Urinary Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 7 (IGFBp7), Urinary Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), and Serum Transgelin as Novel Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Multiple Myeloma.

Renal dysfunction is a common complication of MM and is associated with poor prognosis, particularly when progressive. Early identification of renal dysfunction is essential for prompt treatment for disease control and restoration of renal function. Urinary insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7), urinary tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), and serum transgelin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and evaluated as biomarkers for the prediction of renal impairment in patients with multiple myeloma. U IGFBP-7/creatinine ratio, U TIMP2/creatinine ratio, and serum transgelin levels were higher in patients with MM than healthy controls, and predicted renal insufficiency in MM. Serum transgelin, urinary IGFBp7, and TIMP2 levels may have utility as biomarkers of renal tubular injury and predict future renal impairment in patients with MM.

Theobromine versus casein phospho-peptides/Amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride as remineralizing agents: effect on resin-dentine bond strength, microhardness, and morphology of dentine.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the impact of theobromine and casein phospho-peptides/amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACPF) on the resin-dentine bond strength, microhardness, and dentine morphology. METHODS: A total of 18 sound human molars for micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS), 20 sound human premolars for microhardness, and 30 premolars for Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) were used. Based on the pre-treatment used, teeth were split into six groups; sound dentine, demineralized dentine, and demineralized dentine treated with theobromine (Sigma Aldrich) and MI paste plus (GC International, USA) for two-time intervals; 5 min and 1 month. The bonded teeth were sectioned to produce 1 mm2 resin-dentine sticks which were evaluated for µTBS using a universal testing device (Instron 3365, USA). The dentine microhardness was tested by using the Vickers microhardness tester (Nexus 4000 TM, Netherlands). The pre-treated dentine surface was examined using SEM/EDX (Neoscope JCM-6000 plus Joel benchtop SEM, Japan). µTBS results were analysed with two-way ANOVA. Microhardness and EDX results were analysed with two-way mixed model ANOVA. The significance level was set at (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: While both remineralizing materials at the two-time intervals demonstrated µTBS comparable to sound dentine (46.38 ± 12.18), the demineralized group demonstrated statistically the lowest µTBS (p < 0.001). Whether used for 5 min or 1 month, theobromine significantly increased the microhardness (50.18 ± 3.43) and (54.12 ± 2.66) respectively (p < 0.001), whereas MI paste only increased the hardness (51.12 ± 1.45) after 1 month (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The pre-treatment of demineralized dentine with theobromine for 5 min or 1 month could enhance its bond strength and microhardness while for MI paste plus, only 1-month application was efficient to ensure remineralization.

Effect of aging on mechanical and antibacterial properties of fluorinated graphene reinforced glass ionomer: In vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study: 1) aims to test the mechanical and antibacterial properties of fluorinated graphene strengthened glass ionomer materials (FG/GICs); 2) aims to investigate the effects of thermo-cycling on (FG/GICs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluorinated graphene (FG) with bright white color was prepared from fluorinated graphite (SIGMA Aldrich), using modified Hummer's method, to be added to conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs). In addition to a control group (group 1), experimentally modified GICs were prepared by adding FG to the conventional glass ionomer powder with three different weight ratios; (group 2, 1 wt %; group 3, 2.5 wt %; and group 4, 5 wt %) using mechanical blending method. Experimental groups of the specimens (n = 240) were divided, for each concentration (n = 120) half of the specimens were subjected to thermo-cycling. Hardness, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity of (FG/GICs) were measured with and without thermo-cycling. Compressive strength was measured by a universal testing machine, hardness was measured using a Vickers micro-hardness tester, and antibacterial effects against staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus mutans were tested by the pellicle sticking method. For statistical analysis, numerical data were explored for normality and variance homogeneity using Shapiro-Wilk and Leven's tests respectively. RESULTS: The prepared (FG/GICs) showed an increase in hardness in group 4 (p < 0.001). Groups 3 and 4 gave the highest compressive strength values with no significant difference between them (p < 0.001). Groups 2, 3, and 4 showed improved antibacterial activity with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.001). Results after thermo-cycling showed significantly decreased hardness, and compressive strength values (p < 0.001), however, the results of antibacterial activity against streptococcus mutans showed no statistical difference after thermo-cycling (group 2, p = 0.05; group 3, p = 0.18; group 4, p = 0.26). The same results were observed for antibacterial activity against staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.92, p = 0.14, and p = 0.48 respectively). CONCLUSION: FG can be considered a promising additive to GICs to promote its anti-cariogenic effects, however, these antibacterial effects are only useful in the short term, as aging adversely affected their mechanical properties. The 2.5 wt % FG/GICs is suggested to be the most encouraging, as after aging, it represented the highest compressive strength among all groups, while its hardness values were at least comparable to that of conventional glass ionomer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: FG/GICs can be considered an anti-cariogenic restoration in temporary restorative interventions, as in certain cases in deciduous teeth where considerable esthetics may be required, especially those with difficult moisture control, where neither resin composite restorations nor amalgam restorations will be indicated. It can also be used for patients with high caries index or in atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in low-income countries.

Helicobacter pylori eradication rates using clarithromycin and levofloxacin-based regimens in patients with previous COVID-19 treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is affecting half of the globe. It is considered a main causative organism of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and different gastric maliganacies. It has been also correlated to extraintestinal diseases, including refractory iron deficiency anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The misuse of antibiotics during the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic time can affect H. pylori eradication rates. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of clarithromycin versus levofloxacin-based regimens for H. pylori treatment in naïve patients after the COVID-19 pandemic misuse of antibiotics. METHODS: A total of 270 naïve H. pylori infected patients with previous treatment for COVID-19 more than 3 months before enrolment were recruited. Patients were randomized to receive either clarithromycin, esomeprazole, and amoxicillin, or levofloxacin, esomeprazole, and amoxicillin. RESULTS: A total of 270 naïve H. pylori infected patients with previous treatment for COVID-19 more than 3 months before enrolment were included, 135 in each arm. In total, 19 patients in the clarithromycin group and 18 patients in the levofloxacin group stopped treatment after 2-4 days because of side effects or were lost for follow-up. Finally, 116 subjects in the clarithromycin group and 117 in the levofloxacin group were assessed. The eradication rates in intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses were: group I, 55.56% and 64.66%; and Group II, 64.44% and 74.36% respectively (p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: As COVID-19 pandemic has moved forward fast, high resistance rates of H. pylori to both clarithromycin and levofloxacin were developed after less than two years from the start of the pandemic. Molecular & genetic testing is highly recommended to identify antimicrobial resistance patterns. Strategies to prevent antibiotic misuse in the treatment of COVID-19 are needed to prevent more antibiotic resistance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05035186. Date of registration is 2-09-2021.

Effect of dentin biomodification using natural collagen cross-linkers on the durability of the resin-dentin bond and demineralized dentin stiffness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using natural cross-linkers as sumac and curcumin on the durability of the resin-dentin bond and stiffness of demineralized dentin matrix. METHODS: Thirty sound molars were divided into 5 groups: Control (CO), Grape Seed extract (GSE), Cacao seed extract (CSE), Sumac extract (SE) and Curcumin extract (CE). The teeth had their coronal dentin exposed, etched, and pre-treated for 1 min with the extracts. Teeth were then bonded using Single-Bond II adhesive and 4 mm composite was built up on dentin surface. Teeth were sectioned into 1 × 1 × 8mm beams and their micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) was tested after 24 h and 6 months of water storage. For stiffness testing, 15 teeth were sectioned to obtain dentin beams (1 × 1 × 6.5 mm), the beams were demineralized in 10% phosphoric acid then rinsed and divided into 5 groups. Beams were then immersed in their respective extract solution for 1 min after which they were subjected to a 3- point loading test using a universal testing machine to calculate their modulus of elasticity. RESULTS: After 24 h, no significant difference in µTBS was shown between all groups. After 6 Months, GSE, CE, and SE showed significantly higher µTBS compared to CO (p ≥ 0.05). For the modulus of elasticity; only GSE showed a significantly higher modulus compared to other groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The application of grape seed extract, curcumin and sumac extract as dentin pre-treatments appear to be a promising approach to enhance the durability of the resin-dentin bond in a clinically relevant application time.

High-resolution Melting Analysis for NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT Mutation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Prognostic Significance in Egyptian Patients.

The present study aimed to detect the prevalence of NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation in Egyptian CLL patients using HRM assay and to assess its relation to patients' survival. The study included 50 newly diagnosed treatment-naïve CLL patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls. NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation was detected using High-resolution melting (HRM) assay and direct Sanger sequencing. Outcome parameters included progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation was detected in 5 (10.0%) of CLL patients. No controls had NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation. Similar results were obtained by direct Sanger sequencing yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 100.0% for HRM in detection of NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation in the studied patients. In univariate analysis, predictors of OS included Trisomy 12, high LDH, presence of NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation and lack of CR. In multivariate analysis, only lack of CR was found as a significant predictor of OS. HRM analysis is a sensitive method for detection of NOTCH1 c.7541-7542delCT mutation in CLL patients. This mutation may be linked to poor disease prognosis.

Effect of different surface treatments on the bonding potential and physical and mechanical properties of ultratranslucent zirconia.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Studies to determine a suitable surface treatment that improves bonding without compromising the strength or translucency of ultratranslucent zirconia are scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on translucency, surface topography, phase transformation, biaxial flexural strength, bond strength, and durability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 169 ultratranslucent zirconia disks were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the surface treatment applied: airborne-particle abrasion (APA) (n=46), tribochemical silica airborne-particle abrasion (TS) (n=46), nonthermal oxygen plasma (NTP) (n=46), and no treatment, control (C) (n=31). The translucency parameter (ΔTP00) was evaluated with a spectrophotometer (n=15), phase transformation was assessed with an X-ray diffractometer (n=5), surface topography was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (n=3), and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) was tested with a universal testing machine (n=15). For the microshear bond strength (µSBS) test, 40 composite resin specimens were attached to 8 disks and tested with a universal testing machine; 20 specimens were tested after 24 hours, and 20 specimens after hydrothermal aging in a thermocycler (TC). The data were analyzed with ANOVA followed by the Tukey post hoc test (α=.05). Weibull analysis was performed for the flexural strength and µSBS results. RESULTS: Significant ΔTP00 differences were found among all groups and were highest for the APA group (7.33) and lowest for the NTP group (4.79). The NTP group had a significantly higher monoclinic weight fraction value (4.54%) than other groups. The NTP group had significantly higher BFS (581.31) than other groups, while the APA group showed significantly lower values than other groups (340.43). The APA group had significantly higher µSBS values after 24 hours (13.51 MPa) and after TC (13.68 MPa) than the other groups (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although APA and TS are effective techniques for improving resin-zirconia bonding, they result in significantly higher deterioration of translucency and strength. NTP significantly improved the BFS of zirconia; however, it showed lower bond strength values than other methods.

In vitro bioactivity of newly introduced dual-cured resin-modified calcium silicate cement.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the in vitro bioactivity of a new dual cured calcium silicate cement (TheraCal PT) compared to its light cured (TheraCal LC) and chemically set (Biodentine) counterparts. Materials and Methods: The study is an in vitro original research article. Prepared cements discs were immersed in deionized water. Ca2+ release was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry while pH was assessed using a pH meter after 1, 14, and 28 days. Discs for surface characterization were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and were examined using an environmental scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (ESEM/EDX), immediately after setting and at 1, 14, and 28 days intervals after that. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR)/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analyses were performed after setting and after 28 days storage in PBS. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-way repeated measure analysis of variance test followed by Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons (P < 0.05). Results: Biodentine exhibited the highest mean values for Ca2+ release (792,639,278 ppm) and pH (10.99, 12.7, 11.54) at all time intervals. ESEM/EDX displayed a continuous layer of calcium phosphate formed by Biodentine and TheraCal LC while TheraCal PT developed scarce interrupted precipitates after immersion in PBS. ATR/FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for the formed precipitates confirmed the presence of phosphate and Ca (OH) 2 in Biodentine, TheraCal LC and TheraCal PT. Conclusion: TheraCal PT exhibited limited in vitro bioactivity which may limit its prognosis in clinical applications for vital pulp therapy. TheraCal LC is considered a potential bioactive calcium silicate cement despite its lower Ca2+ release compared to Biodentine. Highest bioactivity was observed in Biodentine.

Evaluation of the pH, calcium ion release, and antibacterial effect of a premixed bioceramic endodontic sealer.

This study sought to compare a bioceramic sealer (TotalFill) and a calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) sealer (Sealapex) in terms of their pH, calcium ion (Ca²âº) release, and antibacterial effect against Enterococcus faecalis bacteria. For the pH and Ca²âº release tests, 20 polyethylene tubes (10 mm in height and 1 mm in internal diameter) were filled with the appropriate sealer (n = 10 per sealer), immersed in glass flasks each containing 10 mL of deionized water, and stored in an incubator at 37°C. The water was changed after 1, 7, 28, and 90 days. At each water change, the eluates were measured with an advanced electrochemistry meter to determine the pH and with a flame atomic absorption spectrometer to determine the Ca²âº release. The antibacterial effect was measured using the turbidimetry-based direct contact test in which the wells of a microtiter plate were coated with a thin, even layer of freshly prepared sealer (10 wells per sealer), which was allowed to set before application of a suspension of E faecalis. Control wells were obtained by placing an identical bacterial suspension in 10 uncoated wells. The optical density of the sealer and control groups was measured immediately and 1, 3, and 7 days after sealer preparation. Data were analyzed for normality with the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student t test, and 1-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests were all utilized with a significance level of P < 0.05. TotalFill maintained significantly higher pH and Ca²âº release levels than Sealapex at all evaluation times (P < 0.05). Both sealers demonstrated significantly greater antibacterial effect (lower optical density) than the control group; however, TotalFill resulted in significantly lower optical density values than Sealapex (P < 0.05). TotalFill bioceramic sealer demonstrated superior Ca(OH)2-related properties compared to Sealapex Ca(OH)2 sealer.

MiR-150 Expression in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Relation to Imatinib Response.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the circulating micro-RNA-150 (miR-150) expression in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in relation to imatinib response. METHODS: Sixty patients with CML and 20 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled. Circulating miR-150 levels were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on days 0, 14, and 90 of imatinib therapy for patients and once for control subjects. RESULTS: The baseline miR-150 expression was significantly lower in patients with CML than in control subjects with subsequent elevation at 14 and 90 days after the start of imatinib treatment. Early treatment response (ETR) at 90 days was the main study outcome. The miR-150 expression had a significantly higher level in patients with CML with ETR. On multivariate analysis, miR-150 on day 14 was significantly related to ETR in patients with CML with predictive efficacy (area under the curve = 0.838, 72.9% sensitivity, and 84.2% specificity). CONCLUSION: We found that miR-150 expression on day 14 of imatinib treatment is a useful early predictive candidate for imatinib response in patients with CML.

The effect of adding ytterbium trifluoride on the radiopacity, compressive strength, setting time and bioactivity of biodentine: an in vitro study / Efeito da adição de trifluoreto de itérbio na radiopacidade, resistência à compressão, tempo de presa e bioatividade da biodentina: estudo in vitro

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the radiopacity, compressive strength, setting time and bioactivity of Biodentine after modification with Ytterbium Tri-Fluoride (YbF3) in three different concentrations. Material and Methods: Radiopacity was determined using the equivalence in millimeters of aluminum (mm Al) from digital radiographs. Compressive strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine. The initial and final setting times were evaluated using Gillmore needle. The bioactive potential was evaluated using the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) connected with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) at three different time intervals. pH was measured using a pH-meter. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc tests (P≤ 0.05). Results: Radiopacity of Biodentine with 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% YbF3 was significantly higher than unmodified Biodentine (P ≤ 0.05). Unmodified Biodentine showed the highest mean compressive strength values compared to all other groups (p≤ 0.05). The addition of YbF3 to Biodentine has extended the final setting time except for the 2.5% YbF3 group that showed no significant difference compared to the control. All groups showed an alkaline pH at 28 days, ESEM coupled with EDX analysis showed evidence of dense globules of calcium phosphate on the surface indicating enhancement of bioactivity. Conclusion: 2.5% YbF3 can be a promising radiopacifying agent to Biodentine with improvement in radiopacity, bioactive potential and maintaining the setting time and compressive strength at acceptable level as indicated by the ISO standards (AU)

Objetivo: O estudo buscou avaliar a radiopacidade, resistência à compressão, tempo de presa e bioatividade da Biodentina modificada por Trifluoreto de itérbio (YbF3). Materiais e Métodos: YbF3 foi incorporado ao pó de Biodentina e dividido em 4 grupos (X0, X1, X2 e X3) de acordo com a concentração de YbF3; 0%, 2.5%, 5% e 7.5% do peso, respectivamente. Os espécimes foram preparados para cada experimento com um total de 40 espécimes para cada teste (n=10 por grupo). A radiopacidade foi determinada através do uso equivalente em milímetros de alumínio. A resistência a compressão foi avaliada através do uso de uma máquina de teste universal. O tempo inicial e final foi avaliado através de uma agulha de Gillmore. O potencial bioativo foi avaliado através do Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura (ESEM), conectado com a análise de espectroscopia de raios X por energia dispersiva (EDX) e difração de raio X (DRX). O pH foi mensurado através do uso de um pHmetro. Os dados foram analisados pelo ANOVA seguido do Test Tukey. Resultados: A radiopacidade nos grupos X1, X2 e X3 foi significantemente maior do que no grupo X0. O grupo X0 mostrou a maior resistência à compressão comparado com os outros grupos. A adição de YbF3 a Biodentina excedeu o tempo final exceto pelo grupo X1, que não apresentou diferença estatística significante quando comparado com o grupo X0. Todos os grupos apresentaram um pH alcalino com 28 dias. ESEM com análise EDX mostrou evidência de densos glóbulos de fosfato de cálcio na superfície, indicando uma melhora na bioatividade. Conclusão: 2.5% YbF3 é um promissor radiopacificador para Biodentina, que aumentou a radiopacidade e potencial bioativo enquanto manteve o tempo definido e a resistência à compressão em níveis aceitáveis como indica a norma ISO.(AU)

Fecal calprotectin as a predictor of COVID-19 severity

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly transmittable through contact with respiratory droplets. The virus is also shed in fecal matter. Some patients may present with effects in more than one system; however, there are no defined biomarkers that can accurately predict the course or progression of the disease. The present study aimed to estimate the severity of the disease, to correlate the severity of the disease with biochemical predictors, to identify valuable biomarkers indicative of gastrointestinal disease, and to determine the cutoff values. A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to the Kafrelsheikh University Hospital (isolation unit) between July 10, 2020, and October 30, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID- 19 was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which was employed for the detection of the viral RNA. We conclude that lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and liver enzymes were among the most important laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients. Statistically significant differences in platelet count, neutrophil count, D-dimer level, and fecal calprotectin levels were observed among patients presenting with chest symptoms only and patients with both chest and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.004;<0.001; 0.010; 0.003; and<0.001, respectively). C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fecal calprotectin levels positively correlated with disease severity. The cutoff value for fecal calprotectin that can predict gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 was 165.0, with a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 76.5%. (AU)

Relation between levels of toll-like receptors 3 and 7 and clinical profile of Child-Pugh B cirrhotic patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Growing data show that toll-like receptors (TLRs) have considerable roles in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. We aimed to study the relation between TLR3 and TLR7 levels and clinical manifestations of liver decompensation among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected Child-Pugh B patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 60 adult patients with Child-Pugh B liver cirrhosis on top of untreated HCV infection. We performed a two-step clustering algorithm depending on TLR-3 gene expression, TLR-7 gene expression, and other influential patients' characteristics. RESULTS: Patients were optimally divided into 2 clusters, each cluster containing 30 patients. The average silhouette score of the clustering algorithm was 0.52, indicating a good clustering power of the model. Patients in cluster 1 showed lower relative expression of TLR3 (0.188 vs. 0.29). The same was true of TLR7 (0.20 vs. 0.31). All patients within cluster 1 had lower limb edema and 93% of them had ascites. On the other hand, no one within cluster 2 had ascites or lower limb edema. The mean platelet count was lower in patients within cluster 1 (74,000 vs. 100,000 cell/mm3). The mean international normalized ratio (INR) level was higher in cluster 1 (1.61 vs. 1.3). The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was higher in cluster 1 (15 vs. 10). CONCLUSIONS: From these results, we can suggest that lower TLR3 and TLR7 can lead to worse clinical manifestations among patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. A deeper exploration of this point can open the door for new approaches for managing decompensated cirrhosis.

Foreign Body Aspiration in Egyptian Children Clinical, Radiological and Bronchoscopic Findings.

PURPOSE: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a frequent cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of FBA is challenging in the absence of a witnessed aspiration event. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of presenting symptoms as well as physical and radiologic findings as predictors of FBA in children. Thus, indications for bronchoscopy could be determined in such cases. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the ENT department, Kafr-elsheikh University Hospital. The medical records of patients younger than 16 years old who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for suspected FBA were included. Data including age, gender, symptoms, physical examination findings, radiological features, nature and location of foreign body, and outcome of the bronchoscopy were collected. RESULTS: This study included 130 patients, 105 (80.8%) patients were positive for the presence of a foreign body in their airways. Foreign bodies were most frequently (43.8%) lodged in the right main bronchus, and nuts (66.7%), were the most commonly retrieved. Multivariate regression analysis identified the presence of suggestive signs or symptoms as independent predictors of FBA on rigid bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION: Objective finding of clinical signs eg unilateral wheezes on chest examination in the presence of symptoms such as a sudden cough, dyspnea, and hoarseness could predict FBA and help physicians in deciding bronchoscopy.

Circulating miR-146a expression predicts early treatment response to imatinib in adult chronic myeloid leukemia.

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of circulating miR-146a in the prediction of early response to imatinib treatment in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Sixty patients with CML and 20 healthy controls were recruited in this study. BCR-ABL was assessed by quantitative rt-PCR at days 0 and 90 of imatinib therapy. Circulating miR-146a levels were assessed by quantitative rt-PCR at days 0, 14 and 90 of imatinib therapy for patients and once for controls. At day 90 of treatment, treatment response was achieved in 48 patients (80.0%). Responders had significantly lower baseline Sokal score when compared with non-responders. They also had significantly lower BCR-ABL expression at day 90 of treatment. The circulating miR-146a level was significantly lower in patients with CML than in healthy subjects and showed a significant rise after 14 days of imatinib treatment and an inverse correlation with BCR-ABL expression levels at 90 days. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline BCR-ABL (%) (OR (95% CI) 1.09 (1.03 to 1.016), p=0.006) and miR-146a at 14 days (OR (95% CI) 0.002 (0.0 to 0.09), p=0.001) were significant predictors of treatment response. Using ROC curve analysis, it was found that miR-146a expression at 14 and 90 days could distinguish responders from non-responders (AUC (95% CI) 0.849 (0.733 to 0.928) and 0.867 (0.755 to 0.941), respectively). This study reported for the first time that measurement of the circulating miR-146a expression at 14 days can predict the early response to imatinib treatment in patients with CML. Thus, this work indicates that miR-146a should be investigated in the setting of treatment response to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Antimicrobial properties, compressive strength and fluoride release capacity of essential oil-modified glass ionomer cements-an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial properties, compressive strength and fluoride release capacities of high-viscous glass ionomer cements (GICs) after incorporation of cinnamon and thyme essential oils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental-modified GICs were prepared by incorporation of thyme and cinnamon essential oils into the liquid phase of the cement at 5 and 10% v/v. Antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans) was done using direct contact test. Compressive strength of the four new formulations and control group was tested using a universal testing machine while fluoride ion release was measured by ion-selective electrode at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days. Data analysis and comparisons between groups were performed using factorial and one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: All newly formulated GICs exhibited significantly higher inhibitory effects against both Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans growth when compared to conventional GIC (p < 0.05). Compressive strength of 5% cinnamon-modified GIC (MPa = 160.32 ± 6.66) showed no significant difference when compared with conventional GIC (MPa = 165.7 ± 5.769) (p value > 0.05). Cumulative fluoride-releasing pattern at days 7, 14, and 28 were 10% cinnamon-GIC > 5% thyme-GIC > 5% cinnamon-GIC > 10% thyme GIC > conventional GIC. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of 5% cinnamon oil into glass ionomer resulted in better antimicrobial effects against S. mutans and C. albicans and increased fluoride-release capacity without jeopardizing its compressive strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 5% cinnamon-modified GIC appears to be a promising alternative restorative material in ART technique.

The polymerization efficiency of a bulk-fill composite based on matrix-modification technology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the polymerization efficiency of a matrix-modified bulk-fill composite, and compare it to a conventional composite which has a similar filler system. The degree of conversion (DC%) and monomer elution were measured over different storage periods. Additionally, fillers' content was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cylindrical specimens were prepared, in bulk and incrementally, from Filtek Bulk Fill (B) and Filtek Supreme XTE (S) composites using a Teflon mold, for each test (n = 6). Using attenuated total reflection method of Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, DC% was measured after 24 hours, 7 days, and 30 days. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, elution of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, urethane dimethacrylate, and bisphenol-A glycidyl dimethacrylate was measured after 24 hours, 7 days and 30 days. Filler content was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using 2-way mixed-model analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in DC% over different storage periods between B-bulk and S-incremental. Higher monomer elution was detected significantly from S than B. The elution quantity and rate varied significantly over storage periods and between different monomers. SEM images showed differences in fillers' sizes and agglomeration between both materials. CONCLUSIONS: Matrix-modified bulk-fill composites could be packed and cured in bulk with polymerization efficiency similar to conventional composites.

Evaluation of Two Resin Composites Having Different Matrix Compositions.

This study compared two resin composites with similar filler systems and different matrix compositions. The depth of cure (DoC), polymerization shrinkage, and marginal leakage were evaluated. A Filtek Bulk Fill resin composite (FB) and a Filtek Supreme resin composite (FS) were used. For the DoC and polymerization shrinkage, cylindrical specimens with different thicknesses were prepared. The DoC was attributed to the bottom/top ratios of Vickers microhardness numbers. For polymerization shrinkage, each specimen was firstly scanned using micro-computed tomography (µCT) then cured for 20 s, then for 10 s, and then for 10 s, and they were rescanned between each curing time. Data were processed using the Mimics software. For marginal leakage, standardized 5 mm cavities were prepared in 90 molars. After etching and bonding, materials were packed according to groups: FB-bulk, FB-incremental, and FS-incremental, which were cured for 20, 30, and 40 s, respectively. After thermo-cycling, teeth were stored in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 h and then sectioned and observed for dye penetration. The results showed insignificant differences in the shrinkage and leakage between the different packing techniques and curing times of both materials. In conclusion, the introduction of a novel matrix into resin composite composition enabled bulk-filling in one layer up to 5 mm deep while keeping a tolerable polymerization shrinkage.