulness is significantly...

Gingival recession, particularly in patients exhibiting a thin periodontal phenotype, is a prevalent and challenging complication associated with orthodontic treatment, among other factors. Recent advances in biostimulation therapies aim to support soft tissue augmentation by increasing gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) while minimizing the need for invasive surgical procedures. This narrative review explores the available clinical evidence regarding several biostimulation techniques, including injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), microneedling (MN), concentrated growth factors (CGF), atelocollagen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), with a particular focus on their potential adjunctive role in orthodontic patients with a thin periodontal phenotype. While i-PRF and microneedling—used alone or in combination—have shown promising short-term soft tissue thickening and reduced patient morbidity when compared with conventional grafting procedures, the available evidence is largely derived from small, randomized trials, pilot studies, and non-orthodontic cohorts, limiting the strength of comparative conclusions. Minimally invasive biostimulation techniques may represent potential adjunctive strategies for soft tissue management in selected clinical scenarios. Nevertheless, current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, and robust, long-term, orthodontic-specific clinical trials are required before these approaches can be considered reliable alternatives to established surgical protocols or validated preventive strategies against gingival recession.

Introduction and Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) technology is being studied more and more as an effective tool in sports injury rehabilitation. This review addresses current evidence concerning the application of VR in recovery from musculoskeletal and neurological injuries, control of pain, and psychological assistance, and potential roles in rehabilitation. State of Knowledge: Evidence indicates that rehabilitation with VR enhances patient engagement with immersive and interactive therapy, which can improve motor function, balance, and functional outcomes overall. VR is used in recovery rehabilitation of ligament injuries, orthopedic surgery, stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. VR also proves effective as a non-pharmacological method of pain control, with a potential reduction in analgesic needs, such as opioids. Importantly, it was also shown that VR improves mental health by decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, thereby convincing the audience about the overall benefits of VR-based rehabilitation. Methods The present paper searched the literature on electronic databases, including PubMed and ResearchGate, using the keywords "VR," "virtual reality injury," "virtual reality rehabilitation," "virtual reality pain," "virtual reality psychology," and "virtual reality cognitive function" Articles include randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews between 1999 to the present year, preferring the sources that were published from 2020 and onwards. Conclusions While VR offers a global, patient-centered approach that complements traditional rehabilitation methods, the scientific research in the field is meager. More studies are clearly warranted to establish VR's long-term effects and full potential in rehabilitation. This review highlights the current shortcomings and future promise of VR-based rehabilitation in sports injury rehabilitation.

Introduction and Purpose: Running is one of the most common activities. It is also associated with a high risk of knee joint injuries. The most common are Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), and Patellar Tendinopathy (PT). These conditions can limit mobility and reduce quality of life. The purpose of this article is to review the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment for these conditions in runners, based on the most recent knowledge. State of Knowledge: The most frequent running-related knee injuries are PFPS, ITBS, and PT. An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Management should be tailored to everyone, considering factors such as age and the stage of the condition. These injuries often require a break from running. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatments. Surgery is reserved for severe or persistent cases. Preventive strategies focus on addressing training mistakes, strengthening specific muscle groups, and refining running mechanics. Methods: The following paper analyzed studies found on electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, using keywords such as “knee injury”, “PFPS”, “ITBS”, “PT”, “causes of knee pain”, “treatment of knee injuries”, and “prevention of knee injuries”. Articles include randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews prioritizing resources published after 2015. Conclusions: Knee injuries in runners are multifactorial and often result from poor biomechanics, muscle imbalances, training errors, or repetitive strain. Accurate diagnosis is essential to differentiate between conditions with similar symptoms. Conservative treatment is the first-line treatment for PFPS, ITBS, and PT, and it shows good results. Surgery is reserved for treatment-resistant cases. Prevention mainly focuses on correcting training errors, strengthening key muscle groups, and improving running technique, which is a key to reducing the risk of injury.

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Although a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the gold standard for treatment, many patients experience ongoing symptoms or fail to achieve mucosal healing due to inadvertent gluten exposure and challenges in long-term adherence. These limitations and growing understanding of the pathophysiology of CeD have prompted the development of non-dietary therapies that target the underlying immune mechanisms of CeD. Emerging therapeutic strategies aim to modulate gluten-triggered immunity, including the inhibition of tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2), blockade of HLA-DQ2.5 and gluten peptide complexes, suppression of interleukin-15 (IL-15), and interference with gut-homing lymphocyte trafficking. Among these, the TG2 inhibitor ZED1227 has demonstrated the most advanced clinical efficacy, while IL-15–targeting agents such as AMG 714 and CALY-002 show promise, particularly in refractory CeD. However, to date, none of those novel immune-modulating strategies have yet demonstrated sufficient efficacy and safety to replace dietary therapy. Therefore, future well-designed, long-term studies are needed to validate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of immune-mediated therapies and to define their role in personalized management of CeD.

Mouthguards, also referred to as mouth protectors or intraoral protective devices, are designed to safeguard teeth and surrounding soft tissues from injury during sports activities. Typically made from materials such as EVA, acrylics, silicone, and polyurethane, mouthguards play a vital role in preventing dental trauma, including tooth fractures, luxation, soft tissue damage, and jaw injuries. Custom-made variants, particularly those created through digital workflows and 3D printing, offer improved comfort, occlusal fit, and protective efficiency, with ongoing advancements promising further enhancements through biocompatible, rubber-like materials. Proper occlusal adjustment, such as flat grinding, enhances contact and comfort, contributing to better user compliance. Research suggests custom mouthguards not only offer superior protection compared to over-the-counter options but may also positively influence athletic performance, including balance and muscle activation through mechanisms like concurrent activation potentiation. Despite their benefits, cost and accessibility remain barriers to widespread use. Thus, custom-made mouthguards are strongly recommended for athletes engaged in high-impact sports to ensure optimal protection and performance support.