Immunomodulatory properties of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells

Abstract not availableJia Ng, Kim Hynes, Gregory White, Kisha Nandini Sivanathan, Kate Vandyke, Peter Mark Bartold and Stan Grontho

Studies on fusobacteria associated with periodontal diseases

The document attached has been archived with permission from the Australian Dental Association. An external link to the publisher’s copy is included.The physiological and metabolic characteristics of representative isolates of the various subspecies of Fusobacterium nucleatum were investigated by growing them in continuous culture in chemically-defined media. Behaving almost identically, these organisms were found to obtain energy from the fermentation of simple carbohydrates such as glucose or fructose or from the fermentation of certain amino acids, free or in the form of small peptides. The latter can be attacked by aminopeptidase activity which was shown to be essential for the growth of the organism in an environment lacking fermentable carbohydrate and free amino acids but replete with small peptides. This metabolic versatility may explain the presence of F nucleatum in both supra- and sub-gingival dental plaque and why it is often found together with organisms such as Porphyromonas gingivalis which display powerful endopeptidase activities. Using the technique of allozyme electrophoresis, the current subspeciation of F. nucleatum was shown to be of doubtful validity and evidence, based upon physiological and metabolic properties, for differences in pathogenicity between isolates was not detected. While this organism is a member of various bacterial consortia associated with periodontal diseases, its contribution to the disease process remains unclear.AH Roger

Tibial acceleration variability during consecutive gait cycles is influenced by the menstrual cycle

Background: The relationship between the phases of the menstrual cycle and injury risk remains unclear. Neuromuscular function may be compromised during menstruation, which could result in reduced cyclicality of movement patterns. We hypothesize that mediolateral (varus/valgus) knee acceleration during running gait will possess increased variability during menstruation when compared to ≈ ovulation in women who do not take the monophasic oral contraceptive pill (MOCP). Methods: Thirty-six women (18 MOCP users: MOCP group and 18 non-pill users: NP group) performed six-minute treadmill running trials at 10 km h- 1 with an accelerometer fixed to the proximal tibia. Trials were performed at menstruation and ≈ ovulation (for the MOCP group at a similar stage of the cycle) in a randomized order. The cyclicality of gross mediolateral tibial acceleration during 15 consecutive strides was assessed using combined wavelet and autocorrelation analysis. Longitudinal and anteroposterior accelerations were also examined. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess differences at each stage of the menstrual cycle (α = 0.05). Findings: Gross mediolateral acceleration in the NP group had significantly (P = 0.022) increased variability at the time of menstruation compared to ≈ ovulation, and was also significantly (P = 0.011) more variable than the MOCP group at the corresponding time point. No significant difference was observed for any measure in the MOCP group. Interpretation: Increased variability in the NP users at menstruation may be a result of compromised motor control strategies. This provides further evidence of variability in performance and motor control during menstruation, and may have implications for a female athlete's risk of injury. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Problem-based learning in dental education: what's the evidence for and against... and is it worth the effort?

The document attached has been archived with permission from the Australian Dental Association. An external link to the publisher’s copy is included.All Australian dental schools have introduced problem-based learning (PBL) approaches to their programmes over the past decade, although the nature of the innovations has varied from school to school. Before one can ask whether PBL is better than the conventional style of education, one needs to consider three key issues. Firstly, we need to agree on what is meant by the term PBL; secondly, we need to decide what “better” means when comparing educational approaches; and thirdly, we must look carefully at how PBL is implemented in given situations. It is argued that PBL fulfils, at least in theory, some important principles relating to the development of new knowledge. It also represents a change in focus from teachers and teaching in conventional programmes to learners and learning. Generally, students enjoy PBL programmes more than conventional programmes and feel they are more nurturing. There is also some evidence of an improvement in clinical and diagnostic reasoning ability associated with PBL curricula. The main negative points raised about PBL are the costs involved and mixed reports of insufficient grounding of students in the basic sciences. Financial restraints will probably preclude the introduction of pure or fully integrated PBL programmes in Australian dental schools. However, our research and experience, as well as other published literature, indicate that well-planned hybrid PBL programmes, with matching methods of assessment, can foster development of the types of knowledge, skills and attributes that oral health professionals will need in the future.T Winning and G Townsen

Isolation and characterisation of human gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS+ and MACS− cell populations

Recently, gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells isolated via STRO-1/magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) showed remarkable periodontal regenerative potential in vivo. As a second-stage investigation, the present study's aim was to perform in vitro characterisation and comparison of the stem/progenitor cell characteristics of sorted STRO-1-positive (MACS+) and STRO-1-negative (MACS−) cell populations from the human free gingival margin. Cells were isolated from the free gingiva using a minimally invasive technique and were magnetically sorted using anti-STRO-1 antibodies. Subsequently, the MACS+ and MACS− cell fractions were characterized by flow cytometry for expression of CD14, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146/MUC18 and STRO-1. Colony-forming unit (CFU) and multilineage differentiation potential were assayed for both cell fractions. Mineralisation marker expression was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MACS+ and MACS− cell fractions showed plastic adherence. MACS+ cells, in contrast to MACS− cells, showed all of the predefined mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics and a significantly higher number of CFUs (P<0.01). More than 95% of MACS+ cells expressed CD105, CD90 and CD73; lacked the haematopoietic markers CD45, CD34 and CD14, and expressed STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. MACS− cells showed a different surface marker expression profile, with almost no expression of CD14 or STRO-1, and more than 95% of these cells expressed CD73, CD90 and CD146/MUC18, as well as the haematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45 and CD105. MACS+ cells could be differentiated along osteoblastic, adipocytic and chondroblastic lineages. In contrast, MACS− cells demonstrated slight osteogenic potential. Unstimulated MACS+ cells showed significantly higher expression of collagen I (P<0.05) and collagen III (P<0.01), whereas MACS− cells demonstrated higher expression of osteonectin (P<0.05; Mann–Whitney). The present study is the first to compare gingival MACS+ and MACS− cell populations demonstrating that MACS+ cells, in contrast to MACS− cells, harbour stem/progenitor cell characteristics. This study also validates the effectiveness of the STRO-1/MACS+ technique for the isolation of gingival stem/progenitor cells. Human free gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS+ cells are a unique renewable source of multipotent stem/progenitor cells

Genetic aspects of dental disorders

The document attached has been archived with permission from the Australian Dental Association. An external link to the publisher’s copy is included.This paper reviews past and present applications of quantitative and molecular genetics to dental disorders. Examples are given relating to craniofacial development (including malocclusion), oral supporting tissues (including periodontal diseases) and dental hard tissues (including defects of enamel and dentine as well as dental caries). Future developments and applications to clinical dentistry are discussed. Early investigations confirmed genetic bases to dental caries, periodontal diseases and malocclusion, but research findings have had little impact on clinical practice. The complex multifactorial aetiologies of these conditions, together with methodological problems, have limited progress until recently. Present studies are clarifying previously unrecognized genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities and attempting to unravel the complex interactions between genes and environment by applying new statistical modelling approaches to twin and family data. linkage studies using highly polymorphic DNA markers are providing a means of locating candidate genes, including quantitative trait loci (QTL). In future, as knowledge increases: it should be possible to implement preventive strategies for those genetically-predisposed individuals who are identified-predisposed individuals who are identified to be at risk.Grant C. Townsend, Michael J. Aldred and P. Mark Bartol

Expression of bone matrix mRNAs by primary and cloned cultures of the regenerative phenotype of human periodontal fibroblasts

The successful regeneration of periodontal tissues is dependent, in part, on the ability of cells to reconstitute the mineralized tissues of cementum and bone. The aim of the present study was to characterize regeneration-associated cells in terms of their ability to express mineralized tissue macromolecules. Following guided tissue regeneration, cell cultures were established from regenerating tissue, periodontal ligament, and gingiva. Additionally, these cells were transfected, and single-cell-derived clones were established. Following treatment with platelet-derived growth factor-BB and insulin-derived growth factor-1, the presence of mRNA for alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, and bone morphogenetic proteins-2 and -4 was assessed. The three cell types expressed similar mRNA levels for alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein-2, and bone morphogenetic protein-4, whereas the expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein was greater in the periodontal ligament and regenerating tissue fibroblasts compared with the gingival fibroblasts. The two growth factors did not affect the expression of any of the genes. This study has identified markers that correlate with the known ability of periodontal ligament and regenerating tissue-derived fibroblasts to facilitate regeneration of the mineralized tissues of the periodontium

Physical Activity vs. Pharmacotherapy in PCOS Treatment: A relief of Clinical Evidence on Exercise and Metformine Efficacy

Introduction&nbsp; Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and ovulatory dysfunction. It presents with a wide range of symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disturbances, often leading to infertility and increased long-term cardiometabolic risk. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments, particularly physical activity and metformin, remain central to PCOS management. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the comparative and complementary roles of exercise and metformin in addressing the metabolic and reproductive manifestations of PCOS. Aim of the study To Company the clinical efficacy of physical activity (exercise) and pharmacotherapy (metformin) in managing the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Materials and Methods A review of the literature collected in the PubMed database was performed to gather information found under the key words: „Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)”, „physical activity”, „exercise”, „metformin”, „metabolic syndrome”, „fertility” and „pharmacotherapy”. Summary Managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) effectively involves both exercise and medication. Regular aerobic activity improves insulin sensitivity and reproductive health, while metformin addresses insulin resistance and metabolic issues. A combined approach of lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy offers the best outcomes for women with PCOS

The Systematic Review: The impact of minimally invasive techniques on the outcomes of inguinal hernia repair

Background This review examines the impact of minimally invasive techniques—laparoscopic (TEP, TAPP) and robotic—on inguinal hernia repair outcomes. Based on literature from 2020–2025, it shows that when performed by experienced surgeons, these methods offer faster recovery, less pain, and recurrence rates comparable to open surgery. Robotic repair is particularly promising for complex cases, though it involves higher costs and longer operative times. The review emphasizes the importance of tailoring surgical choices to the surgeon’s expertise, patient profile, and healthcare resources. &nbsp; Aim of the Study The study aims to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive techniques on the outcomes of inguinal hernia repair. &nbsp; Materials and methods This systematic review focuses on laparoscopic and robotic repairs compared to open surgery. Outcomes analyzed include operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, recurrence, complications, and patient quality of life. Studies published between 2018 and 2025 were sourced from PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Included studies span randomized trials, cohort studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. Methodological quality was critically assessed. &nbsp; Results &nbsp; Minimally invasive techniques—especially robotic and laparoscopic repairs—were associated with faster recovery, lower postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays than open repair. Although robotic surgery had longer operative times, this improved with experience. Recurrence rates were similar across techniques, while robotic repairs showed fewer complications. &nbsp; Conclusions Minimally invasive approaches improve patient outcomes in inguinal hernia repair. Laparoscopic and robotic methods reduce pain and hospital stay. Robotic surgery is beneficial for complex cases but requires more resources and training. Surgical approach should be tailored to the patient and institutional capability