SARS-CoV-2-associated lymphopenia: possible mechanisms and the role of CD147.

T lymphocytes play a primary role in the adaptive antiviral immunity. Both lymphocytosis and lymphopenia were found to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While lymphocytosis indicates an active anti-viral response, lymphopenia is a sign of poor prognosis. T-cells, in essence, rarely express ACE2 receptors, making the cause of cell depletion enigmatic. Moreover, emerging strains posed an immunological challenge, potentially alarming for the next pandemic. Herein, we review how possible indirect and direct key mechanisms could contribute to SARS-CoV-2-associated-lymphopenia. The fundamental mechanism is the inflammatory cytokine storm elicited by viral infection, which alters the host cell metabolism into a more acidic state. This "hyperlactic acidemia" together with the cytokine storm suppresses T-cell proliferation and triggers intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis. SARS-CoV-2 infection also results in a shift from steady-state hematopoiesis to stress hematopoiesis. Even with low ACE2 expression, the presence of cholesterol-rich lipid rafts on activated T-cells may enhance viral entry and syncytia formation. Finally, direct viral infection of lymphocytes may indicate the participation of other receptors or auxiliary proteins on T-cells, that can work alone or in concert with other mechanisms. Therefore, we address the role of CD147-a novel route-for SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants. CD147 is not only expressed on T-cells, but it also interacts with other co-partners to orchestrate various biological processes. Given these features, CD147 is an appealing candidate for viral pathogenicity. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2-associated-lymphopenia will aid in the discovery of potential therapeutic targets to improve the resilience of our immune system against this rapidly evolving virus.

Evaluating the Impact of Various Treatment Modalities on the Chewing Efficiency of Anterior Disc Displacements of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Cases: A Comparative Study.

Aim: Internal disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is identified by an anomaly between the condylar-disc assembly, which, in many cases, may lead to discomfort and malfunction of the chewing function. The study's objective was to assess the effects of four distinct treatment approaches on temporomandibular disorder cases with anterior disc displacements focusing on their chewing efficiency. Materials and Methods: One hundred participants suffering from reducible TMJ disc displacement were selected for enrollment in the study. Subjects were divided equally into four groups: group I patients were treated with behavioral therapy; group II patients were treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT); group III patients were treated with anterior repositioning splints; and group IV patients were treated with flat plane splints. Chewing efficiency was assessed utilizing the fractional sieving method and a synthetic food substitute was created using silicon impression material. The statistical analysis encompassed comparisons of chewing efficiency between groups and between baseline and posttreatment within each group, employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t tests, respectively. Results: Using the paired t test, a significant difference in chewing efficiency values as expressed by the median particle size was observed between the baseline and 6-month values in all groups (P < 0.05), except for group I where no significant change was noted over the 6 months (P > 0.05). The one-way ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference among groups following therapies (P ˂ 0.05). The post hoc Tukey test was employed for pairwise comparisons and revealed statistically significant variances in the main values of chewing efficiency among all groups at a 95% confidence level (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: The study's results suggest that occlusal splints and LLLT are more effective in improving chewing efficiency than behavioral interventions.

Explore new quinoxaline pharmacophore tethered sulfonamide fragments as in vitro α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with ADMET and molecular modeling simulation.

A new series of quinoxaline-sulfonamide derivatives 3-12 were synthesized using fragment-based drug design by reaction of quinoxaline sulfonyl chloride (QSC) with different amines and hydrazines. The quinoxaline-sulfonamide derivatives were evaluated for antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer's potential against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase enzymes. These derivatives showed good to moderate potency against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with inhibitory percentages between 24.34 ± 0.01%-63.09 ± 0.02% and 28.95 ± 0.04%-75.36 ± 0.01%, respectively. Surprisingly, bis-sulfonamide quinoxaline derivative 4 revealed the most potent activity with inhibitory percentages of 75.36 ± 0.01% and 63.09 ± 0.02% against α-glucosidase and α-amylase compared to acarbose (IP = 57.79 ± 0.01% and 67.33 ± 0.01%), respectively. Moreover, the quinoxaline derivative 3 exhibited potency as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory with a minute decline from compound 4 and acarbose with inhibitory percentages of 44.93 ± 0.01% and 38.95 ± 0.01%. Additionally, in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity for designed derivatives exhibited weak to moderate activity. Still, sulfonamide-quinoxaline derivative 3 emerged as the most active member with inhibitory percentage of 41.92 ± 0.02% compared with donepezil (IP = 67.27 ± 0.60%). The DFT calculations, docking simulation, target prediction, and ADMET analysis were performed and discussed in detail.

Discovery of new anti-diabetic potential agents based on paracetamol incorporating sulfa-drugs: Design, synthesis, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitors with molecular docking simulation.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to hyperglycemia, which causes neuropathy, heart attacks, retinopathy, and nervous system damage over time, therefore, controlling hyperglycemia using potential drug target inhibitors is a promising strategy. This work focused on synthesizing new derivatives via the diazo group, using a hybridization strategy involving two approved drugs, paracetamol and several sulfonamides. The newly designed diazo-paracetamols 5-12 were fully characterized and then screened for in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities and exhibited inhibitory percentages (IP) = 92.5-96.5 % and 91.0-95.7 % compared to Acarbose IP = 96.5 and 95.8 %, respectively at 100 µg/mL. The IC50 values of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, and the results demonstrated moderate to potent activity. Among the tested diazo-paracetamols, compound 11 was found to have the highest potency activity against α-amylase with IC50 value of 0.98 ± 0.015 µM compared to Acarbose IC50 = 0.43 ± 0.009 µM, followed by compound 10 (IC50 = 1.55 ± 0.022 µM) and compound 9 (IC50 = 1.59 ± 0.023 µM). On the other hand, for α-glucosidase, compound 10 with pyrimidine moiety demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity with IC50 = 1.39 ± 0.021 µM relative to Acarbose IC50 = 1.24 ± 0.029 µM and the order of the most active derivatives was 10 > 9 (IC50 = 2.95 ± 0.046 µM) > 11 (IC50 = 5.13 ± 0.082 µM). SAR analysis confirmed that the presence of 4,5-dimethyl-isoxazole or pyrimidine nucleus attached to the sulfonyl group is important for activity. Finally, the docking simulation was achieved to determine the mode of binding interactions for the most active derivatives in the enzyme's active site.

Discovery of novel 6-(piperidin-1-ylsulfonyl)-2H-chromenes targeting α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and PPAR-γ: Design, synthesis, virtual screening, and anti-diabetic activity for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A new series of 2H-chromene-based sulfonamide derivatives 3-12 has been synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized 2H-chromenes were synthesized by reacting activated methylene with 5-(piperidin-1-ylsulfonyl)salicylaldehyde through one-step condensation followed by intramolecular cyclization. Virtual screening of the designed molecules on α-glucosidase enzymes (PDB: 3W37 and 3A4A) exhibited good binding affinity suggesting that these derivatives may be potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. In-vitro α-glucosidase activity was conducted firstly at 100 µg/mL, and the results demonstrated good inhibitory potency with values ranging from 90.6% to 96.3% compared to IP = 95.8% for Acarbose. Furthermore, the IC50 values were determined, and the designed derivatives exhibited inhibitory potency less than 11 µg/mL. Surprisingly, two chromene derivatives 6 and 10 showed the highest potency with IC50 values of 0.975 ± 0.04 and 0.584 ± 0.02 µg/mL, respectively, compared to Acarbose (IC50 = 0.805 ± 0.03 µg/mL). Moreover, our work was extended to evaluate the in-vitro α-amylase and PPAR-γ activity as additional targets for diabetic activity. The results exhibited moderate activity on α-amylase and potency as PPAR-γ agonist making it a multiplet antidiabetic target. The most active 2H-chromenes 6 and 10 exhibited significant activity to PPAR-γ with IC50 values of 3.453 ± 0.14 and 4.653 ± 0.04 µg/mL compared to Pioglitazone (IC50 = 4.884±0.29 µg/mL) indicating that these derivatives improve insulin sensitivity by stimulating the production of small insulin-sensitive adipocytes. In-silico ADME profile analysis indicated compliance with Lipinski's and Veber's rules with excellent oral bioavailability properties. Finally, the docking simulation was conducted to explain the expected binding mode and binding affinity.

Color and flexural properties of nanoparticles-modified denture base resin: An in vitro comparative study.

Objectives: Reinforcement of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base resins (DBRs) with inorganic fillers with superior properties and accepted aesthetics are favored and still a big dilemma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the color change, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity of heat-polymerized DBR material modified with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZNPs). Methods: Sixty acrylic specimens (30/color test, 30/flexural properties) were fabricated and divided according to nanoparticles type and addition into 3 groups (n = 10). Group-I; unmodified specimens, Group-II; modified specimens with 0.5wt% AgNPs (PMMA/AgNPs), and Group-III; modified specimens with 7.5wt% ZNPs (PMMA/ZNPs). Disc-shape (20 × 3 mm) and bar-shape (65 × 10 × 2.5 mm) specimens were fabricated for color and flexural properties, respectively. The spectrophotometer was used for evaluation of the color change (∆E). The flexural strength and elastic modulus evaluation was carried out using a 3-point bending test (5 mm/min). Tukey's post hoc and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data at a significant level P ≤ 0.05. Results: PMMA/AgNPs group exhibited a significant increase in color change when compared with PMMA/ZNPs. PMMA/ZNPs showed significantly the highest flexural strength value when compared with unmodified and PMMA/AgNPs groups (P < 0.001), however, there was an absence of significant differences in terms of flexural strength values between PMMA/AgNPs and unmodified groups (P > 0.05). PMMA/AgNPs insignificantly increased its modulus of elasticity strength (P = 0.09410) while PMMA/ZNPs significantly increased its modulus of elasticity strength (P = 0.00396). Conclusion: The AgNPs and ZNPs addition to PMMA increased the color change and AgNPs change the color of DBRs. The flexural attributes of DBRs have been increased by ZNPs.

Nanoscale mapping of residual stresses in Al 2024 alloys using correlative and multimodal scanning transmission electron microscopy.

A methodology for the mapping of residual stresses in metal alloys has been developed by analyzing an isotropic and homogeneous Al2024 alloy with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), combined with diffraction (4DSTEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) techniques of TEM. The investigations on the alloy's microstructure and elemental distributions were also carried out with conventional dark-field STEM (DFSTEM) and X-ray energy dispersive (EDS) techniques, respectively. Using the STEM-EELS technique, the Young's modulus (YM) is mapped in the (001) plane of the Al alloy in the same regions where the residual strain maps are generated in [1‾ 00] and [010] directions by using 4DSTEM technique. The YM vs. residual strain plot for the Al 2024 alloy revealed that the value of YM decreased by about ∼ 7 % after the tensile residual strain reached 0.02 %. Whereas such a decrease in YM happens after the compressively residual strain reaches -0.015 %. The residual stress maps were also obtained in accordance with the Hooke's law i.e., by multiplying YM map with the corresponding residual strain maps.

Innovation of 6-sulfonamide-2H-chromene derivatives as antidiabetic agents targeting α-amylase, α-glycosidase, and PPAR-γ inhibitors with in silico molecular docking simulation.

A new series of 2-imino or 2-oxo-2H-chromene-6-sulfonamide derivatives 2-9 with potential anti-diabetic activity were designed and synthesized. The new 6-sulfonamide chromenes were synthesized by reacting 3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride with activated methylene derivatives in the presence of ammonium acetate as a catalyst. The structure of the products was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. All the designed derivatives 2-9 were evaluated for their activity against α-amylase and exhibited inhibitory percentage values higher than 93% at 100 µg mL-1. Additionally, the IC50 values represented a variable degree of activity with two derivatives 2 and 9 exhibiting the most promising derivative results with IC50 values of 1.76 ± 0.01 and 1.08 ± 0.02 µM, respectively, compared to Acarbose (IC50 = 0.43 ± 0.01 µM). Additionally, these derivatives showed potency against the α-glucosidase enzyme with IC50 values of 0.548 ± 0.02 and 2.44 ± 0.09 µg mL-1, compared to Acarbose (0.604 ± 0.02 µg mL-1). Moreover, the in vitro PPAR-γ transactivation assay revealed that chromene-6-sulfonamide derivatives 2 and 9 exhibited potential PPAR-γ activity with IC50 values of 3.152 ± 0.03 and 3.706 ± 0.32 µg mL-1, respectively, compared to Pioglitazone (4.884 ± 0.29 µg mL-1). This indicates that these derivatives have insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism activity. The in silico ADMET prediction showed that these derivatives have an acceptable range of oral bioavailability, drug-likeness, and a safe toxicity profile, including being non-cytotoxic, non-mutagenic, non-immunotoxic, and non-carcinogenic. Finally, computational docking analysis demonstrated the ability of these derivatives to interact with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and PPAR-γ enzymes, with confirmed successful placement due to good binding energy values and various interactions within the pocket.

Clinical Outcomes of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole in Critically Ill Patients with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bacteremia and Pneumonia Utilizing Renal Replacement Therapies.

Background: The clinical outcomes of usual doses of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) for treating S. maltophilia in critically ill patients on renal replacement therapies (RRT) have not been established. We sought to assess the clinical outcomes of TMP/SMZ in patients with sepsis utilizing RRT. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on all critically ill adult patients with S. maltophilia infections who received RRT between May 2015 and January 2022. The primary endpoint was clinical cure while the secondary endpoints were microbiologic cure, 30-day infection recurrence, and mortality. Results: Forty-five subjects met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 70.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 63.5-77] years, 57.8% were males, and the median body mass index was 25.7 [IQR: 22-30.2] kg/m2. Clinical success and failure were reported in 18 (40%) and 27 (60%) cases, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 30-day reinfection rates of both groups; however, mortality was significantly higher in the clinical failure group, involving 12 patients (44.4%), versus none in the clinical success group (p = 0.001). The median daily dose of TMP/SMZ upon continuous veno-venous hemofiltration was 1064 [IQR: 776-1380] mg in the clinical cure group vs. 768 [IQR:540-1200] mg in the clinical failure group (p = 0.035). Meanwhile, the median dose for those who received intermittent hemodialysis was 500 [IQR: 320-928] mg in the clinical success group compared to 640 [IQR: 360-1005] mg in the clinical failure group (p = 0.372). A total of 55% experienced thrombocytopenia, 42% hyperkalemia, and 2.2% neutropenia. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the total daily dose at therapy initiation was the only independent factor associated with clinical success after adjusting for different variables including the body mass index [Odds ratio 1.004; 95% confidence interval: (1-1.007), p = 0.044]. Conclusions: Although the S. maltophilia isolates were reported as susceptible, TMP/SMZ with conventional doses to treat bacteremia and pneumonia in critically ill patients utilizing RRT was associated with high rates of clinical and microbiologic failure as well as with mortality. Larger outcomes and pharmacokinetics studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Effect of Duplication Techniques on the Fitting Accuracy of CAD-CAM Milled, 3D-Printed, and Injection-Molded Mandibular Complete Denture Bases.

BACKGROUND: Digital technology has been introduced in prosthodontics, and it has been widely used in denture duplication instead of a conventional denture duplication technique. However, research comparing different denture duplication techniques and how they affect the fitting accuracy of the denture base is scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the impact of duplication techniques on the accuracy of the fitting surface of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled, 3D-printed, and injection-molded complete denture bases (CDBs). METHODOLOGY: This study involved fabricating a mandibular complete denture base with three marked dimples as reference marks (A, B, and C at the incisive papilla, right molar, and left molar areas) using a conventional compression molded technique. This denture was then scanned to generate a standard tessellation language (STL) file; after that, it was duplicated using three different techniques (milling, 3D printing, and injection molding) and five denture base resin materials-two milled CAD-CAM materials (AvaDent and IvoBase), two 3D-printed materials (NextDent and HARZ Labs), and one injection-molded material (iFlextm). Based on the denture base type, the study divided them into five groups (each with n = 10). An evaluation of duplication accuracy was conducted on the fitting surface of each complete denture base (CDB) using two assessment methods. The first method was a two-dimensional evaluation, which entailed linear measurements of the distances (A-B, A-C, and B-C) between reference points on both the scanned reference mandibular denture and the duplicated dentures. Additionally, a three-dimensional superimposition technique was employed, involving the overlay of the STL files of the dentures onto the reference denture's STL file. The collected data underwent statistical analysis using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's pairwise post hoc tests. RESULTS: Both evaluation techniques showed significant differences in fitting surface accuracy between the tested CDBs (p ˂ 0.001), as indicated by one-way ANOVA. In addition, the milled CDBs (AvaDent and IvoBase) had significantly higher fitting surface accuracy than the other groups (p ˂ 0.001) and were followed by 3D-printed CDBs (NextDent and HARZ Labs), while the injection-molded (iFlextm) CDBs had the lowest accuracy (p ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The duplication technique of complete dentures using a CAD-CAM milling system produced superior fitting surface accuracy compared to the 3D-printing and injection-molded techniques.

Characterization and biological applications of gonadal extract of Paracentrotus lividus collected along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, Egypt.

Marine invertebrates represent a valuable reservoir of pharmaceutical bioactive compounds with potential relevance to various medical applications. These compounds exhibit notable advantages when compared to their terrestrial counterparts, in terms of their potency, activity, and mechanism of action. Within this context, the present work aimed to extract, chemically characterize, and investigate the bioactivity of the gonadal extract of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (P. lividus) collected along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, Egypt. Fractions of the gonadal extract were characterized by Spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their bioactivities were investigated in vitro. The analysis supported the extract richness of carotenoids and bioactive compounds. The extract showed promising anticancer activity against three different breast cancer cell lines with different levels of aggressiveness and causative factors, namely MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and HCC-1954. Gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR showed that P. lividus extract inhibited the expression of crucial factors involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. In addition, the extract significantly inhibited the lipo-polysaccharides (LPS) induced inflammation in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and exerted anti-bacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Collectively, these results demonstrated the chemical richness and the wide-scale applicability of P. lividus gonadal extract as an anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory natural extract.

C3-Spirooxindoles: Divergent chemical synthesis and bioactivities (2018-2023).

This scientific review documents the recent progress of C3-spirooxindoles chemistry (synthesis and reaction mechanism) and their bioactivities, focusing on the promising results as well as highlighting the biological mechanism via the reported molecular docking findings of the most bioactive derivatives. C3-Spirooxindoles are attractive bioactive agents and have been found in a variety of natural compounds, including alkaloids. They are widely investigated in the field of medicinal chemistry and play a key role in medication development, such as antivirals, anticancer agents, antimicrobials, etc. Regarding organic synthesis, several traditional and advanced strategies have been reported, particularly those that started with isatin derivatives.

Prefabricated CAD-CAM scaffolds for management of oro-antral communication: A case report and histological analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Oro-control communication is one of the complications associated with dental extraction and oral surgeries. This case report presents a minimally invasive surgical approach for bone regeneration at the site of oro-antral communication utilizing a prefabricated computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) allogenic bone block. METHODS: A 20-year-old healthy female, nonsmoker, with a badly destructed upper right first molar was referred for dental implant placement after extraction. Cone beam computerized tomography images revealed the presence of a large bone defect associated with oro-antral communication with the maxillary sinus and insufficient bone for dental implant placement. A prefabricated CAD-CAM allogenic bone scaffold was fabricated. After surgical exposure, the scaffold was secured in place and covered with a non-resorbable membrane. A dental implant was placed after 5 months, and a trephining biopsy was processed for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Closure of the oro-antral communication was clinically observed. The average width of the alveolar bone was 12 mm, and the average height was 11 mm. Histological analysis at 5-month intervals showed thin newly formed bone trabeculae encircling remnants of graft material surrounded by osteoid tissue. The newly formed bone percentages were 32 ± 18% and 28 ± 17% volume remained after the biodegradation of the scaffold. Specific immune-histochemical staining by anti-vascular epithelial growth factor expression index value was 32.06%. CONCLUSIONS: A prefabricated CAD-CAM scaffold was successfully used to seal a large oro-antral communication and regenerate sufficient bone to place a dental implant.

Modified acid polysaccharide derived from Salvia przewalskii with excellent wound healing and enhanced bioactivity.

Acid polysaccharide was extracted from Salvia przewalskii root powders (PSP), purified by diethylaminoethyl cellulose column (DEAE-52) and molecular sieve (PSP2). PSPm1 was obtained by modifying PSP2 with nitrite and phosphoric acid. The chemical structure of PSP2 and PSPm1 exhibited notable distinctions, primarily due to the absence of arabinose and promotion of glucuronic acid (GlcA). The structure of PSPm1 was deduced through the utilization of 1H, 13C, and 2-D NMR. The main chain was linked by α-D-Galp(1 â†’ 3)-α-Glcp-(1 â†’ fragments and →6)-ß-D-Galp fragments, with the presence of →4)-α-D-GlcpA-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-Galp-(1 â†’ ï¼Œ â†’ 4)-α-D-GalAp-(1 â†’ 2,4)-α-D-Rhap-(1 â†’ fragments and →6)-α-Glcp-(1 â†’ 2,4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ fragments. PSPm1 exhibited different immunoregulatory bioactivity in vitro, including haemostatic effects indicated by activated clotting time of 55.5 % reduction by the activated clotting time (ACT) test and wound healing function in vivo. PSPm1 also displayed better anti-tumor biological effects than unmodified. The structure-activity dissimilarity between PSP2 and PSPm1 primarily stems from variations in molecular weight (Mw), monosaccharide composition, and branching patterns. The modification of polysaccharides from the extract residues of Chinese medicinal materials may be a new form of drug supplements.

Time to integrate "One Health Approach" into nanoplastic research.

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Effect of Different Occlusal Tooth Forms of Mandibular Overdenture Retained by an Immediate Loaded Single Implant on the Masticatory Efficiency and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life.

Aim: To study the masticatory efficacy and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of participants wearing a mandibular overdenture retained by an immediate loading single implant with different occlusal tooth forms. Materials and Methods: For this nonrandomized controlled trial study, 27 edentulous participants were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 9) based on occlusal tooth forms of the mandibular implant overdenture (MIOD). Group I: participants received an MIOD with an anatomical tooth form; Group II: participants received an MIOD with a semianatomical tooth form; and Group III: participants received an MIOD with a nonanatomical tooth form. For each participant, a single implant (screw root form) was inserted into the midline of the mandibular ridge to support the MIOD. For each group, the masticatory efficiency was evaluated after 3 months, and the OHRQoL of the participants was evaluated after 3 and 6 months. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test were used for data analysis (P < 0.05). Results: The masticatory efficiency of the anatomic and semianatomic tooth forms was higher than that of the nonanatomic (P < 0.05). Moreover, the improvement in the participants' OHRQoL in the anatomic group was more significant than that of other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a greater improvement in masticatory efficiency and participants' OHRQoL when fitted with an anatomic tooth form mandibular overdenture retained by an immediate loading single implant than with a semianatomic or nonanatomic tooth form.

Novel fluorescence approach for trace quantification of levonorgestrel in breast milk based on click reaction with benzonitrofurazan azide (NBD-AZ).

Although the great importance of oral contraceptive agents in birth control, their existence in breast milk became a cause for concern, since infant exposure to these hormones is associated with many health problems. Consequentially, developing a sensitive bioanalytical method for monitoring their concentrations in breast milk is an urgent demand to examine the safety or the risk of these compounds on infants. Levonorgestrel is one of the most common contraceptive hormones under concern. Despite the high sensitivity of the fluorometric methods, detection of Levonorgestrel by them is confined because its structure does not exhibit any fluorescence. For the first time, we proposed a promising click fluorescent probe, 4-azido-7-nitrobenzoxadiazole to react with the alkyne group of Levonorgestrel, to give a highly fluorescent triazole derivative that exhibited strong signal at wavelength of 544 nm after excitation at 470 nm. Reaction parameters impacting the fluorescence were cautiously studied and optimized. The suggested approach has been successfully applied in Levonorgestrel estimation in breast milk samples with linearity of (0.4-80 ng.ml-1) and low detection limit of 0.12 ng.ml-1without interferences from any biological components and with mean % recovery of 97.84 ± 2.73. Accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, simplicity, and low-cost makes this approach a convincing, promising, and appealing alternative over reported analytical methods for Levonorgestrel bioanalysis in different matrices.

Identification and In Silico Characterization of a Conserved Peptide on Influenza Hemagglutinin Protein: A New Potential Antigen for Universal Influenza Vaccine Development.

Antigenic changes in surface proteins of the influenza virus may cause the emergence of new variants that necessitate the reformulation of influenza vaccines every year. Universal influenza vaccine that relies on conserved regions can potentially be effective against all strains regardless of any antigenic changes and as a result, it can bring enormous public health impact and economic benefit worldwide. Here, a conserved peptide (HA288-107) on the stalk domain of hemagglutinin glycoprotein is identified among highly pathogenic influenza viruses. Five top-ranked B-cell and twelve T-cell epitopes were recognized by epitope mapping approaches and the corresponding Human Leukocyte Antigen alleles to T-cell epitopes showed high population coverage (>99%) worldwide. Moreover, molecular docking analysis indicated that VLMENERTL and WTYNAELLV epitopes have high binding affinity to the antigen-binding groove of the HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-A*68:02 molecules, respectively. Theoretical physicochemical properties of the peptide were assessed to ensure its thermostability and hydrophilicity. The results suggest that the HA288-107 peptide can be a promising antigen for universal influenza vaccine design. However, in vitro and in vivo analyses are needed to support and evaluate the effectiveness of the peptide as an immunogen for vaccine development.

A Controlled-Release Nanofertilizer Improves Tomato Growth and Minimizes Nitrogen Consumption.

Minimizing the consumption of agrochemicals, particularly nitrogen, is the ultimate goal for achieving sustainable agricultural production with low cost and high economic and environmental returns. The use of biopolymers instead of petroleum-based synthetic polymers for CRFs can significantly improve the sustainability of crop production since biopolymers are biodegradable and not harmful to soil quality. Lignin is one of the most abundant biopolymers that naturally exist.In this study, controlled-release fertilizers were developed using a biobased nanocomposite of lignin and bentonite clay mineral as a coating material for urea to increase nitrogen use efficiency. Five types of controlled-release urea (CRU) were prepared using two ratios of modified bentonite as well as techniques. The efficiency of the five controlled-release nano-urea (CRU) fertilizers in improving the growth of tomato plants was studied under field conditions. The CRU was applied to the tomato plants at three N levels representing 100, 50, and 25% of the recommended dose of conventional urea. The results showed that all CRU treatments at the three N levels significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight, compared to the control. Additionally, most CRU fertilizers increased total yield and fruit characteristics (weight, length, and diameter) compared to the control. Additionally, marketable yield was improved by CRU fertilizers. Fruit firmness and acidity of CRU treatments at 25 and 50% N levels were much higher than both the 100% CRU treatment and the control. The vitamin C values of all CRU treatments were lower than the control. Nitrogen uptake efficiencies (NUpE) of CRU treatments were 47-88%, which is significantly higher than that of the control (33%). In conclusion, all CRU treatments at an N level of 25% of the recommended dose showed better plant growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomatoes than the conventional fertilizer.

Impact of different chemical denture cleansers on the properties of digitally fabricated denture base resin materials.

PURPOSE: To compare the impact of three different chemical denture cleansers (CDCs) (Corega, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide) on the surface roughness, microhardness, and color stability of 3D-printed, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled, and heat-polymerized denture base material (DBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 420 disc-shaped specimens (10 ± 0.1 × 2 ±0.1 mm) were fabricated using three different construction techniques: three-dimensional (3D) printing (n = 140), CAD-CAM milling (n = 140), and heat-polymerization (n = 140). Sixty specimens (20 of each DBM) were used for baseline (pre-immersion) measurements (T1 ) for the tested surface properties (hardness [n = 10/material] and roughness [n = 10/material]). The remaining 360 specimens (n = 120/material) were investigated for surface roughness, microhardness, and color change after immersion for 1 year (T2 ) in distilled water or CDCs (n = 30/solution and n = 10/test). The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey's test at a significance level of less than 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the effects of the tested CDCs on the surface roughness, micro-hardness, and color stability of varying DBM specimens (p < 0.05). Corega showed the highest surface roughness and color change in all DBMs while H2 O2 resulted in the lowest microhardness for all DBMs. The lowest changes in all tested properties were seen with distilled water followed by chlorhexidine. A significant effect of type of cleanser, denture base material, and the interaction between the two was seen on all measured properties (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tested CDCs significantly affected the surface properties of all DBMs but at varying degrees. Corega produced the highest negative effect on roughness and color change while H2 O2 dramatically affected the microhardness. Prolonged use of CDCs should be cautiously followed.