The Impact of Inoculation of Two Strains of Rhizobacteria on Radionuclide Transfer in Sesbania Grandiflora.

Transfer factors of some naturally-occurring and artificial radionuclides from an agricultural soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora, a small leguminous tree, were studied. Two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (SCR17 and PCE2) were used to carry out an agricultural experiment in pots in semi-arid region (Syria). The results showed the bacterial strain (SCR17) increased the transfer and accumulation of 238U and 40K in Sesbania grandiflora, while both bacterial strains showed no effect on the accumulation of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 210Pb in the treated plants. The transfer factor of 137Cs from soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora was negligible. The values of the transfer factors of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 40K were found to be within the global values, while the values of the transfer factors of 238U and 210Pb were found to be relatively higher. This study highlights the importance of using Phytoremediation by PGPR strains for radionuclides-contaminated soils. Therefore, this method is a promising technique for the restoration and rehabilitation of contaminated sites with radionuclides, as it is low cost, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.

Evaluation of the clinical impact and In Vitro antibacterial activities of two bioactive restoratives against S. mutans ATCC 25175 in class II carious restorations.

Background: Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive opportunistic bacterial pathogen and that causes dental caries and then restorative treatment remains the best clinical practice approach to repair and prevent dental caries. Aims: This study compared the antimicrobial performance of resin modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) and ACTIVA restoratives by evaluating the S. mutans count, pH levels, and plaque index (PI) scores before and on the 7th day of restoration, and then determined the antimicrobial activities against S. mutans ATCC 25175 in both restoratives in vitro. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight eligible Saudi female participants, with class II carious lesions, were randomly distributed into RM-GIC and ACTIVA restorative groups. We evaluated the S. mutans count by the serial dilution technique and salivary pH by using a portable pH meter. The PI scores were determined by Silness-Löe method and the antibacterial activity by the agar well diffusion method. Statistical analysis of normality distribution was performed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the difference between groups was an analysis by paired t-test. In addition, the independent sample was compared with the independent samples t-test. Results: Both groups reduced the S. mutans count, pH acidity, and PI scores, and this reduction was statistically significant on the 7th day of restoration (P < 0.05), preference for ACTIVA. The in vitro antibacterial activity against S. mutans ATCC 25175 showed a non-significant difference between both bioactive restorative materials (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The novel application of ACTIVA restorative material is a promising option for patients at risk of caries.

A Survey of the Barriers Affecting the Career Practice and Promotions of Female Dentists in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last 40 y, the proportion of women in the profession of dentistry has been growing steadily. The extant literature, although limited, demonstrates that gender differences exist in choice of specialization, practice pattern, and professional attitudes, revealing that women are more likely to work in primary dental care and are less prominent in other dental specialties. Female Saudi dentists, working in the government sector, tend to occupy lower positions in the occupational hierarchy, are paid less, and are less likely to hold consultant positions as compared with men. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify barriers faced by female dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia in seeking professional advancement and to determine the variables that influenced respondents' promotions. METHODS: In February 2017, a web-based cross-sectional survey was emailed to all female dentists registered with the Saudi Dental Society ( N = 2,651). Completed questionnaires ( N = 130, response rate = 7.1%) were analyzed with simple summary statistics and a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between the dependent variable (promotion) and independent variables (family, environmental, interpersonal, and cultural factors). RESULTS: Most female dentists believed that family, environmental, and cultural factors are challenges to their career practice and progression. Other factors included interpersonal challenges, such as gender discrimination and male dominance in the field of dentistry. Results of the regression analysis revealed that family and environmental factors were significant predictors of whether female dentists would be promoted. CONCLUSION: Saudi female dentists continue to face significant obstacles in their career practice and advancement. Their role in the workplace needs to be recognized. Factors that obstruct their career advancement should be well understood by dental institutions and efforts should be made to move more female dentists into leadership positions. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Policy makers can use the results of this study to develop strategies to overcome the barriers faced by female dentists in Saudi Arabia with respect to their professional and personal (family) needs. This study could lead to the development of employment incentives and a supportive workplace for female dentists.

Are There Barriers for Professional Development of Women Dentists? A Qualitative Study in Saudi Arabia.

Globally, there is an upward trend in the number of women applying to dental schools and entering the profession of dentistry. Women dentists aim to advance their careers; however, differences exist between men and women dentists regarding leadership positions and work titles. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women usually occupy lower ranked positions than men in the Saudi public sector, and they are, therefore, paid less than their male counterparts. This study aimed to explore the possible barriers to Saudi women dentists' professional advancement using a qualitative descriptive study design. Specifically, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 women practicing dentistry in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the data were interpreted using qualitative content analysis (NVivo 11; QRS International). The results revealed 4 challenges that might delay the participants' career development. These include family-related challenges, sociocultural challenges, workplace challenges, and transportation issues. From this perspective, some perceived barriers to the professional development of women dentists were found that might not be unique to Saudi Arabia, and the article's suggestions and recommendations aim to minimize the effects of these barriers impeding women's advancement in dentistry in Saudi Arabia. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study makes an important contribution to knowledge on this topic. These results will aid policy makers' efforts to create supportive work environments through gender-specific incentives that meet the current professional and family needs of women dentists, particularly those in Saudi Arabia.

[Courses in microsurgical techniques in France and abroad]. / État des lieux de l'enseignement des techniques microchirurgicales en France et à l'étranger.

The objective of this work was to determine the state of current training programs for microsurgery in France and abroad. Our survey of microsurgery training programs determined the registration volume, program contents, and number of students in France, and looked at registration volume and teaching time for programs abroad. Data were obtained from the Internet, university administration, those responsible for university diploma programs, and students. There were 18 university diploma programs in microsurgery in France. The average list price was €1,129 for an average of 19 hours of theoretical training and 100 hours of practice. Evaluation methods varied, but all required at least vascular anastomosis in rats. In 2011-2012, 148 students were enrolled and 126 graduated (85% passing rate). Abroad, 16 basic courses were listed in the USA, Europe and Asia. Nine advanced courses were offered. The average price was $1,346 for 36 hours of practice in the basic courses and $1,955 for over 50 hours of training in advanced courses. None of these courses gave out a diploma. Our results show that in France, university diploma programs in microsurgery are heterogeneous and the French College should consider updating them. Globally, a study is underway by the International Microsurgical Simulation Society.