Explore the vast range of titles available.

The abdomen is a key region in small animal veterinary practice, with the middle and caudal sections housing various organ systems that are susceptible to dysfunction, necessitating medical intervention or surgery. Sectional imaging techniques like CT and MRI are commonly used in small mammals, but no studies have focused on rodent abdomen. This study aimed to correlate micro-CT and MRI images of the middle and caudal abdominal regions with corresponding anatomical sections in Syrian hamsters (SHs), which are popular pets and experimental models. Ten healthy male SHs were used, and anatomical structures from frozen sections were compared with corresponding MCT and MRI images. Clinically relevant structures identified in anatomical sections were discernible on MCT and MRI scans. The key findings include the presence of glandular and non-glandular stomachs, the stomach and cecum primarily located on the left side, the absence of ampulla coli, sacculus rotundus, and cecal appendix, and sacculation of the colon, as well as the jejunum, mainly on the right side. The vesicular, coagulating, and prostate glands were also present, and the right kidney did not extend to the last thoracic vertebra. The results were similar to abdominal anatomical and radiologic studies in rats, mice, and guinea pigs, regardless of the rat’s and mice’s sacculated cecum and the guinea pig’s glandular stomach. However, significant differences were observed compared to the rabbit abdomen’s sectional anatomy and CT findings. This study highlights the diagnostic value of MCT and MRI in SHs and provides a valuable reference for interpreting cross-sectional abdominal images in SHs.

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally and a significant dietary source of fluoride. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the factors influencing fluoride concentration in tea infusions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in March 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and the PICO framework. Eligible studies investigated fluoride release in tea infusions, published in English from the year 2000 onward. Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria, and the risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality checklist. Fluoride concentration in tea infusions varied widely across studies, ranging from 0.008 to over 8 mg/L. Key factors influencing fluoride release included tea type (with black and green teas showing the highest values), leaf form (powdered and bagged teas released more fluoride than loose leaves), brewing time and temperature, water composition, and the presence of additives such as spices. A longer brewing time and higher temperature consistently increased fluoride extraction. Lower pH or water hardness also significantly affected fluoride availability. Regional origin of tea and production methods were additional sources of variation. Fluoride release in tea is influenced by a complex interplay of botanical, environmental, and preparation-related factors. These findings are clinically relevant, particularly for populations at risk of fluoride overexposure. Further standardized research is needed to inform safe consumption guidelines and public health recommendations.

Background: This study presents the sequencing and analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genomes from nine early medieval horse remains excavated across archaeological sites in Silesia region in present day Poland. Methods: Using aDNA extraction protocols optimized for short fragments, combined with target enrichment and high-throughput sequencing, we reconstructed partial mtDNA sequences for seven of the specimens. Results: The authenticity of the aDNA was confirmed through damage pattern analysis. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the specimens belonged to six distinct mtDNA lineages (B, D, E, G, L, and M), indicating a high level of mitochondrial diversity within medieval Silesian horse population. Conclusions: These findings highlight the extensive mtDNA variability among domestic horses, reflecting the diversity of their ancestral populations rather than modern breed differentiation. This research enhances our understanding of horse population structure in medieval Europe, emphasizing the genetic complexity present during this period.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in research on fungi, including Fomitopsis betulina, known for its potential therapeutic properties. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the literature on the cytotoxic effects of Fomitopsis betulina on normal and cancer cell lines. The review was conducted by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases up to July 2024, using specific MeSH terms and keywords related to cytotoxicity, cancer cells, and normal cells. Articles were included if they investigated both cancer and normal cell cultures, reported IC50 values, and used validated cytotoxicity assays (e.g. MTT, LDH). Out of 450 articles screened, 5 met the inclusion criteria. The analysed studies demonstrated that Fomitopsis betulina extracts, particularly methanolic and ethanolic, exhibited selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells while having minimal impact on healthy cells. The strongest effects were observed in prostate cancer and melanoma cell lines. The cytotoxic effects were largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as triterpenes and glucans. Fomitopsis betulina extracts, particularly those derived from fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures, show promising cytotoxic properties against cancer cells, with limited impact on healthy cells. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to optimise extraction methods.

Mandible cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) can be found mostly associated with dental roots and tooth-bearing anatomical structures. A variety of odontogenic cysts and tumors might have similar appearances. A lesion in the jaw bone not associated with dental roots with a cyst-like appearance might suggest a non-odontogenic lesion, an empty bone cavity, an osseous, fibrous, or fibro-osseous lesion, or a traumatic bone cyst (TBC). A radiolucent irregular bone cavity without clear borders always requires improved diagnostics in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as well as a revision and a biopsy in some cases. When there is some bone swelling and asymmetry on radiological evaluation, followed by extra-cortical spread, and the lesion has irregular borders with thickening or atypical calcifications, a biopsy should be performed. COD and TBCs can be found mostly associated with dental roots, but sometimes they are not associated with tooth-bearing jaw structures and might cause some diagnostic problems, especially if they resemble an empty radiolucent cystic-like lesion in an atypical location. Regardless of the type of lesion, a bone revision and a biopsy are important. When a sufficient amount of a sample is removed and evaluated, this can greatly improve the final diagnosis. The authors present an interesting case of a lesion accidentally found in a routine panoramic radiograph used for screening before scheduled orthodontic treatment.

The jaw bones can manifest various cysts and tumors of different origins and etiologies. Any bone lesions lacking any potential odontogenic origin might require more accurate diagnostics, adequate investigation, and careful patient anamnesis. In cases of sharply demarcated radiolucency or mixed radiolucent–radiopaque radiological appearance lesions, they can sometimes extend between the displaced tooth roots or cause their resorption. The scope of cortical bone in radiographic studies might have a different status, and lesions can spread outside of the bone. If no odontogenic feature is present, an additional blood examination for bone markers and calcium–phosphate markers is useful to establish any endocrine-related pathologies. In the primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), bone blood markers and bone scintigraphy are very useful to establish the possible occurrence of brown tumor. On the other hand, in central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), only a direct tumor lesion biopsy might confirm the diagnosis, where in microscopic evaluation, mostly fibroblasts and secondary cells have multinucleated giant cells along with some accessory cells like macrophages, dendrocytes, and other endothelial cells. Because both lesions can have similar clinical and radiological appearances and unclear borders, with different shapes, sizes, and symptoms, it is quite important to compare both clinical and radiological patient characteristics. The authors aim to present how radiological studies alone can easily lead to lesion misdiagnosis. They also aim to emphasize how local treatment methods without advanced microsurgical reconstruction can, in some cases, improve patient outcomes.

Feline tooth resorption (odontoclastic resorptive lesion) is a common and important issue in veterinary dentistry. This study aimed to analyse the disease’s severity and correlation with clinical information in the population of feline patients in Poland in the area of Lower Silesia. An analysis of the clinical charts of 174 cats with dental problems, which were diagnosed as tooth resorption, was conducted. The gender and breed had no influence on the disease severity, but the disease progressed with age. The lesions were mostly encountered within the third and fourth maxillary premolars (107, 108, 207, 208) and mandibular molars (309, 409). No direct correlation was found between the presence or severity of the disease and the clinical signs of affected cats. The study shows that feline tooth resorption is a common issue in feline dentistry and should be taken into account in all cases of animals with any signs of oral disease, including gingivitis and/or dental plaque with preserved appetite. A careful intraoral radiographic examination is essential to avoid false negative results in ambiguous cases.

In the lateral neck area (LNA), the parotid glands and submandibular glands can be diagnosed with various lesions, especially cysts and tumors of different etiology. In the submandibular area, many lesions are related to salivary stones and some inflammations, causing a secondary gland enlargement. When no sialolithiasis is present, a close relation to other local inflammation causes, IgG4, or related chronic sclerosing disease should be estimated. Ultrasound evaluation seems to be sufficient to indicate any occurrence of salivary retention, inflammation, dilatation of ducts, and gland swelling, and to confirm the initial diagnosis of sialolithiasis or sialadenitis. Any possible tumor formation or tumor-like solid mass evaluation requires adequate computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. A very important question should be raised if clinical symptoms like neck asymmetry, submandibular swelling, and solid-mass formation always correspond with radiological as well as some worrisome oncological symptoms. On the other hand, when radiological imaging is insufficient or lacking, a fine needle biopsy would be useful. Problems arise when any signs of potential disease or other tumor-like lesions are inconclusive or indicate inflammation, and possible treatment options are limited. Secondly, when patient anamnesis and blood examination are normal, but a worrisome tumor-like appearance progresses in time, a serious question about improved diagnostics and scheduling for surgery should be raised. Not all cases of elevated serum IgG4 levels correspond with IgG4 lesions and the typical spectrum of those diseases, and therefore histopathological examination of excised lesion provides the scope of the following disease intensity. In the following interesting images, it is worth noticing that radiological, clinical, needle biopsy, and cytological examinations do not always correlate with each other, and in some cases, an open surgery should be considered to improve the diagnosis.

Background/Objectives: Gingipains produced by P. gingivalis have been shown to be directly related to periodontal tissue degradation and are significant molecular targets in therapy of periodontitis. Blocking the activity of these enzymes should reduce survival of this pathogen and mitigate the effects of inflammation in periodontitis. Therefore, gingipains inhibitors and specific antibodies could be recommended in the treatment of periodontitis. Cysteine peptidase inhibitors can be obtained by chemical synthesis, or isolated from natural raw materials. This research has the following aims: 1. to analyze in vitro the inhibition of cysteine protease activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and 2. to compare the toxicity of natural raw inhibitors (obtained from Fallopia japonica plant and egg white) with chlorhexidine (CHX) using an MTS viability test. Methods: Samples of GCF were collected from healthy (N = 17) individuals and (N = 65) periodontal patients. Cysteine peptidase activity was inhibited by adding a solution of cystatin from egg white (with 20% glycerol), or cystatin from knotweed, or low molecular weight inhibitors (MW < 3 kDa) from egg white and knotweed against Nα-Benzoyl-DL-arginine 4-nitroanilide hydrochloride. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the inhibition means of cysteine protease activity for the five groups (p < 0.001). Means for the four groups of patients with periodontitis were not statistically significant different from each other (p = 0.320). The inhibition rates were higher in periodontitis patients. The toxicity of knotweed cystatin inhibitor was several times lower than the toxicity of E-64d, and of CHX. Conclusion: Cysteine protease inhibitors isolated from egg or plants were non-toxic, effectively inhibited the activity of cysteine proteases in GCF, and may be a promising alternative to more toxic standard antimicrobials (CHX) in preventing periodontal tissue breakdown.

This study aimed to evaluate the fluoride content and other key physicochemical properties in commercially available black tea infusions, with a focus on tea form and geographic origin, in order to assess their contribution to total dietary fluoride intake. Methods: A total of 121 black tea samples were analyzed, including 66 loose-leaf, 42 bags, and 13 pyramid-bag teas. Infusions were prepared using standardized brewing protocols. Fluoride concentrations were determined with an ion-selective electrode, while the pH, buffer capacity, titratable acidity, calcium, and inorganic phosphorus were also measured. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Tukey post hoc tests, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Fluoride content varied significantly by tea form and origin. Infusion of tea bags exhibited the highest fluoride, calcium, and acidity levels, while loose-leaf teas had the lowest. Teas from Africa contained approximately twice as much fluoride as those from Central or East Asia. Significant correlations between fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus were observed, particularly in tea-bag infusions, suggesting processing influences mineral release. Conclusions: Black tea, particularly in bag form and sourced from African regions, may significantly contribute to daily fluoride intake. Given the potential to exceed recommended fluoride thresholds, especially in individuals consuming multiple cups daily or living in fluoridated areas, these findings underscore the importance of consumer awareness and possible product labeling to guide safe consumption.