ALLAN JOSEPH MIRA, M.D.

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This study looked at the bacteria present in the plaque from the carotid arteries of patients to see if they are related to the development of atherosclerosis, which can cause serious health issues like strokes. Researchers analyzed samples from 57 patients and found that while there were some types of bacteria present, those with symptoms and those without did not show significant differences in bacterial composition. They discovered that the most common bacteria in the plaque were Staphylococcus and in the blood serum were various types of Streptococcus. Who this helps: This research provides insights for doctors and researchers studying atherosclerosis and its potential links to bacterial infections.

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This study looked at the age when certain dog teeth, specifically canines, maxillary fourth premolars, and mandibular first molars, finish developing at their roots, which is important for dental surgery. Researchers examined 788 teeth from 149 dogs and found that by 10 months old, half of the teeth had closed roots, and by 17 months, 95% were closed. It was discovered that molar teeth close faster than canine teeth, with a notable difference in closure times based on the dog's weight. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners plan dental treatments for young dogs effectively.

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This study looked at the bacteria found in mouth rinses from 3,770 American adults to see how they relate to different oral health issues, especially periodontitis, which is a severe gum disease. The researchers found that certain bacteria, like Veillonella and Lactobacillus, increased with the severity of periodontitis, and they developed a model that identified severe periodontitis with an accuracy of about 81-83%. This is important because it suggests that testing mouth rinses could be an easy way to monitor oral health and identify gum disease in patients. Who this helps: This helps patients by providing a simple way to check for gum disease and improve oral health monitoring.

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This study looked at how a specific bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how it affects the saliva of patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy individuals. They found that MCI and AD patients had more of this bacteria in their saliva, along with decreased levels of a protective protein called lactoferrin, suggesting a connection between oral health and brain health. Specifically, levels of inflammatory markers were higher in these patients, indicating that inflammation might play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Alzheimer's and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of oral health in managing the disease.

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This study focused on improving how we simplify complex data sets by identifying the best way to reduce their dimensions. The researchers developed a new method that optimally selects the size of local neighborhoods in the data, which is crucial for preserving important features. Their experiments showed this method significantly enhances popular data projection techniques, leading to better accuracy and clearer visual representations of the data. Who this helps: This benefits data scientists and researchers dealing with complex data analyses.

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This study focused on a type of beneficial bacteria called a probiotic found in the mouth. Researchers discovered that this strain, named 7746, has 14 different substances called bacteriocins that help fight harmful bacteria. This is significant because it's the largest number of these protective substances found in one bacterial strain so far, which could enhance our understanding of oral health and the development of new treatments. Who this helps: Patients, particularly those seeking improved oral health.

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This study looked at the bacteria present in the mouths of children and adults during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain to see how it was affected by age, living with others, and whether they had COVID-19. Researchers found that 14% of adults with COVID-19 had severe symptoms, and adults had less diverse mouth bacteria if they were more severely affected, while children’s mouth bacteria did not change regardless of COVID-19. Understanding these differences helps us see how the pandemic impacted people's health beyond just the virus itself. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers studying the effects of COVID-19 on overall health.

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This study focused on new tiny motors called Janus platinum-mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can help treat tough oral infections, particularly those related to root canals. Researchers found that these nanomotors, which release a disinfectant called chlorhexidine (CHX) in controlled amounts, were highly effective against biofilms (clusters of bacteria) even at ten times lower doses than typical treatments, significantly disrupting harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. This matters because it shows a potential way to improve dental treatments, especially for infections that are hard to eliminate with standard methods. Who this helps: This helps patients with dental infections and dentists looking for better treatment options.

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This research studied a protein called dermcidin, which appears to fight off the influenza virus and other respiratory viruses. The researchers found that dermcidin is more abundant in people who do not show symptoms of the flu, indicating it may help prevent illness. Mice treated with dermcidin were protected from severe effects of the flu, suggesting it could be used in treatment or prevention of respiratory infections. Who this helps: This helps patients by offering potential new options for preventing and treating flu and other viral infections.

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This study looked at how different antimicrobial treatments affect the bacteria in the mouths of people with gum disease (periodontitis). Researchers found that using low doses of amoxicillin and chlorhexidine reduced the growth of harmful bacteria but also hurt the metabolism of beneficial nitrates, while metronidazole did not have this negative effect. Importantly, combining metronidazole with nitrates seemed to promote healthier bacteria compared to using metronidazole alone. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gum disease looking for better treatment options.

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This study looked at how well beetroot juice, which can lower blood pressure, works in people with gum disease (periodontitis). It found that in 15 patients with periodontitis, their blood pressure didn't drop after drinking beetroot juice, but after they received treatment for their gum disease, their ability to lower blood pressure improved significantly—showing a drop in systolic blood pressure by about 8.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by about 5 mmHg. This matters because it suggests that gum health is important for getting the full benefits of certain foods on overall health, specifically blood pressure. Who this helps: Patients with gum disease and their doctors.

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This study focused on how a specific change in a gene called KRAS, which is often linked to cancer, can be affected by a process known as oxidation at a particular spot called cysteine 118. Researchers found that by mimicking this oxidation, they could effectively inhibit the cancer-causing KRAS in laboratory tests and in living organisms. This finding reveals a new way to target mutant KRAS, which could lead to new treatments for cancer. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients with KRAS mutations.

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This study looked at how certain genes help bacteria form biofilms, which are slimy layers of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Researchers found that a specific group of genes, called mutanofactins, is important for this biofilm development, with 1,095 genes showing different levels of activity between free-floating (planktonic) and biofilm cells. Understanding these gene expressions can help in developing new treatments to prevent and manage dental cavities. Who this helps: This helps dentists and patients by providing insights into better ways to combat tooth decay.

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This study looked at how 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affected the bacteria living on the tongues of 11 previously inactive men and their levels of nitrate and nitrite in saliva, blood, and muscle. The researchers found that HIIT increased the number of certain nitrite-producing bacteria and raised nitrate levels in the blood, while nitrite levels in saliva went up. These changes suggest that becoming more active can improve oral health and potentially overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health through exercise.

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This study looked at a way to reduce diarrhea in newborn calves caused by a harmful parasite. Researchers found that calves treated with specific antibodies (p23-specific IgY) had diarrhea for an average of 3.5 days compared to 7.5 days for untreated calves, and they also shed fewer parasite eggs. This is important because controlling diarrhea can improve the health of calves and reduce economic losses for farmers. Who this helps: Farmers caring for newborn calves.

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This study examined how COVID-19 affected deaths from other causes in Italy from January 2015 to December 2020. Researchers found that the pandemic led to significant changes in mortality patterns, although specific numbers detailing those changes weren't provided. Understanding these shifts is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation during and after health crises. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers.

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This study looked at how connected or disconnected land areas affect the risk of amphibians being killed by cars. Researchers found that areas with good connections, like forests and agricultural land with water bodies, had more roadkill incidents for two specific species: the Iberian spadefoot toad and the Iberian ribbed newt. For both species, areas with high connectivity were linked to higher roadkill rates, showing that creating better habitats could help reduce this risk. Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife conservationists and road planning agencies focused on protecting amphibian populations.

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This study looked at how a plant extract can help fight against a waterborne parasite called *Toxoplasma gondii* and a harmful bacteria known for causing skin infections. The researchers found that the extract reduced the parasite in infected mice, improving liver health and lowering infections, while also significantly inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. This is important because it shows that this natural extract could be a useful treatment option against these infections. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from parasitic and bacterial infections.

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This study looked at coixol, a natural compound, to see if it can protect nerve cells from damage. The researchers found that coixol effectively inhibited an enzyme related to neurodegenerative diseases and protected nerve cells in lab tests. It also disrupted harmful protein structures linked to these diseases, indicating that coixol could be a valuable tool for developing new treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

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This study looked at how nurses help women recover after a mastectomy due to breast cancer. It found that tailored emotional and functional support from rehabilitation nurses can greatly enhance women's quality of life, independence, and overall well-being, while also preventing future health issues. Specifically, interventions focus on personalized care plans and self-care training, which significantly improve outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Women who have undergone a mastectomy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how two types of helpful bacteria found in healthy children's noses can stop the growth of a harmful bacteria called pneumococcus, which causes serious infections. Researchers tested samples from 28 different strains of pneumococcus and found that the presence of the two helpful bacteria significantly reduced pneumococcal growth by about 76% when tested individually, and even more—about 97%—when used together. This is important because it suggests that promoting these beneficial bacteria could help protect against invasive pneumococcal disease, a major health issue. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly children at risk of pneumococcal infections.

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This study explored how artificial intelligence can analyze social media posts to predict depression levels using a standard questionnaire called the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The researchers developed a tool named EnsemBERT, which showed it can accurately predict scores related to depression based on social media content, providing precise results for individual questions and total scores. This is important because it could make assessing mental health faster and easier, reducing the burden on both patients and healthcare providers. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by offering a quicker method to evaluate mental health.

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This study looked at new ways to identify bacteria associated with colorectal cancer by comparing two sequencing methods: a traditional approach that focuses on short sections of a gene and a newer method that examines the entire gene. Researchers analyzed stool samples from 123 people and found that the new method could discover more specific bacteria related to colorectal cancer, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis, achieving a high accuracy score of 0.87 when predicting cancer risk. This is important because it can lead to better early detection and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at how tolerant dental students at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia are towards their patients. Out of 254 students, 193 completed a questionnaire, revealing that interns were generally more tolerant than those in their final year. The research found that students with a GPA of 'B' and those who were married or living with family also showed higher tolerance levels. Understanding these tolerance levels is important because it can improve patient care and communication. Who this helps: This helps dental students and educators by highlighting areas to focus on for better patient interactions.

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This study looked at transforming a natural compound called (-)-α-bisabolol using different fungi to create new substances that might help protect brain cells. Researchers identified five new substances, with one, called metabolite 5, significantly inhibiting an inflammatory enzyme (COX-2) at a concentration of about 2.5 micromolar. Metabolite 2 showed promise in preventing cell damage caused by toxins and inhibited another enzyme related to neurodegenerative diseases, indicating its potential as a treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s. Who this helps: This research could benefit patients with neurodegenerative diseases and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how adding special nanoparticles made of magnesium oxide to dental materials could help stop bacteria from causing problems with tooth fillings. Researchers tested different amounts of these nanoparticles in three types of dental composites and found that all of them showed effective antibacterial action, with higher concentrations leading to better results. This is important because it could lead to fillings that not only last longer but also help prevent future tooth decay caused by bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits patients who receive dental fillings.

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This study looked at how two types of bacteria, Streptococcus dentisani and Streptococcus mutans, stick to and grow on different dental surfaces, like tooth enamel and common dental materials. It found that S. mutans clung to and multiplied on these surfaces much better than S. dentisani, which showed signs of being more easily killed off by materials like porcelain and lithium disilicate—where no live S. dentisani cells were seen after 24 hours. Understanding these differences could help improve dental treatments and materials that promote better oral health. Who this helps: Patients at risk for dental issues.

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This study examined a specific communication system in a group of bacteria called Bacteroidota, which is important for how these bacteria produce various substances. Researchers discovered that these bacteria use a signaling pathway called the N-acyl-cyclolysine (ACL) system to control the production of different molecules based on their population density. They found that this system is widespread in both the human gut and oral microbiomes, which means it plays a significant role in how these bacteria interact with their environments and hosts. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers studying gut bacteria and their effects on human health.

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Researchers studied two new compounds from the Red Sea that show promising antibacterial properties, along with five known compounds. They found that one new compound was effective against various types of bacteria, even those resistant to common antibiotics, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 0.07 micromolar, meaning it can stop bacteria from growing at very low doses. This discovery is significant because it could lead to new treatments for infections that are hard to treat due to antibiotic resistance. Who this helps: This helps patients with antibiotic-resistant infections.

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This study looked at the differences in the mouth bacteria of highly trained athletes compared to inactive people. The researchers found that athletes had a more diverse oral microbiome and higher levels of certain bacteria linked to nitric oxide production, as well as higher salivary nitric oxide levels (with values of 0.003 and 0.03 respectively). This matters because it suggests that regular exercise may promote a healthier oral microbiome, which is important for overall health. Who this helps: This helps athletes and individuals looking to improve their oral and overall health through exercise.

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This study looked at how magnesium oxide nanoparticles and royal jelly can protect the salivary glands in male rats that have diabetes. After 8 weeks, the rats that received either treatment showed significant improvements in their diabetes-related symptoms, and those treated with both substances together had even better results. This research is important because it shows a potential new way to prevent damage to salivary glands in diabetic patients. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes.

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This study focused on creating a new device that turns intermittent glucose monitors, which measure blood sugar levels at specific times, into continuous monitors that provide real-time updates. The new device successfully shared glucose data with a smartphone every five minutes and was assessed in a trial with 37 people who have type 1 diabetes, showing it was 9% less accurate than standard methods but was consistently reliable with a 96% successful data transmission rate. This is important because it could make diabetes management easier and more effective by improving how people receive real-time glucose information, potentially enhancing insulin delivery systems. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new way to deliver cancer drugs directly to patients with glioblastoma after surgery using special nanofibers made from a material called PMVEMA. The researchers found that these nanofibers could efficiently hold and release drugs like carmustine, temozolomide, and doxorubicin, with over 80% successfully encapsulated. This delivery method showed better effectiveness in killing cancer cells compared to the drugs alone, which could lead to improved treatments for patients with this aggressive brain cancer. Who this helps: Patients with glioblastoma.

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This study looked at how rifaximin, an antibiotic that affects the gut, influences brain function and the gut bacteria in rats with chronic liver damage. After eight weeks of treatment, the researchers found that rifaximin changed the types of bacteria in the rats' guts, improving their cognitive abilities and affecting brain signals. Specifically, it boosted certain beneficial bacterial groups while reducing harmful interactions, showing a clear link between a healthy gut microbiome and better brain function. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at the levels of lactoferrin (a protein related to immune response) and stress hormones (cortisol and DHEA) in patients with gum disease (periodontitis) compared to those without. Researchers found that patients with periodontitis had higher levels of lactoferrin, cortisol, and DHEA, and these levels were linked to the severity of their gum disease. This is important because it shows how immune and stress responses might contribute to both gum disease and possibly other health issues, like Alzheimer's disease. Who this helps: Patients with periodontitis and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at how loneliness affects the healthcare use of older people living in a rural area of Portugal. Among 318 participants with an average age of 75.5, nearly 15% reported being severely lonely, which was linked to higher healthcare visits—people experiencing severe loneliness made 6.8 times more visits to primary care and 5.8 times more visits to emergency departments compared to those who were not as lonely. Understanding the connection between loneliness and healthcare needs is important because it highlights the need for programs that address loneliness to potentially reduce healthcare usage and improve overall health. Who this helps: This helps older adults and healthcare providers by emphasizing the importance of tackling loneliness in clinical settings.

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This study looked at how dietary nitrates from vegetables can improve oral health by producing nitric oxide (NO), which helps kill harmful bacteria and control inflammation in the gums. The research found that while nitrates can be beneficial in reducing gum inflammation, low levels of NO and high levels of harmful substances during gum disease can lead to a buildup of nitrates and nitrites in the mouth. This matters because it highlights that eating nitrate-rich foods could help maintain healthier gums and prevent the worsening of gum disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with gum disease and their dentists.

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Researchers studied how different types of ponds affect bat populations in a Mediterranean region. They found that bats were much more active in artificial permanent ponds, recording 3,802 bat passes compared to just 984 in temporary ponds, and more bat species were present in the permanent ponds. This matters because maintaining these permanent ponds can help protect bat populations and biodiversity in a region facing decreasing water availability. Who this helps: This helps bats and conservationists working to protect wildlife.

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This study explored how the meaning of questions in psychological surveys can affect the results. The researchers found that the way questions are worded can strongly influence how answers are related: in 95% of cases for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and 82% for the Big 5 Personality tests, the most similar questions also showed the strongest correlations. This is important because it suggests that the design of questionnaires can be improved to give better insights into mental health. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians who rely on psychological assessments.

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This study looked at the types of fungi present in the intestines of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, by analyzing tissue samples from surgeries. Researchers found that patients with Crohn's disease had significant changes in their fungal communities, particularly an increase in a fungus called Malassezia globosa and a decrease in another called Yarrowia lipolytica. Understanding these fungal patterns is important because it could help doctors develop better treatments for IBD and its complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study examined how proteins from bacteria in the mouth relate to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Researchers found specific oral proteins in brain fluid from deceased patients, showing that these proteins change as the disease progresses. This is important because it suggests that oral bacteria might influence brain health and could serve as markers to help diagnose or treat these forms of dementia. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how adding nitrate from spinach to a sugar rinse affects the acidity in people's saliva. Researchers found that when participants rinsed with a mix of spinach and sugar, the saliva's acidity (measured as pH) was less severe (pH of 6.83) compared to rinsing with sugar alone (pH of 6.56). This is important because reducing saliva acidity may help lower the risk of tooth decay caused by sugar. Who this helps: Patients concerned about dental health, especially those with high sugar diets.

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This study introduced a new way to analyze social networks by looking at how individuals participate in events over time. The researchers found that certain patterns, like cooperation among individuals, can be identified and measured by comparing how often people get involved in events. For example, they used mathematical models to show that how individual behaviors change over time can be captured, which is important for understanding social interactions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying social behaviors and interactions.

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This study looked at the differences in mouth bacteria and their ability to withstand acid in children with severe tooth decay (caries) and those with no cavities. It found that the plaque from children with severe caries had a higher acid tolerance score of 4.1 compared to 2.6 for the caries-free group, and they showed different patterns in how they processed sugar, which suggests a stronger link to tooth decay risk. Understanding these differences helps identify children at greater risk for cavities, potentially guiding prevention and treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients and their parents.

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This study looked at predicting three serious heart and brain conditions: out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, heart attacks, and strokes, using data from Canton Ticino, Switzerland between 2005 and 2022. Researchers found that their advanced prediction models, specifically INLA and MLMM, correctly forecasted the occurrence of these events at a local level with high accuracy—getting it right to within one event in over 80% of municipalities. This is important because being able to predict these cases helps healthcare providers respond faster, potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving emergency medical response times.

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This study looked at smartphone games designed to improve mental health. Researchers reviewed 40 different games and found that most can be used independently by patients, using various psychological strategies to help with different mental health issues. This matters because these games make mental health support more accessible, engaging, and convenient, offering patients fun ways to manage their symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking mental health support and doctors looking for new treatment options.

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This study examined how the gut bacteria differ between men and women and how those differences relate to arterial stiffness, a risk factor for heart disease. Researchers analyzed 180 people aged 45 to 74 and found that women had a more diverse range of gut bacteria than men, which may help protect against arterial stiffness. Specifically, certain beneficial bacteria were more common in women, while in men some bacteria were linked to greater arterial stiffness. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially women at risk for heart disease, and healthcare providers looking for tailored treatment options.

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This research studied how different animal species, including cattle and wildlife, interact with each other in areas where animal tuberculosis is common. The researchers found that wildlife-cattle interactions were more frequent than interactions among wildlife species, especially during the wet season, with wild boar, red deer, and red fox being the most involved. The presence of natural food and water resources significantly affected these interactions seasonally, which is important for understanding how tuberculosis spreads among animals. Who this helps: This research helps veterinarians and wildlife managers improve strategies to control and prevent the spread of tuberculosis in animal communities.