Adequate bone volume is essential for implant placement, and in many cases, can only be achieved through bone grafting. However, impaction of lower third molars can cause bone lysis in the distal alveolar area of the second molar. Hence, this review evaluates the effectiveness of autogenous dentin in alveolar preservation and bone augmentation in implant surgery, as well as its role in preventing the development of bone defects and subsequent periodontal pocket formation after lower third molar extraction. A bibliographic review was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library Plus. Multiple studies concluded that autogenous dentin is suitable for bone regeneration. Autogenous dentin enhances bone regeneration in the extraction socket, facilitates bone volume augmentation in implant surgery, and prevents periodontal pocket formation distal to the second molar following lower third molar extraction.

COVID-19 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) has imposed a huge burden of mortality, morbidity, and socio-economic issues worldwide. Dominating transmission efficacy and the surge in instant genetic mutations pose challenges to the overwhelmed healthcare system. In this study, we aim to explore the role of homocysteine (Hcy) as a biomarker in COVID-19 and to develop strategies to mitigate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We reviewed the biochemical, physiological, and genetic implications of COVID-19. Upon SARS-CoV-2 exposure, Hcy metabolism is disrupted, leading to hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and inducing inflammatory markers, e.g., interleukins (IL-6 and IL-7), tumor necrosis factor, interferon-γ, and C-reactive protein, which are characterized as a cytokine storm. HHcy develops numerous complications, including cardiovascular disorders, neural problems, and musculoskeletal disorders. However, nutritional deficiencies, e.g., folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, and elevated serum creatinine are the important determinants of Hcy concentrations in the body. Additionally, the MTHFR C677T polymorphism is also a key factor that modulates Hcy levels and increases the risk of viral incidence. Overall, the identification of biochemical, metabolic, and genetic biomarkers may improve risk stratification, inform COVID-19 management, and help identify potential therapeutic targets.

The ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) has attracted attention for its potential effects on lipid metabolism and body weight. The current study investigated the effects of the ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) leaves on the lipid profile and body weight changes in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n = 6/group): normal control, clove extract only (600 mg/kg body weight), testosterone-induced BPH control, finasteride-treated testosterone-induced BPH (3 mg/kg body weight), clove extract-treated testosterone-induced BPH (300 mg/kg body weight), and clove extract-treated testosterone-induced BPH (600 mg/kg body weight). The animals’ body weight was recorded weekly. Treatment lasted for 28 days, after which blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Lipid profile analysis showed significant decreases in triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein concentrations in the treatment groups compared with the testosterone-induced BPH control. A significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was observed in the treatment groups compared with the testosterone-induced BPH control. Additionally, body weight increased significantly in the treatment groups compared with the testosterone-induced BPH control. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of clove leaves has anti-hyperlipidemic effects in BPH and may modulate body weight by promoting metabolic activity.

Axillary node status remains the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer, although axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is increasingly questioned in patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Van Zee nomogram may support decision-making regarding completion of ALND after positive SLN. This study evaluated the performance of the Van Zee model in 32 Algerian patients with cN0 breast cancer ≥ 4 cm (8 cT2 and 24 cT3) and positive SLN who underwent routine ALND. Using a 35% cut-off, the nomogram achieved 88.9% sensitivity, 78.2% specificity, and 84.3% accuracy, with positive and negative predictive values of 84.2% and 84.6%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.85, indicating good discriminatory performance. Predictors of non-SLN involvement included lymphovascular invasion, luminal subtype, and a higher number of positive SLNs. Although predictive models for axillary invasion are well established, data from the Middle East and North Africa region remain limited. These findings suggest that the Van Zee nomogram is applicable to Algerian patients with breast tumours ≥ 4 cm without clinical axillary involvement. However, larger studies are required before definitive validation.

The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in mental health, with synbiotic supplements emerging as promising interventions for stress and anxiety management. This observational open-label pilot study aims to evaluate the effects of a symbiotic supplement containing Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 and L-alanyl-L-glutamine, delivered via a targeted colonic-release capsule, on stress, anxiety, and mental wellbeing. Conducted as a non-placebo-controlled real-world case study, the study recruited 100 adults with elevated perceived stress and followed them for over eight weeks. Validated self-reporting tools, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 items (DASS-21), Perceived Stress Scale-10 items (PSS-10), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Short Form Health Survey-12 items, and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaires, were used to assess outcomes. Statistical analyses, primarily using linear mixed models, indicated reductions in DASS-21, PSS-10, and AIS scores, along with self-reported improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and mental well-being. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the exploratory, uncontrolled study design. Notably, DASS-21 total scores declined within one week, with reported benefits sustained at four and eight weeks. However, these rapid changes may partly reflect expectancy effects or regression to the mean. These observations provide valuable insights for further hypothesis generation, notably that the synbiotic supplement could support stress management and mental health by modulating the gut-brain axis. However, further placebo-controlled trials including measurement of relevant biomarkers are warranted to confirm these observations and explore underlying mechanisms.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread face mask usage to curb disease spread. However, an unintended effect is that masks may contribute to sleep disturbances. Since sleep and excessive sleepiness are closely connected to yawning, the typical design of face masks might restrict jaw movement, thereby altering normal yawning behavior. Moreover, masks can interfere with contagious yawning by making it harder to recognize yawns in social and community environments. Yawning influences alertness and facilitates transitions between wakefulness and sleep—particularly through thermoregulation—wearing face masks, theoretically restricts jaw movement. Factually, face masks also impede the occurrence of contagious yawning by obstructing the visual detection of yawns. While altering airflow dynamics, face masks may disrupt the counter-current heat exchange with the external environment, a process integral to yawning. Face masks can potentially introduce clinical uncertainties and subtle statistical biases in epidemiological studies and clinical trials. In this review, these theoretic and factual points are used to support the hypothetical mechanism proposed. This paper explores the possible sources and hypothetical mechanisms of such bias. The proposed hypothesis carries potential implications for ongoing clinical trials, the interpretation of retrospective and prospective data across different contexts, the reassessment of sleep disorder diagnostic criteria, standards for systematic reviews, meta-analyses comparing data from before and after COVID-19, and, crucially, the reevaluation of previous findings and comparative research. This paper provides a conceptual discussion identifying possible sources of bias, rather than a systematic or quantitative analysis.

Chronodisruption, defined as misalignment between endogenous circadian rhythms and external environmental cues, is increasingly implicated in cardiometabolic dysfunction, which elevates cardiovascular disease risk. Artificial light exposure, particularly during nighttime, disrupts the circadian clock by altering molecular pathways involving clock genes, melatonin secretion, and metabolic regulators. Animal studies have revealed that such disruptions exacerbate insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation—key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Evidence also suggests impaired autonomic regulation, endothelial dysfunction, and altered myocardial metabolism due to circadian misalignment. Artificial light also alters other indices of cardiovascular function by raising blood pressure and the atherogenic index, both of which have been shown to hamper recovery from vascular and cardiovascular diseases. Despite these advances, knowledge gaps remain, including species-specific differences, long-term effects of varying light intensities, durations, and spectra, and translational applicability to humans. This review aims to elucidate several molecular pathways responsible for this disruption, and to examine how they interfere with physiological systems using animal studies and how they translate into clinical contexts. Bridging these gaps could inform novel preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting chronodisruption-induced cardiometabolic risks.

Bioactive peptides, from dietary and environmental sources, represent a promising front line for developing pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and a new generation of antibiotics. However, their therapeutic application necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action and toxicological profile. Peptides exhibit effective mechanisms in combating bacterial infections and cancer therapy. However, findings reveal significant toxicological concerns, hemolytic activity, immunogenic reactions, and instability in the cellular environment that can lead to unpredictable metabolic byproducts. Furthermore, the dose and source of peptides are critical determinants of their safety and efficacy. Accordingly, the dual nature of bioactive peptides necessitates a balanced approach to enhance their efficacy while minimizing their potential harm. For these purposes, peptide-specific toxicological screening is essential for translating these natural compounds into safe and effective therapeutic agents. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively review the potential applications of bioactive peptides, their pharmacological mechanisms, and toxicological profiles to elucidate their efficacy and safety for use in food and medicine.