Publications in Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction: A Review from a Developing Country, Sudan.

Background: Plastic and reconstructive surgery services need to be improved in developing African countries. Research and article publications from those countries are limited. This review was conducted to identify published articles from Sudan in the area of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Methods: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were used for the preparation of this systematic review. A comprehensive systematic search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases. Articles published in Sudan, specifically in the area of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and written in English were included in this review. Results: The total number of articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria was 23. The articles were written from 1969 to 2023. Only two articles were published in the 20th century. The most common study type was a retrospective study of eight articles, and the most common study area was Khartoum Teaching Hospital. Regarding the publishing journals, the number of subscription journals was six (30%), whereas open access was 17 (70%). Conclusion: This review demonstrates the lack of articles published on plastic surgery in Sudan. Further investigation is needed to determine the challenges and problems associated with possible clarifications.

Awareness and Hygiene Practices Among Contact Lens Wearers: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background More than 150 million individuals worldwide wear contact lenses (CL) for therapeutic as well as cosmetic purposes. Researchers have linked failure to adhere to CL care instructions with outbreaks of serious eye infections. In the current study, we assess the consequences of inadequate cleanliness as well as awareness of and adherence to appropriate CL hygiene. Methods This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the Jazan region, southwest Saudi Arabia, during the period between October 2022 and April 2023. Results Out of a total of 718 participants, 391 (54.4%) were wearing CL. Of these, 318 (81.33%) CL wearers were female, while 73 (18.67%) were male. Among the CL wearers, 196 (50%) were aged 24 and younger. The overall knowledge was higher in females, with 320 (74.6%) having a high level of knowledge, compared to 195 (67.5%) males (p-value = 0.044). The level of knowledge was higher in those who had had an eye examination before using CL. Regarding practice, 202 (63.5%) females demonstrated better practices, while only 32 (43.8%) males did (p-value = 0.002). Variations in the adequacy of practice regarding CLs were identified according to the duration of CL use and the risk of suffering from eye dryness (p-values <0.05). Conclusions The participants' overall knowledge and practices were good. This should be encouraged by performing an eye examination before wearing CL and demonstrating good wearing habits in terms of hygiene behavior.

Impact of Auxiliary Features on Retention of Short Dental Crowns: An In-Vitro Analysis of Box and Groove Preparations.

BACKGROUND Several auxiliary features have been proposed to achieve sustainable retention for short-prepared dental crowns; however, achieving retention is challenging. This study aimed to assess the impact of increased total occlusal convergence and auxiliary preparation factors like box and groove on the retention form of short tooth preparations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty resin machine-milled dies with a height of 3 mm and a deep chamfer margin of 1 mm were prepared to mimic the short-prepared molar. Initially, 2 teeth were prepared following the guidelines, and the total occlusal convergence was kept at 10° and 20°, respectively. Auxiliary features such as the proximal box and buccal groove were prepared on separate 20° dies. Eighty dies were prepared with 10 samples each for 10°, 20°, 20° with proximal box and 20° with buccal groove for zirconia (n=40) and metal crowns (n=40). Cementation was done with glass ionomer luting cement, and a pull-off test was conducted. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc fisher least significant difference test (P<0.05). RESULTS The highest mean was observed in the proximal box group with the metal crown (14.59), and the lowest in the group with 20° zirconia crowns (9.12). Within groups, the highest retentive values were found for the 20° taper with proximal box preparation; the lowest was for the 20° taper group. CONCLUSIONS Within the study limitations, it could be concluded that incorporating a proximal box or buccal groove in short tooth preparations with an increased total occlusal convergence improved retentive values.

Retraction: Mesenteric Panniculitis and COVID-19: A Rare Association.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21314.].

Retraction: A Rare Case of Solitary Schwannoma of Submandibular Gland.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21373.].

Dual burden of chronic physical conditions and mental disorders: Findings from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey.

Introduction: Comorbidities of mental disorders and chronic physical conditions are a common medical burden reported among Western countries. National estimates of such comorbidities among the general population of Arab countries like Saudi Arabia are unknown. This study examined the prevalence of lifetime chronic physical conditions among the Saudi general population with DSM-IV 12-month mental disorders, and the associations with disability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: The Saudi National Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional household study - part of the World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Consortium - was conducted between 2013-2016 in the KSA, with 4,001 Saudi citizens aged 15-65 (response rate 61%). The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 was used to assess prevalence of lifetime chronic physical conditions and 12-month mental disorders; disability was measured in terms of days out of role. Results: The prevalence of any comorbid 12-month mental disorder among those with chronic physical conditions was 24%. Major depressive disorder, social phobia, and adult separation anxiety disorder were the most common comorbid mental disorders across all chronic physical conditions. Gender, education, income, urbanicity, region, and employment were associated with the presence of any chronic physical condition. Respondents with mental / physical comorbidities had 2.97 days out of role (on average) in the last 30 days. Conclusion: Comorbidities of mental disorders and chronic physical conditions are common among Saudis. National efforts are needed to increase awareness of such comorbidities among the general population, and develop prevention and treatment services tailored to the needs of individuals at-risk for comorbidities.

Withania somnifera mitochondrial atp4 gene editing alters the ATP synthase b subunit, independent of salt stress.

Numerous studies have shown that stress in plant cells and organelles with transport electron chains is related to RNA editing. The ATP synthase complex present in mitochondria plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and consists of several subunits. Among them is the b subunit, which is encoded by the mitochondrial atp4 gene. Computing-based analysis of the effects of RNA editing of the Withania somnifera atp4 gene in mitochondria leading to alterations in the b subunit of ATP synthase. Using the CLC Genomic Workbench 3, RNA editing analysis between the control and salt stress conditions was not significantly different. Depending on RNA editing, the tertiary structure model revealed a change in the states of the b subunit, reflecting differences in the central stalk and F1-catalytic domain. The study found that polar edits in the N-terminus of the b subunit allow for efficient H + ion selectivity and introduce a new coiled-coil alpha-helical structure that may help stabilize the complex. The most noteworthy finding of this study was the strong impact of these editing events on the tertiary structure of the b subunit, which has the potential to affect the ATPase activity and indicate that the editing in this subunit aimed to restore the original active protein and not as a response to salt stress.

Needs of older people living with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Population ageing in low and middle-income Asian countries is associated with increased prevalence of dementia. The proportion of people with dementia in countries such as Bangladesh and Thailand are increasing. People with dementia can have complex care and health service needs. If these needs are not adequately met, this can result in a decreased quality of life and burden on the health system. There is considerable research into the needs of people with dementia in high-income countries. However, research on the needs of people living with dementia in low and middle-income countries remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to review and summarise the literature on the health and social care needs of older people with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries. METHODS: Five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO) and google scholar were searched. The databases were searched using a selection of key words. PRISMA-ScR approach was followed in reporting the process. KEY FINDINGS: We extracted eight studies related to the health and social care needs of people with dementia that met our inclusion criteria. From the available literature, needs were categorised across five categories: (i) social, cognitive, and mental health needs; (ii) physical needs; (iii) care and service needs; (iv) knowledge-related needs; and (v) spiritual care needs. CONCLUSION: While eight papers were located which discussed the needs of people with dementia across a range of domains, this review demonstrates a deficit in the current evidence-base about the health and social care needs of people living with dementia in low and middle-income Asian countries. Further research is needed to identify health and care needs of people with dementia and how these needs are being met.

Cheminformatics and machine learning approaches for repurposing anti-viral compounds against monkeypox virus thymidylate kinase.

One of the emerging epidemic concerns is Monkeypox disease which is spreading globally. This disease is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), with an increasing global incidence with an outbreak in 2022. One of the novel targets for monkeypox disease is thymidylate kinase, which is involved in pyrimidine metabolism. In this study, docking-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics techniques were employed in addition to the machine learning (ML) model to investigate the potential anti-viral natural small compounds to inhibit thymidylate kinase of MPXV. Several potential hits were identified through high-throughput virtual screening, and further top three candidates were selected, which ranked using the ML model. These three compounds were then examined under molecular dynamics simulation and MM/GBSA-binding free energy analysis. Among these, Chlorhexidine HCl showed high potential for binding to the thymidylate kinase with stable and consistent conformation with RMSD < 0.3 nm. The MM/GBSA analysis also showed the minimum binding free energy (ΔGTOTAL) of -62.41 kcal/mol for this compound. Overall, this study used structure-based drug design complemented by machine learning-guided ligand-based drug design to screen potential hit compounds from the anti-viral natural compound database.

Dual-Band and Wideband Bandpass Filters Using Coupled Lines and Tri-Stepped Impedance Stubs.

In this paper, two bandpass filters-one with a dual-band response and the other with a wideband response-were designed, implemented, and experimented with. The filters are based on the novel combination of series coupled lines and tri-stepped impedance stubs. However, coupled lines along with tri-stepped impedance open stubs (TSIOSs) give a third-order dual passband response. The advantage of dual-band filters using coupled lines and TSIOSs is that they have wide passbands that are close together and separated by a single transmission zero. In contrast, the inclusion of tri-stepped impedance short-circuited stubs (TSISSs) instead of TSIOSs provides a fifth-order wide passband response. The advantage of wideband bandpass filters using coupled lines and TSISSs is that they have a very good selectivity factor. Theoretical analysis was carried out to validate both filter configurations. The tested bandpass filter using coupled lines and TSIOS units had two close wide passbands operating at 0.92 and 1.52 GHz center frequencies, respectively. The dual-band bandpass filter was implemented to operate in GSM and GPS applications. The first passband had a 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 38.04%, while the second passband had a 3 dB FBW of 22.36%. The experimental result of the wideband bandpass filter (with coupled lines and TSISS units) had a center frequency of 1.51 GHz with a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 62.91% and a selectivity factor of 0.90. A good congruence was demonstrated between the full-wave simulated and tested results for both filters.

Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan: Chemical Composition of Essential Oil and Phytochemical Profiling of Crude Extracts and Their In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

The genus Scrophularia is one of the largest genera belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Different members of the genus exhibit an interesting, wide spectrum of bioactivities. Accordingly, the current study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oil of Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan. Additionally, extracts obtained from the aerial parts with solvents of different polarities were assayed for their phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities. The major constituents detected in the essential oil, as revealed by GC/MS analysis, contained mainly Z,Z-farnesyl acetone (11.04%), ß-elemene (6.36%), n-octanal (5.98%), and spathulenol (4.58%). Each of the aqueous methanol (Sp-M) and butanol (Sp-B) extracts contained flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinone, and glycosides. Both extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and their in vitro antioxidant activity, which were assayed using the DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging methods. Additionally, the two extracts were then subjected to LC-ESI-MS/MS for the qualitative determination of their secondary metabolite content, especially in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The results showed that the Sp-B extract of S. peyronii had the highest contents of both phenolic compounds and flavonoids and showed high radical scavenging activity, as determined by the two assay methods, when compared with the Sp-M extract. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the detection of 21 compounds, including 8 flavonoids, 6 phenolic acids, 6 iridoids, and 2 acids. Although the majority of compounds were detected in both extracts, it was noticed that scropolioside B, 6'-O-cinnamoylharpagide, isoferulic acid, and 6-O-methylcatapol were only detected in the Sp-M fraction.

The interplay of intracellular calcium and zinc ions in response to electric field stimulation in primary rat cortical neurons in vitro.

Recent pharmacological studies demonstrate a role for zinc (Zn2+) in shaping intracellular calcium (Ca2+) dynamics and vice versa in excitable cells including neurons and cardiomyocytes. Herein, we sought to examine the dynamic of intracellular release of Ca2+ and Zn2+ upon modifying excitability of primary rat cortical neurons using electric field stimulation (EFS) in vitro. We show that exposure to EFS with an intensity of 7.69 V/cm induces transient membrane hyperpolarization together with transient elevations in the cytosolic levels of Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions. The EFS-induced hyperpolarization was inhibited by prior treatment of cells with the K+ channel opener diazoxide. Chemical hyperpolarization had no apparent effect on either Ca2+ or Zn2+. The source of EFS-induced rise in Ca2+ and Zn2+ seemed to be intracellular, and that the dynamic inferred of an interplay between Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions, whereby the removal of extracellular Ca2+ augmented the release of intracellular Ca2+ and Zn2+ and caused a stronger and more sustained hyperpolarization. We demonstrate that Zn2+ is released from intracellular vesicles located in the soma, with major co-localizations in the lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. These studies further support the use of EFS as a tool to interrogate the kinetics of intracellular ions in response to changing membrane potential in vitro.

The first report describes features of the chloroplast genome of Withania frutescens.

Genomic studies not only help researcher not only to identify genomic features in organisms, but also facilitate understanding of evolutionary relationships. Species in the Withania genus have medicinal benefits, and one of them is Withania frutescens, which is used to treat various diseases. This report investigates the nucleotides and genic features of chloroplast genome of Withania frutescens and trying to clarify the evolutionary relationship with Withania sp and family Solanaceae. We found that the total size of Withania frutescens chloroplast genome was 153.771 kb (the smallest chloroplast genome in genus Withania). A large single-copy region (91.285 kb), a small single-copy region (18.373 kb) form the genomic region, and are distinct from each other by a large inverted repeat (22.056 kb). 137 chloroplast genes are found including 4 rRNAs, 38 tRNAs and 83 protein-coding genes. The Withania frutescens chloroplast genome as well as four closest relatives was compared for features such as structure, nucleotide composition, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and codon bias. Compared to other Withania species, Withania frutescens has unique characteristics. It has the smallest chloroplast genome of any Withania species, isoleucine is the major amino acid, and tryptophan is the minor, In addition, there are no ycf3 and ycf4 genes, fourth, there are only fifteen replicative genes, while in most other species there are more. Using fast minimum evolution and neighbor joining, we have reconstructed the trees to confirm the relationship with other Solanacaea species. The Withania frutescens chloroplast genome is submitted under accession no. ON153173.

T Cells Immunophenotyping and CD38 Overexpression as Hallmarks of the Severity of COVID-19 and Predictors of Patients' Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: By the end of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic spread all around the world with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from mild to moderate to severe or critical cases. T cell subtype dysregulation is mostly involved in the immunopathogenic mechanism. The present study aimed to highlight the role of monitoring T cell subtypes and their activation (expression of CD38) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects and their role in predicting severity and patients' outcomes. MATERIALS: The study involved 70 adult COVID-19 confirmed cases stratified into three groups: a mild/asymptomatic group, a clinically moderate group, and a clinically severe/critical group. Flow cytometry analysis was used for the assessment of CD3+ cells for total T cell count, CD4+ cells for helper T cells (Th), CD8+ cells for cytotoxic T cells (Tc), CD4+CD25+ cells for regulatory T cells (T reg), and CD38 expression in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells for T cell activation. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between COVID-19 cases and healthy controls as regards low counts of all the targeted T cell subtypes, with the lowest counts detected among patients of the severe/critical group. Furthermore, CD38 overexpression was observed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION: Decreased T cell count, specifically CD8+ T cell (Tc), with T cell overactivation which was indicated by CD38 overexpression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had a substantial prognostic role in predicting severity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. These findings can provide a preliminary tool for clinicians to identify high-risk patients requiring vigilant monitoring, customized supportive therapy, or ICU admission. Studies on larger patient groups are needed.

Self-Medication Practices Among the General Population in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The practice of self-medication (SM) is the use of self-consuming medication without consulting healthcare which carries its own risks. SM patterns differ across populations and are influenced by several factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SM practices in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, to identify the factors contributing to this practice and develop effective strategies to decrease its occurrence and associated risks. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Baha Province, Saudi Arabia, over two weeks in July 2023, with a sample of 580 participants. Eligible participants were males and females, both Saudi and non-Saudi, aged 18-65. The data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. Results Of all participants, 48.7% admitted taking medications without a healthcare practitioner's prescription in the last three months. Analgesics were the most common SM (29.1%), followed by vitamins and minerals (16.2%), and antipyretics (14.1%). The side effects experienced from SM included nausea (24.5%), headache (20.5%), and shortness of breath (8.7%). Regarding the source of medication, the majority (61.9%) obtained medications from a pharmacy and 14.6% used existing stock. Age was significantly associated with higher rates in the 18-29 and 40-49 age groups. Educational status was significantly associated with higher SM among graduates. Regarding reading medical instructions, 39.2% always read, 47.7% sometimes read, and 13.1% never read. Regarding antibiotic SM, 61 participants reported using over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics. Common reasons for use included sore throat (27.8%) and common cold (19.6%). The most common reason for SM was to save time (25.9%), followed by avoiding crowds and long waits (17.1%). Conclusions A significant prevalence of SM practice concerning antibiotic misuse and sex differences with female dominance was detected. We recommend further public awareness activities from related organizations and more regulations for OTC prescription practices to ensure safe SM practices. In addition, further research is needed to explore SM patterns.

The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect Among the Saudi Population: A Narrative Review.

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a pressing global issue with profound implications for the well-being of children. The aim of this review is to examine the existing literature and synthesize evidence on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward child abuse and neglect within the Saudi population. This review synthesizes the existing literature to illuminate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes surrounding CAN within the Saudi population. Ten studies spanning the years 2019-2023 were meticulously analyzed, offering a comprehensive snapshot of CAN perceptions across various segments of society. The studies, encompassing diverse methodologies and populations, collectively underscore the commendable levels of awareness and knowledge demonstrated by healthcare professionals, including primary healthcare (PHC) physicians, nurses, and medical practitioners. Notably, several studies reveal that these professionals exhibit robust recognition of different forms of child abuse, a vital aspect in the identification and prevention of abuse cases. While positive attitudes toward CAN were prevalent among healthcare providers, barriers to reporting were highlighted. The fear of consequences and uncertainty emerged as key deterrents to reporting among medical and dental students and nurses, respectively. These findings emphasize the necessity for creating supportive environments that empower professionals to report suspected cases of abuse while addressing apprehensions. The parental perception of CAN also came into focus, revealing a disparity between the recognition of CAN as a common problem and the adequate knowledge of emotional abuse and neglect. These findings point toward a need for targeted public awareness campaigns that differentiate between disciplinary practices and abusive behaviors. In conclusion, this review offers a nuanced understanding of the Saudi population's awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward child abuse and neglect. The synthesis of findings across diverse studies informs future interventions, advocating for enhanced awareness, reporting, and prevention strategies. By empowering individuals and professionals alike, a safer environment for Saudi children can be nurtured, fostering a future free from the shadows of abuse and neglect.

Single-Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass as a Treatment for Morbid Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Single-anastomosis sleeve jejunal (SASJ) bypass is a bariatric surgery technique with promising results. However, evidence of its efficacy and safety is still lacking. This study aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SASJ bypass surgery in the treatment of morbid obesity. The literature was searched for English-language studies published from inception till November 26, 2023, on MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus, SCINAPSE, and Google Scholar. The search terms included "morbid obesity," "bariatric surgery," and "single anastomosis sleeve jejunal bypass." Extracted data included the body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery, percent total weight loss (%TWL), percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and improvement in preoperative comorbidities. Pooling of the data was done using random effects or fixed-effect models based on the presence of significant heterogeneity. Nine studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The change in BMI from baseline at 12 months after SASJ bypass was significant (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -3.576, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.423, -1.730; I² = 99.23%). At 12 months after surgery, the pooled %TWL was 42.526 (95% CI = 37.948, 47.105; I² = 97.15%), and the pooled %EWL was 75.258 (95% CI = 67.061, 83.456; I² = 99.26%). The pooled incidence of postoperative improvement in diabetes mellitus was 91% (95% CI = 79.6%, 98%, I² = 82%). The overall rate of complications was 9.9% (95% CI = 2.5%, 21.6%; I² = 92.64%). Regarding the short- and mid-term outcomes, SASJ bypass is a safe and effective procedure for weight loss in patients with morbid obesity, with an acceptable rate of complications. The procedure is also associated with a marked improvement in obesity-related comorbidities.

An Incidental Finding of Asymptomatic Gastric Diverticula.

Gastric diverticula (GD) are the rarest of the gastrointestinal diverticula and are characterized by protrusions of the stomach wall, that can either be congenital or acquired. Despite the fact that the majority of GD are asymptomatic and are detected inadvertently during endoscopy or gastrointestinal (GI) series studies, they might present with a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss. In mild symptomatic instances, GD is treated conservatively with antacids, but surgical excision is indicated for refractory gastric diverticula with persistent symptoms or complications. We represent an incidental finding of asymptomatic gastric diverticulum through endoscopy for a 12-year-old Saudi male who presented after foreign body ingestion.

Ecotoxicity assessment for environmental risk and consideration for assessing the impact of silver nanoparticles on soil earthworms.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are found in a range of commercial products due to their proven antibacterial properties. The unused silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may make its way into the soil via biosolids that come from wastewater treatment or the effluent that comes from industrialisation processes, where it could be harmful to the organism that live in terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, silver ions are one of the most toxic forms of heavy metal released from dissolved silver nitrate (AgNO3) and AgNPs through dissolution or oxidation. The study examined the effect of engineered AgNPs, and AgNO3 on earthworms which are one of the most important bioindicator for determining toxicity in soil environment. Epigeic earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae was exposed to soils spiked with equivalent concentrations of AgNPs or AgNO3 at 0, 10, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 in soil for 56 days of experiments. The survival and growth rate was recorded at 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th days and accumulation of Ag in earthworm tissue at 14th and 28th days, antioxidant enzymes at 28th days and reproduction at 56th days of experiment. Further, a short-term exposure of AgNPs and AgNO3 was conducted to observe avoidance behaviour after 48 h of exposure. The result indicated that survivability was relatively low on exposure of AgNO3 (83.3%) than AgNPs (86.7%) in 200 mg kg-1 spiked soils, besides the growth was inhibited in both AgNPs (3.68%) and AgNO3 (3.25%) at 28th days. The uptake of Ag from AgNO3 in the earthworm tissue was slightly higher than uptake of Ag from AgNPs and it showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on reproduction. In AgNO3 spiked soil, a high level of the Malondialdehyde (MDA) based lipid peroxidation and increased activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) was observed than AgNPs spiked soil. Similarly, glutathione (GSH), a cofactor for GPx and GST enzymes, was lower in AgNO3-spiked soil than in AgNPs-spiked soil. In terms of avoidance behaviour, there was no discernible difference between the distribution of earthworms in AgNPs and AgNO3 after 48 h. The study found E. eugeniae exhibits concentration-dependent alterations in its competence to survive, antioxidant enzymes, and reproduction. AgNO3 was found to be more sensitive than AgNPs in the study. The research investigates the effect of AgNPs on earthworms in the soil ecosystem since this understanding is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of AgNPs' environmental consequences.

The effect of adding nanoparticles to dental porcelain on the fracture resistance and bond strength to zirconia core.

Background: Porcelain combined with zirconia core substructure has low fracture toughness. Nanoparticles are incorporated into the porcelain to boost its mechanical properties. Aims: To evaluate the effect of the incorporation of silver oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles into porcelain powder on the bond strength of porcelain veneer to zirconia core. The flexural strength of nanoparticles-modified porcelain was also evaluated. Materials and Methods: The flexural strength of feldspathic porcelain was measured (according to ISO specifications number 6872) after the incorporation of silver and titanium oxide nanoparticles. For measuring the bond strength at the porcelain-zirconia interface, 70 bars (4 × 4 × 12 mm) of zirconia were cut and fired in a furnace. The control and nanoparticles-modified porcelain powders were built up on the zirconia bars and fired to create veneers of 3 mm height, 4 mm width and 4 mm thickness. The porcelain veneers were de-attached from the zirconia core by the universal testing machine. The failure load was recorded to calculate the bond strength. Statistical Analysis: The data were analysed with one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. Results: The addition of 0.5-1.5% silver oxide nanoparticles to feldspathic porcelain increased the flexural strength. The addition of 1.0-4.0% titanium oxide nanoparticles to feldspathic porcelain increased the flexural strength. Either 0.5-1.0% silver oxide or 3.0-4.0% titanium oxide nanoparticles in feldspathic porcelain increased the shear bond strength to zirconia core. Conclusion: The flexural strength of porcelain veneer and the bond strength at porcelain-zirconia interface can be improved by adding either 0.5% silver oxide nanoparticles or 4% titanium oxide nanoparticles to porcelain powder.