Results In general, tuning estimates were sharper at 4 kHz compared to 1 kHz for both PTCs and SFOAEs. HG106 Statistical analyses revealed a significant correlation between SFOAE delay-based tuning and PTCs at 4 kHz, but not 1 kHz. Lastly, SFOAE delay-based tuning estimates showed better intra- and intersession repeatability compared to PTCs. Conclusions SFOAE phase-gradient delays reflect aspects of cochlear mechanical tuning, in that a frequency dependence similar to that of basilar membrane tuning was observed. Furthermore, the significant correlation with PTCs at 4 kHz and the high repeatability of SFOAE-based tuning measures offer promise of an objective, nonbehavioral assay of tuning in human ears.More than 100 trillion symbiotic microorganisms constitutively colonize throughout the human body, including the oral cavity, the skin, and the gastrointestinal tract. The oral cavity harbors one of the most diverse and abundant microbial communities within the human body, second to the community that resides in the gastrointestinal tract, and is composed of >770 bacterial species. Advances in sequencing technologies help define the precise microbial landscape in our bodies. Environmental and functional differences render the composition of resident microbiota largely distinct between the mouth and the gut and lead to the development of unique microbial ecosystems in the 2 mucosal sites. However, it is apparent that there may be a microbial connection between these 2 mucosal sites in the context of disease pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that resident oral bacteria can translocate to the gastrointestinal tract through hematogenous and enteral routes. The dissemination of oral microbes to the gut may exacerbate various gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. However, the precise role that oral microbes play in the extraoral organs, including the gut, remains elusive. Here, we review the recent findings on the dissemination of oral bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract and their possible contribution to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases. Although little is known about the mechanisms of ectopic colonization of the gut by oral bacteria, we also discuss the potential factors that allow the oral bacteria to colonize the gut.Interdental cleaning is routinely recommended, despite limited evidence supporting efficacy to prevent advanced oral disease endpoints, such as caries and periodontal disease. We aimed to examine associations between interdental cleaning and oral health in a large, generalizable prospective cohort of adults in the United States. Data were drawn from wave 3 (2015 to 2016, n = 26,086 included in analysis) and wave 4 (2016 to 2018, n = 22,585) of the adult component (age ≥18 y) of the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Survey-weighted multivariable regression models estimated the associations between wave 3 weekly interdental cleaning frequency and 6 measures of self-reported oral health-overall rating, tooth extractions, gum bleeding, loose teeth, bone loss around teeth, and gum disease-cross-sectionally and prospectively, with adjustment for established periodontal disease risk factors. As compared with no interdental cleaning, interdental cleaning ≥7 times/wk was prospectively associated with greater odds of excellent self-rated oral health (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.62), lower odds of bleeding gums (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.70), but not statistically significantly lower odds of other oral health conditions in the following 12 mo. Older age, lower socioeconomic status, diabetes, and cigarette smoking were consistently associated with worse oral health across all outcome measures. Findings were largely robust to alternative model and variable specifications. Interdental cleaning is associated with better perceived oral health and less self-reported gingivitis. Prevention of more advanced disease states was not demonstrated. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the self-reported nature of the measures and relatively short follow-up period.Nearly all extracellular proteins undergo posttranslational modification with sugar chains during their transit through the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. These "sweet" modifications not only influence the activity of its carrier protein, but they themselves often have bioactivity, independent of the carrier function. Lactoferrin belongs to the group of glycoproteins and is modified with several different N-glycans. This review summarizes several studies dealing with the diverse glycosylation patterns of lactoferrin from different origins and the potential impact of these posttranslational modifications on the functionality of lactoferrin. A special emphasis is placed on the differences between human and bovine lactoferrin, since the latter form is often selected for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in humans. For this reason, the potential impact of the bovine-specific glycosylation patterns on the observed heterogeneous effects of lactoferrin in humans is discussed within this review.Objectives To identify a dose as low as diagnostically acceptable and a threshold level of image quality for cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging root canals, using maxillary first molar (M1M) second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals of varying complexity for two CBCT scanners. Methods Dose-area product (DAP) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured for two scanners at a range of exposure parameters. Subjective-image-quality assessment at the same exposures was performed for three M1Ms of varying MB2 complexity, positioned in an anthropomorphic phantom. Nine raters (three endodontists, three dental radiologists and three junior staff) assessed canal visibility, using a 5-point confidence scale rating. Results Identification of simple-moderate MB2 canal complexity was achieved at a range of protocols, with DAP values of ≥209.3 and ≥203.2 mGy cm² and CNRs of 3 and 7.6 for Promax®3D and Accuitomo-F170® respectively. For complex canal anatomy, target subjective image quality was not achieved, even at the highest DAP values for both scanners.