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Saliva as a Diagnostic Biopsy Fluid: A Review

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Saliva as a Diagnostic Biopsy Fluid: A Review Authors: Alarcón Sánchez, Mario Alberto; Lomelí Martínez, Sarah Monserrat; Mudasser, Muhammad Adeel; Escoto Vasquez, Lilibeth Stephania; Becerra Ruiz, Julieta Sarai; Rivera Solano, Rolando; Khurshid, Zohaib; Heboyan , Artak Abstract: Saliva is a biofluid secreted mainly by the major and minor salivary glands, which contains a wide variety of biomolecules with diagnostic value. Its molecular abundance, noninvasive collection, molecular richness, and link to systemic conditions have established it as an attractive tool compared with blood or tissue biopsies. The present narrative review aims to integrate up-to-date knowledge about the biology of the salivary glands, the mechanisms of secretion, and the molecular constitution of this biofluid; at the same time, it analyzes its role in oral and systemic health. It highlights advances in salivaomics and its diagnostic role in oral, systemic, metabolic, oncological, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of prosthetic biomaterials on both salivary composition and the expression of inflammatory markers. Finally, it recognizes the challenges related to biological variability, the need for standardization and validation of biomarkers, highlighting the potential of integrating multi-omic platforms and artificial intelligence to promote a promising path for diagnostic precision in dentistry and medicine. Description: Artículo

Knowledge and Awareness of Medical and Dental Students About Oral Cancer Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Knowledge and Awareness of Medical and Dental Students About Oral Cancer Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Authors: Escoto Vasquez, Lilibeth Stephania; Alarcón Sánchez, Mario Alberto; Rodríguez Montaño, Ruth; Becerra Ruiz, Julieta Sarai; Lomelí Martínez, Sarah Monserrat; Heboyan, Artak Abstract: Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of oral cancer risk factors among medical and dental students. Methods This study followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in INPLASY (ID: 2024110035). Four databases were consulted (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science) from February 20th, 2005, to May 10th, 2024. The study selection and data extraction process was performed independently by 2 investigators. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI tool, which can be found at: https://jbi.global/critical-appraisal-tools. A third investigator was consulted in case of disagreement. Meta-analysis results were systematically illustrated in a forest plot and expressed as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. The I2 statistic assessed heterogeneity between studies. Funnel plot and Egger regression analysis were used for bias analysis. A P value <.05 was considered significant. All statistical analyses were performed using the STATA V.15 software. Results After the selection process, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising a total of 14,425 participants, 22% medical students and 78% dental students, primarily female (53%). The meta-analysis showed that 98% of students demonstrated relatively good knowledge about oral cancer risk factors. The most recognized risk factor was smoking (99%), followed by advanced age (68%), UV-rays exposure (64%), and alcoholism (57%). Knowledge of several other factors was comparatively lower, with less than 50% of students recognizing them. The studies indicated significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.8%) and publication bias (P < .001). Conclusions These findings suggest that while medical and dental students have a strong understanding of key risk factors for oral cancer, there are gaps in knowledge regarding other important factors. Addressing these gaps through enhanced education and training is essential to improving early detection and prevention efforts. Description: Artículo

Effects of an n-back task on indicators of perceived cognitive fatigue and fatigability in healthy adults

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Effects of an n-back task on indicators of perceived cognitive fatigue and fatigability in healthy adults Authors: Argüero Fonseca, Aimée; Martínez Soto, Joel; Barrios Payán, Fernando A.; Villaseñor Cabrera, Teresita de Jesús; Reyes Huerta, Hugo E.; González Santos, Leopoldo; Aguirre Ojeda, Diana P.; Pérez Pimienta, Diana; Reynoso González, Oscar U; Marchioro, Davide M. Abstract: Fatigue is a multidimensional concept with diverse physical and mental determinants. The aims of the present study are: to know the efficacy of a high attentional demand test to induce acute cognitive fatigue (ACF) and to document its effects on perceived cognitive fatigue (PCF - subjective symptoms) and fatigability (F- resting heart rate and eye blinks). A quasi-experimental repeated measures design with two non-equivalent groups was used (experimental G1, n= 16, age M = 33.50 years, SD = 6.94; control G2 n= 13; age M = 38.77, SD = 5.90). Participants were exposed to a cognitive deficit induction test (n-back test, G1) or exposure to a content-neutral video (SML, G2). ACF indices were assessed using a reverse digit retention test. The findings suggest a decline in cognitive performance post-experimental manipulation comparable to the neutral group, evidenced by a lower number of hits and longer response time for a digit retention test, suggesting the effectiveness of the n-back test as a method to induce acute cognitive fatigue. The post-performance effects of the n-back task were associated with statistically significant changes in all PCF assessments. These changes turned out to be non-significant for physiological aspects of fatigability. Implications for the operational feasibility of employing PCF measurements in the short-term assessment of acute mental fatigue are discussed. Description: Artículo

Serum levels of chemokines in adolescents with major depression treated with fluoxetine

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Serum levels of chemokines in adolescents with major depression treated with fluoxetine Authors: De la Peña, Francisco Javier; Cruz Fuentes, Carlos; Palacios, Lino; Girón Pérez, Manuel Iván; Medina Rivero, Emilio; Ponce Regalado, María Dolores; Álvarez Herrera, Samantha; Pérez Sánchez, Gilberto; Becerril Villanueva, Luis Enrique; Maldonado García, José Luis; Pavón, Lenin; Jiménez Martínez, María C Abstract: BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global health issue that affects 350 million people of all ages. Although between 2% and 5.6% of affected individuals are adolescents, research on young patients is limited. The inflammatory response contributes to the onset of depression, and in adult MDD patients, symptom severity has been linked to chemokine levels. AIM To determine the differences in circulatory levels of chemokines in healthy volunteers (HVs) and adolescents with MDD, and assess the changes induced by fluoxetine consume. METHODS The 22 adolescents with MDD were monitored during the first 8 wk of clinical follow-up and clinical psychiatric evaluation was done using the Hamilton depresión rating scale (HDRS). The serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, interleukin (IL)-8, interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10, and eotaxin were measured in patients and HVs. RESULTS In all cases, significant differences were detected in circulating chemokine levels between patients before treatment and HVs (P < 0.0001). All chemokines decreased at 4 wk, but only MCP-1 and IL-8 significantly differed (P < 0.05) between 0 wk and 4 wk. In the patients, all chemokines rose to their initial concentrations by 8 wk vs 0 wk, but only IP-10 did so significantly (P < 0.05). All patients experienced a significant decrease in HDRS scores at 4 wk (P < 0.0001) and 8 wk (P < 0.0001) compared with 0 wk. CONCLUSION Despite the consumption of fluoxetine, patients had significantly higher chemokine levels, even after considering the improvement in HDRS score. The high levels of eotaxin, IP-10, and IL-8 partially explain certain aspects that are affected in MDD such as cognition, memory, and learning.