This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.

Purpose: This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting. Methods: The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development. Results: Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management. Conclusion The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.

This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.

This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.

Purpose: This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting. Methods: The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development. Results: Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management. Conclusion The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.

Purpose: This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting. Methods: The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development. Results: Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management. Conclusion The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.

This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.

Purpose: This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting. Methods: The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development. Results: Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management. Conclusion The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.

This review examines the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and systemic health conditions, offering an integrated perspective based on current evidence. It synthesizes epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications to support collaborative care strategies recognizing oral health as a key component of overall wellness. Periodontitis affects 7.4% to 11.2% of adults worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age. Beyond its local effects, including gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and alveolar bone loss, periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions. Emerging evidence has established links with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, certain malignancies, neurodegenerative diseases, psychological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. These associations are mediated by 3 primary mechanisms: dysbiotic oral biofilms, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and the dissemination of periodontal pathogens throughout the body. The pathophysiology involves elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein), impaired immune function, oxidative stress, and molecular mimicry. Periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, are crucial in initiating and sustaining systemic inflammatory responses. Treatment of periodontitis has demonstrated measurable improvements in numerous systemic conditions, emphasizing the clinical significance of these interconnections. Periodontitis should be understood as more than just a localized oral disease; it significantly contributes to the overall systemic inflammatory burden, with implications for general health. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment is vital for optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should acknowledge oral health as an essential element of systemic well-being.

Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis diffusa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the whole herb of H. diffusa and has been widely utilized in folk medicine. It possesses anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the frequently used herbs in TCM clinical practice. However, Shuixiancao(H. corymbosa) and Xianhuaercao(H. tenelliflora), species of the same genus, are often used as substitutes for Baihuasheshecao. To substantiate the medicinal basis of Baihuasheshecao, this study systematically reviewed classical herbal texts and modern literature, examining its nomenclature, botanical origin, harvesting, processing, properties, meridian tropism, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. The results indicate that Baihuasheshecao was initially recorded as "Shuixiancao" in Preface to the Indexes to the Great Chinese Botany(Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao). Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat description, it was identified as H. diffusa in the Rubiaceae family. Subsequent records predominantly refer to it as Baihuasheshecao as its official name. In most regions, Baihuasheshecao is recognized as the authentic medicinal material, distinct from Shuixiancao and Xianhuaercao. Baihuasheshecao is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and the dried whole plant, including its roots, is used medicinally. The standard processing method involves cutting. It is known for its effects in clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting diuresis to resolve abscesses. Initially, it was mainly used for treating appendicitis, intestinal abscesses, and venomous snake bites, and later, it became a treatment for cancer. The excavation of its clinical value followed a process in which overseas Chinese introduced the herb from Chinese folk medicine to other countries. After its unique anti-cancer effects were recognized abroad, it was reintroduced to China and gradually became a crucial TCM for cancer treatment. The findings of this study help clarify the historical and contemporary uses of Baihuasheshecao, providing literature support and a scientific basis for its rational development and precise clinical application.
Humans ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Hedyotis/classification* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*