Application of green synthesized silver nanoparticles in Burn therapy: a review.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), owing to their unusual characteristics, have been used in various pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and healthcare products. AgNPs, with their exceptional biological potential, exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound healing properties and have been extensively used in burn therapy. Several studies have established the use of silver nanoparticles in the treatment of burn injuries, resulting in reduced inflammation, quick tissue regeneration, and the remarkable creation of collagen fibers. Conventional physical and chemical techniques have synthesized AgNPs, but they appear to be highly costly and hazardous. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the synthesis of AgNPs using the green chemistry approach because of its tremendous benefits, including being non-toxic, low energy consumption, pollution-free, economical, environmentally friendly, and more sustainable. This review emphasizes the green synthesis of AgNPs using bacteria, fungi, plants, and other microorganisms and the current research related to the application of green synthesized AgNPs in burn therapy, including the biological aspects of AgNPs, their mode of action, and any possible detrimental effects.

First Dark Matter Search Results from the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment.

The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment is a dark matter detector centered on a dual-phase xenon time projection chamber operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, USA. This Letter reports results from LUX-ZEPLIN's first search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with an exposure of 60 live days using a fiducial mass of 5.5 t. A profile-likelihood ratio analysis shows the data to be consistent with a background-only hypothesis, setting new limits on spin-independent WIMP-nucleon, spin-dependent WIMP-neutron, and spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross sections for WIMP masses above 9 GeV/c^{2}. The most stringent limit is set for spin-independent scattering at 36 GeV/c^{2}, rejecting cross sections above 9.2×10^{-48} cm at the 90% confidence level.

Evaluation of the marginal microleakage of CAD-CAM compared with conventional interim crowns luted with different types of cement: An in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Temporary stage in crowns and bridgework plays an important role in the success and failure of the final restorations. Lack of marginal seal of the temporary restorations can lead to further complications. Recently, digital dentistry has been improved in terms of marginal integrity. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the marginal leakage between CAD/CAM and conventionally made Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) interim crowns cemented with different temporary luting cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty resin dies of a maxillary right first premolar were prepared according to the protocol of the tooth preparation for all-ceramic crown. Interim crowns were then fabricated and assigned to two main groups according to the fabrication technique (CAD/CAM technique and conventional technique). Furthermore, the samples were sub-grouped (n = 10) according to the type of the luting cements: Zinc oxide eugenol (RelyX temp E), Zinc oxide non-eugenol (RelyX temp NE), and Zinc polycarboxylate cement (pentron). The specimens were then subjected to thermocycling at 5°C and 55°CC for 30 sec and transfer time of 15 seconds for 1500 cycles. After that, the specimens were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for 24 hours. The cemented specimens were sectioned buccolingually and the amount of marginal leakage was evaluated under digital microscope at magnification 50x. The scores of dye penetration were recorded and analyzed using one-way ANOVA at P < 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: For the fabrication technique, CAD/CAM-made interim crowns had significantly better performance in terms of lower microleakage in comparison to conventionally built interim crowns (P < 0.001). Overall, Zinc Oxide non-eugenol also showed significantly least microleakage as a luting cement then Zinc Oxide Eugenol and the most microleakage was found with Zinc Polycarboxylate regardless of the fabrication method. CONCLUSION: Interim crowns fabricated by CAD-CAM system are better suited for temporization. Zinc-oxide non-eugenol cements showed the least amount of microleakage in both types of crown.

Effect of tonsillectomy on humeral and cellular immunity: a systematic review of published studies from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Although tonsillectomy is the most commonly performed surgical operation for children, its postoperative effect on the immune response was a source of debate among physicians. PURPOSE: The aim of this systemic review was study the effect of tonsillectomy on children immune response. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: All relevant articles published English language addressing the effect of tonsillectomy on the immune system were included. One investigators extracted data regarding: year of the study, sample size, study design, sample size, timing of analysis, studied immune factors, result and conclusion were identified. Another investigator independently reviewed data accuracy. RESULTS: Ten articles published between from January 2009 to January 2019 in about this issue that included 404 children were reviewed. All reviewed studies showed a non-significant difference between levels of indicators of the humeral immunity (IgA, IgG, IgM, C3 and C4) pre- and postoperatively. Studies that measured these indicators only after surgery, showed a non-significant difference in their levels between patients and healthy controls. Levels of indicators of cellular immunity (CD4+ , CD3+ , CD8+ , CD19+ , CD25+ , CD16+ , CD+ 56) showed slight reduction or increase in some studies but without a significant difference compared to their levels preoperatively, postoperatively at different intervals or with healthy controls. Other studies found no changes in these indicators postoperatively. CONCLUSION: There was enough evidence to conclude that tonsillectomy has no negative affect on both humeral and cellular immunity of children.

The effect of human interferon alpha on replication of different bovine viral diarrhea virus strains.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) exists in two main biotypes: cytopathic (cp) and noncytopathic (ncp). Although some studies were done on the effect of interferon alpha (IFN-α) on BVDV, the effect of exogenous IFN against BVDV biotypes remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the comparative effect of exogenous human IFN-α (HuIFN-α) on different BVDV biotypes and genotypes. The results showed that exogenous HuIFN-α greatly inhibited the growth of different BVDV biotypes and genotypes. However, HuINF-α has a significant inhibitory effect on cp biotype compared to ncp one without significant variation between different genotypes. The effect of HuIFN-α on BVDV reached the maximum level at early stages of infection (0-20 h post infection) and increased in a dose-dependent manner (10-500 U/ml). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to evaluate the effect of exogenous HuIFN-α on RNA synthesis of both BVDV biotypes. HuIFN-α reduced RNA production of cp by 4 logs compared to only 2 logs for ncp strains. Additionally, the antiviral effect of IFN-α against both BVDV biotypes seems to be independent of the RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) activation as assayed by direct analysis of in vivo phosphorylation of eIF2-α and by 2-aminopurine (2-AP) treatment. Collectively, these results indicated that the exogenous HuIFN-α treatment has an inhibitory effect not only on cp BVDV biotype but also on the ncp BVDV. The antiviral effect of exogenous HuIFN-α was biotype, time, dose but not genotype dependent. PKR has no role in the inhibitory effect suggesting that other IFN-antiviral pathways were involved. Keywords: BVDV biotypes; HuIFN-α; RNA synthesis; PKR-independent.

Comparison of mesiodistal tooth width in individuals from three ethnic groups in Southern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the mesiodistal tooth sizes and to see the gender dimorphism among three ethnic groups of southern part of Saudi Arabia, that is, Asir, Najran, and Jizan region. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample composed of 90 individuals (45 of each gender) from 3 different regions of southern Saudi Arabia, having mean age of 26.9 years. The measurements were done directly on the models with the aid of the digital calliper measuring the largest mesiodistal measure of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars in both sides. RESULTS: Almost all the mesiodistal tooth widths were statistically significant between the groups except maxillary and mandibular permanent third molars. Regarding sexual dimorphism, the groups were combined; almost all the mesiodistal tooth widths were not shown statistically significant difference between the males and females except that right first permanent premolars were significantly larger in the females than in the males. CONCLUSION: The present study has provided norms of the mesiodistal permanent tooth diameters of a Saudi population that are newer and more complete than the previously published norms. There appear to be some secular trends in the mesiodistal diameter of the Saudi permanent teeth toward sexual dimorphism.

Contralateral sinus involvement of surgically treated unilateral allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

Recurrence of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is well recognized. However, there is scarcity in the literature describing involvement of the non-diseased sinuses. We aimed to evaluate the recurrence forms of unilateral AFRS as well as to study the possible predictor factors of developing the disease in the contralateral side. Patients with exclusive unilateral AFRS from (2010 to 2015) were enrolled in multi-institutional case-control study. All patients were evaluated after endoscopic sinus surgery for recurrence. Patient's records were reviewed for demographics, medical treatment, and clinical, radiological, and surgical data. A total of 68 patients were identified. Delayed contralateral involvement after the initial surgery was found in 30.8% with mean duration of recurrence 16.9 months. A significant association was found with the presence of pre-operative contralateral symptoms and signs of inflammation (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.19-10.22, p value 0.02). Post-operative use of budesonide irrigation was associated with less contralateral involvement (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.87, p value 0.01). Association of other variables like: comorbidities, perioperative use of systemic steroid, radiological signs, extent of surgery, additional surgery to the contralateral side, and post-operative use of systemic steroids did not show statistical significance. Involvement of the contralateral sinuses in 30% of unilateral AFRS cases is considered significant. The non-diseased sinuses should be involved in the routine endoscopic examination and post-operative treatment. Further studies are necessary to investigate the possibility of prophylactic surgical intervention of the non-diseased sinuses.

Refining the phenotypical and mutational spectrum of Taybi-Linder syndrome.

Taybi-Linder syndrome (TALS, OMIM 210710) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder belonging to the group of microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfisms (MOPD). This syndrome is characterized by short stature, skeletal anomalies, severe microcephaly with brain malformations and facial dysmorphism, and is caused by mutations in RNU4ATAC. RNU4ATAC is transcribed into a non-coding small nuclear RNA which is a critical component of the minor spliceosome. We report here four foetuses and four unrelated patients with RNU4ATAC mutations. We provide antenatal descriptions of this rare syndrome including unusual features found in two twin foetuses with compound heterozygosity for two rare mutations who presented with mild intrauterine growth retardation and atypical dysmorphic facial features. We also carried out a literature review of the patients described up to now with RNU4ATAC mutations, affected either with TALS or Roifman syndrome, a recently described allelic disorder.

Australian Hajj pilgrims' knowledge, attitude and perception about Ebola, November 2014 to February 2015.

Upon return from Hajj 2014, 150 Australian pilgrims were interviewed about their understanding of the Ebola epidemic. Most (89%, 134/150) knew of the epidemic before travelling and 60% (80/134) of those knew Ebola transmits through body fluids. Pilgrims who received pre-travel health advice were more conscious of Ebola (69% vs 31%, p = 0.01) and adhered better to hand hygiene after touching an ill person (68% vs 31%, p < 0.01). Mass media was the main information source (78%).

The perspective of pharmacist on pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting in Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are widespread worldwide, and their intervention is critical to patient safety and healthcare quality. Pharmacists are essential in monitoring and reporting ADRs, directly influencing patient care. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of ADRs among pharmacists and their knowledge regarding ADRs, including the factors affecting ADR reporting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From September 2021 to November 2021, a cross-sectional survey among pharmacists in the Asir area of Saudi Arabia was planned. This study involved contacting 97 pharmacists using a cluster sampling method. The study's goals were met using a 25-item self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: Ninety-seven pharmacists (male 53.6% and female 46.4%) completed the survey. More than three-fourths of the participants (78.4%) know the ADR reporting system. The survey was completed by 97 pharmacists (male 53.6% and female 46.4%). More than three-quarters of the participants (78.4%) were aware of the ADR reporting system, and the majority (70.8%) were aware that it is done using an online system. Still, only 56.7% knew that the Saudi FDA is the regulatory agency collecting ADR data in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, 73.2% cited stress in the workplace as a critical deterrent to reporting. Most respondents (76.3%) had an unfavorable attitude about reporting ADRs. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists understand ADR reporting, but most lack the mentality to report the incidents. As a result, comprehensive and ongoing training for pharmacists is required to raise awareness of the need for ADR reporting.

Potential therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stem cells in the oral and maxillofacial tissues.

Over the past decades, we have noted that the study of stem cells is of interest to scientists because it offers great promise for the development of cell-based therapies and establishes basic models for studying the pathogenesis of diseases, overcoming all the challenges it encounters. The majority of craniofacial tissues are derived from mesenchymal tissues, so it makes the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) an attractive candidate for regenerating damaged or diseased craniofacial structures. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) do not have the same obstacles as embryonic stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells can be used to conduct research and treat diseases, as they do not require embryonic destruction. MSCs possess unique properties such as self-renewal, the ability to differentiate into different cell types, and the modulation of immune cells. The present review article provided an overview of MSCs isolated from both nondental and dental tissues and highlighted the available information regarding the significant progress in both experimental and clinical trials of MSCs and their potential therapeutic application in the oral and maxillofacial regions. This review sheds light on the experimental research and clinical applications that have led to the development of new MSCs therapies for a variety of diseases. Moreover, we have highlighted the experiments that proved that MSCs are an effective tool for tissue regeneration in the oral and craniofacial regions. This could pave the way for scientists to improve the surgical methods of oral and maxillofacial and treatment of craniofacial malformations.

Peristaltic motion of Jeffrey fluid with nonlinear mixed convection.

Since previous few decays the consideration of non-Newtonian liquids motion due to its immense usages in medicine, biology, industrial procedures, chemistry of catalysts and in environment. Various studies examine the significance of bio-materials flow in physiological procedures to explore the cure of diagnosed symptoms of disease appearing during movement in a human physiological system. To illustrate the characteristics of physiological liquids various non-Newtonian models have been proposed, but yet no such single liquid model is exploited which describes all the properties of nonlinear behaving liquids. Among these several non-Newtonian models, Jeffery liquid model should be reduced to its base fluid case (i.e. viscous liquid) by choosing λ1 = λ2 = 0. Various physiological materials which represents both linear and nonlinear characteristics respectively blood is one of these. Jeffery fluid and peristaltic motion have some common properties such as radii, relaxation time and retardation time. Moreover heat and mass transfer is also an important phenomenon which is suitable for various physiological processes such as hemodialysis and oxygenation etc. Thus due to such motivating facts this research is conducted to investigate the peristaltic motion of electrically conducting Jeffery liquid. The peristaltic propagating channel walls are asymmetric and inclined. Joule heating and magnetic field effects are considered by applying magnetic field in transverse direction to the flow. Further conservation laws modelled the flow situation via considering quadric mix convection, thermos diffusion and diffusion-thermos, heat generation and absorption, chemical reaction with activation energy features. Moreover, creeping flow and long wavelength assumptions are used to simplify the mathematical modelling. The reduced system of equation is solved numerically through built-in technique in Mathematica software. This built-in technique is working through ND Solve command and shooting and RK-Felburg numerical schemes are behind this technique. These numerical results are used to discuss the flow quantities i.e., velocity, temperature and concentration against the sundry dimensionless quantities. Examining the results it comes to know that both thermal and concentration nonlinear mix convection have oppositely affecting the axial velocity. Both heat and mass transfer are escalating function of thermo-diffusion/diffusion-thermo aspects.

Telogen effluvium and COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is a febrile infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus affects several organs, including the skin. Acute telogen effluvium (TE) is a non-scarring hair loss characterized by diffuse hair shedding that begins three months after a stressful event and can last up to six months. COVID-19 infection is one of these potential stressors. Recently, there has been a reported link between increased scalp hair shedding and post-infection patients during the COVID-19 outbreak. The present work aimed to study the possible effects of COVID-19 on hair and the relationship between COVID-19 and TE and to assess the level of awareness about TE in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire. The study involved 561 participants from the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. Eligible participants were individuals from the Asir region who were 20 years of age or older, had previously contracted COVID-19 and had no history of TE before infection. All statistical methods used were two-tailed with an alpha level of 0.05, considering significance if the p-value was lower than or equal to 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1,000 eligible participants completed the study questionnaire. The mean age was 32.5 ± 13.9 years, and 494 (88.1%) participants were females. In addition, 558 (99.5%) of the study participants had received the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 411 (73.3%) participants experienced an increase in hair loss after COVID-19 infection, and 171 (30.5%) began suffering from pain when combing their hair. In addition, 182 participants (32.4%) had a family history of TE. Only 109 (10.9%) participants had a good awareness level about TE, while 452 (80.6%) had an overall poor awareness level. There was a significant relationship between the level of awareness and age, where 23.9% of the participants aged 20-29 years had a good level of awareness vs. 16.1% of others aged 40 years or older (p = 0.041). Moreover, 26.9% of participants with a family history of TE had a good awareness of TE, vs. 15.8% of those with no family history of TE (p = 0.002). In addition, significant correlations were found between increased hair loss post-COVID-19 infection and female gender (77.3% vs. 43.3%; p = 0.001) as well as suffering from pain when combing hair (86.5% vs. 65.5%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the incidence of TE was highly related to COVID-19 infections among both sexes. However, the incidence was greater among the female population. The awareness level toward post-COVID-19 TE was poor among most of the participants in our study.

Synergistic antibacterial and mosquitocidal effect of Passiflora foetida synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles are opted to have various applications in different fields ranging from traditional medicines to culinary items. It is toxic and most effective against bacteria, fungi viruses, parasites, parasite carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and their larvae and other eukaryotic microorganisms at low concentration without any side effects and toxicity to humans. In view of these data, the present research has been investigated by synthesizing silver nanoparticles using 1mM silver nitrate and aqueous extract of Passiflora foetida. The variation of nanoparticles in size and shape concerning the concentration of extract prepared were analysed. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by colour changing from yellowish green to reddish-brown implicating the surface plasmon resonance. Further, it was concluded by obtaining an absorbance peak at 420 nm using UV-Visible spectrophotometer analysis. FTIR analysis was used to identify the capping ligands, which included alkanes, aromatic groups and nitro compounds. The average grain size of ~12 nm to 14 nm with crystalline phase was revealed by X-ray Diffraction studies. The SEM images depicted the surface morphology with agglomeration; TEM studies showed the shape of nanoparticles as spherical and hexagonal with sizes ranging from 40 nm to 100 nm and EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of elemental silver as the principal constituent. The characterized silver nanoparticles were then tested for synergistic antibacterial effects with tetracycline, and the results show that they are more active against E. coli and S. aureus, but moderately effective against B. cereus and K. pneumoniae . It also had a strong larval and pupal toxic effects on the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti with the highest mortality. As a result, silver nanoparticles could be a viable alternative for a variety of applications.

Awareness of current mobile apps for smoking cessation among the dental and medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing whether the dental and medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia are aware of the smoking cessation smartphone applications and their opinions about this method used in smoking cessation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-reporting questionnaire was designed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among the dental and medical practitioners regarding the smartphone mobile applications for smoking cessation. The content of the questionnaire was validated and sent to individual physicians through email, WhatsApp, Twitter and other social media platforms, which also contained a consent form and explanation of the study. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics by frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was used to observe the differences in opinions of smoking cessation apps between smokers and non-smokers among all the participants. RESULTS: A total of 420 responses were obtained from the dental and medical professionals (291 males and 129 females) in different ranks. Among all the participants, 46.7% were in the age range of 30-40 years. The profession of the participants was divided into four groups and general dental practitioners are the most respondents compared to other practitioners. Among all the participants, 31% were smokers and the rest were non-smokers. Overall, 12.6% of participants and 20.8% of participants who were smokers were aware of the mobile applications which are used for smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS: The dental and medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia are not relatively acquainted with mobile apps for smoking cessation.

Labial alveolar bone thickness and its correlation with buccolingual maxillary incisors angulation: a CBCT based study.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the labial alveolar bone thickness (ABT) and buccolingual teeth angulation may reduce the complication that might arise during or post-operative treatment. The operator could determine the precise method to ensure long-term treatment success. This study aimed to evaluate the ABT with buccolingual upper incisor teeth angulation based on the maxillary plane by using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 371 CBCT radiographs were initially assessed and 100 CBCT radiographs were included. On the maxillary incisors, the labial alveolar bone thickness is evaluated at three points (Point A: Four mm below from CEJ, Point B: Midpoint from the labial alveolar-palatal alveolar crest plane and root apex. Point C: Root Apex of the tooth). The distance from these points to labial alveolar bone was measured for the ABT. Moreover, buccolingual angulation of the tooth was measured by the angle formed by the maxillary plane and the long axis of the tooth. RESULTS: There is no significant difference observed between genders in the labial alveolar bone thickness. The labial alveolar bone thickness grew gradually from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) level to the apical level. Moreover, there was a statistically significant positive correlation observed between labial alveolar bone thickness at the apical level (Point C) and angulation (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The labial bone thickness was less than 2 mm in the majority of cases at the three points among maxillary incisors. In addition, there is a correlation between buccolingual angulation of the maxillary incisors and labial alveolar bone thickness.

The Level of Self-Perceived Knowledge Regarding Temporo-mandibular Disorders among the Saudi Arabian Dental Professionals Working in Dental Institutes or Universities vs. Clinics or Hospitals.

Temporo-mandibular disorders (TMDs) are considered as one of the most common type of oro-facial pain. The basic knowledge regarding examining, diagnosing and treating the TMDs is part of the dental curriculum designed by the Saudi Dental Council. But till date it is not reported how the dentists working in dental institutes/universities and clinics/hospital of Saud Arabia make an attempt to diagnose and treat TMDs cases. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to evaluate the level of self-perceived TMD knowledge among the dentists working in Saudi Arabia and to compare the between those working in dental institutes/universities (Group I) and clinics/hospital (Group II). On prior ethical approval from Riyadh Elm University, the participants graduated from various universities of Saudi Arabia with more than two years of experience were randomly selected. They were asked to fill a previously validated questionnaire to evaluate them regarding their knowledge regarding TMDs diagnosis and therapy. It was observed only 9.09% of participants working in dental institutes/universities considered their knowledge as very good whereas it was higher (36.36%) among the participants working in clinics/hospitals. Of all respondents working in dental institutes/universities 7.23% attempted to diagnose and treat TMDs, slightly higher number of respondents (9.09%) working in hospitals/clinics attempt to treat patients with TMDs. A strong relationship was observed for both groups between the knowledge for TMDs and attempt to diagnose/ treat TMD patients (p≤0.05). The level of knowledge for TMDs is better among the dentists working in dental clinics or hospitals than those in dental institutes or universities. But in general it is still insufficient in both groups of dentists. Therefore, it should be considered to raise the level of knowledge regarding TMD among the dentists of Saudi Arabia, particularly to make them able for referring to the right specialist for diagnosis, treatment or interdisciplinary management.

A comparative analysis of periapical status by using cone beam computed tomography and periapical radiography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the periapical status of different teeth by using the Periapical (Pa) and the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pa and CBCT radiographs were obtained from the patients who required Endodontic treatment. The absence and presence of periapical lesions were investigated using both Pa and CBCT radiographs. Periodontal conditions other than periapical lesions were also observed by using both radiographs and recorded. Cohen's Kappa analysis was performed to observe the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages of presence and absence of periapical lesions were analyzed. Independent t-test was conducted to compare the Pa and CBCT for the detection of periapical lesions. Chi-square test was used to investigate the distribution of gender and periapical lesions by both radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 204 teeth from 72 patients (29 female and 43 male) were assessed via CBCT and Pa radiographs. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability showed the absolute level of agreement. T-test showed there is significant difference between Pa and CBCT radiographs regarding detecting periapical lesions. Chi-square test showed no significant differences between the gender and apical pathosis. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT is more reliable to detect periapical lesions compared to the Pa radiographs.

Comparative assessment of periodontal treatment needs among the electronic cigarette users and traditional smokers.

OBJECTIVE: It is currently presumptuous that electric cigarettes are less harmful than the conventional ones; this is increasing the consumption of electric cigarettes. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the periodontal treatment needs among conventional smokers, electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers. This cross-sectional designed study involved 150 patients with a mean age of 29.88±7.81 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among all patients, 50 patients were recruited in each group. The periodontal condition and the treatment need for the patients were assessed using the community periodontal index treatment need (CPITN). Fisher exact test was used to find the significant association of all three groups with the periodontal status and the treatment need. Female patients (12.5%) showed better periodontal status than the male patients (87.5%) and required less complicated periodontal treatment independently from smoking type. RESULTS: Furthermore, deeper pocket depth ≥6 mm (75%) has been found among the conventional cigarette smokers whereas the majority of the electric cigarette smokers (50%) have calculus deposition. Thus, 50% of the electric smokers require professional scaling whereas 57.1% of conventional smokers prerequisite complex periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Besides, there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) observed among all groups in periodontal health index and treatment need. Conventional cigarette consumers need more complicated periodontal treatment compared to the patients who consume electric cigarettes.

Clinical characteristics and liver profiles of Dubin-Johnson syndrome in neonates: Multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) is a rare benign autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cholestasis in neonates. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics, hepatic profiles, histopathology, gene mutations, and treatment outcomes of neonatal DJS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was undertaken with patients who had DJS. The authors identified DJS in neonates and reviewed medical records for details. The diagnosis of DJS was based on the presence of unexplained prolonged conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and presence of a mutation in the ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 2 (ABCC2) gene detected in genomic DNA extracted from circulating blood cells. RESULTS: Eleven children with DJS were identified in the study. The study population comprised eight males and three females. The median age at presentation was 21 days. Dysmorphic features were not recorded in any of the patients. Cholestasis, high serum bile acids, and normal transaminase levels were found in all patients (100%). Serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase were elevated in four patients (36%). Hypoalbuminemia and coagulopathy were not noted in these patients. Consanguinity was present in nine patients (82%). All patients had normal abdominal ultrasound findings. Genetic molecular testing showed that 82% of the patients reported a pathogenic variant of the ABCC2 gene defect with the same variant c.2273G>T (Gly 758 val) chromosome 10. All patients were alive without liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study worldwide describing that neonatal DJS is a benign cholestatic disease with favorable outcomes. Low-grade direct hyperbilirubinemia, normal transaminases, and elevated serum bile acids are the main characteristic findings of DJS.