SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: β-thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make hemoglobin normally. Aim: To assess serum sclerostin in female patients with beta-thalassemia and compare with the healthy controls and to predict its complication associated with the bone pathophysiology, for designed improvement the lifestyle goodliness for these patients. Material and methods: Sixty-nine female beta-thalassemia (βT) patients (54 βT major and 15 βT Intermedia), aged 8-40 years who dependent on transfused blood, and 20 healthy controls were evaluated serum sclerostin, and was examined the relationship with hematological parameters RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, PLT, BMI, splenic status, iron, and ferritin levels. The information of beta-thalassemia patients was collected and records by the questioner. Results: A significantly increased serum sclerostin level (mean 26.80±0.91) pg/ml was showed in βT patients compared with the healthy controls (10.03±0.68, p  smaller than  0.001) pg/ml. Furthermore, a significant decrease (p smaller than 0.05) of the sclerostin level was observed in β-thalassemia major compared to intermedia β-thalassemia patients. Serum sclerostin level revealed a significant increase in progress age; it is highest in the age group (30-40) year as compared with age group (8-18) and (19-29) year respectively. Sclerostin showed no associations with the RBC, Hb, PCV, and significantly positively correlated (p smaller than 0.05) with serum iron, ferritin levels, WBC, and PLT count. Significantly higher sclerostin levels in splenectomized and underweight groups were observed compared to unsplenectomized and normal-weight groups (p smaller than 0.05) of βT patients. Conclusions: Sclerostin plays an important role in beta-thalassemia patients and can serve as a biomarker associated with the bone pathophysiology and indicator to prevent the continuation of such serious diseases caused by iron overload in these patients.

Background: The interview with Professor José de Ribamar, conducted by Luís de Boni, addresses various aspects of his career and contributions to chemistry in Brazil. The conversation includes his experiences in teaching, research, and university administration, as well as his role as President of the Federal Council of Chemistry (CFQ). Aims: The primary aim of the interview is to highlight Professor Ribamar's achievements and challenges throughout his career, and to explore his views on chemistry and its impact on scientific and educational development in Brazil. Methods: The interview was conducted in a question-and-answer format, allowing Professor Ribamar to share his experiences and insights in a detailed and personal manner. The interview was recorded, transcribed, and is available in both text and video formats. Results: Professor Ribamar detailed his academic and professional journey, including his undergraduate and graduate studies in chemistry, his contributions as a professor at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), and his initiatives as a course coordinator and department head. He also discussed the impact of his research and his vision for the future of chemistry, emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence and algorithms in predicting chemical models. Discussion: The interview provided a comprehensive overview of Professor Ribamar's contributions to chemistry in Brazil. He emphasized the importance of education and ongoing research for scientific advancement, as well as the need to adapt to new technologies. The discussion also addressed the challenges the scientific community faces and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: Professor José Ribamar has significantly promoted and developed chemistry in Brazil in academia and public administration. His career illustrates the importance of dedication to education and research, and his reflections offer valuable lessons for future generations of scientists and educators. The interview serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the scientific community.

Background: Despite innovations in orthopedic dentistry, the manufacture of removable dentures belongs to the most popular orthopedic care category. Removable dentures are combined stimuli that affect the mucous membrane and neuro-receptor apparatus. Acrylic plastic prostheses, widely used in prosthetic dentistry, have a negative side mechanical, chemical-toxic, sensitizing, and thermal insulating effect on oral tissue and prosthetic impression area. This is often complicated by a violation of the biocenosis of the oral cavity, the growth of pathogenic microflora that releases toxins, especially an increase in the number of yeast colonies that irritate the oral mucosa and prosthetic stomatitis. According to the WHO, one-fifth of the world s population suffers or has suffered various candidiasis forms at least once. The worldwide increase in the incidence of the disease is primarily related to the fact that this infection is opportunistic, more than half of the world s population is a carrier of fungi of this kind, i.e., in most cases, it is an endogenous infection, which makes candidiasis different from other opportunistic mycoses. Aims: The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of candidiasis in patients using removable dentures and to evaluate the effectiveness and prevention of candidiasis treatment. Methods: 100 patients with oral candidiasis of various age groups from 45 to 65 years were observed. Of these, 60 patients with removable plate prostheses; 40 patients with partially removable prostheses. Results and Discussion: Chronic forms of candidiasis were diagnosed in 40 patients and with exacerbation of chronic forms of candidiasis-60 people. The number of untreated carious cavities and poor hygienic condition of the oral cavity directly affects the severity of candidiasis. Acute forms of candidiasis were observed mainly in patients with high DMF and PMA indices. The severity of candidiasis depends on the degree and duration of wearing dentures and hygienic conditions - the most severe forms of invasive candidiasis were observed in the presence of removable plate prostheses, the complete absence of teeth, and the use of a prosthesis for more than 10-15 years. A combined lesion of the oral mucosa and the red border of the lips was observed mainly in patients older than 60 years. Conclusions: The presence of candidiasis in the oral cavity in patients with removable plate prostheses leads to a statistically significant change in the indicators of local immunity of the oral cavity: an increase in the concentration of serum IgG and IgA and the values of the coefficient of the balance of local immunity factors.