Search

The aetiology of oral lichen planus (OLP) is multifactorial, having variable triggers. A role for vitamin D related to the immune system has been established. Vitamin D modulating effect is on the adaptive and innate immune responses. Our study aimed to compare serum levels of vitamin D in patients having different clinical symptoms of OLP (symptomatic or asymptomatic) with healthy individuals. Also, in this study, for further evaluation, the expression level of interleukin-17A and interleukin-6 (IL-17A and IL-6) was evaluated because the presence of active vitamin D reduces the expression of these proinflammatory factors. This study was included three groups with 30 volunteers in each. The first group included asymptomatic oral lichen planus patients (reticular or plaque-like lesions). The second group consisted of symptomatic oral lichen planus patients (atrophic or bullous-erosive lesions). In contrast, the third group consisted of healthy control subjects. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured between the three groups and then correlated with clinical manifestation of oral lichen planus, either symptomatic or non-symptomatic. The Real-Time PCR technique was used to evaluate the expression of IL-17A and IL-6. Patients with symptomatic OLP (second group) had statistically significantly lower Vitamin D levels than asymptomatic OLP patients (first group). Healthy Controls (third group) exhibited statistically significantly higher vitamin D levels than OLP groups. The results of IL-17A and IL-6 genes expression showed that the presence of vitamin D had a statistically significant effect on reducing the expression of these two pro-inflammatory cytokines among symptomatic and asymptomatic OLP patients. Also, the results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between OLP patients (group I and II) and the control group (group III). In general, the current study results showed that lack of vitamin D had an important role in initiating or increasing the OLP's severity.

BackgroundDemineralization of dental structures is one of the post-bleaching effects. Remineralizing agents are recommended to overcome this problem. Synthesis of biomaterials from natural sources rich in calcium remains a viable and more economical option. Post-remineralization discoloration caused by such materials could disappoint patients who prefer whiter teeth; therefore, the color changes caused by such materials should be a concern during selection of the remineralizing protocol after bleaching.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of seashell and eggshell nanoparticles on tooth color changes after bleaching using CIE L*C*H color space.Materials and MethodsForty natural maxillary incisors were enrolled in this study. Teeth were divided into four groups according to the applied treatment, G1: seashells paste for 2 minutes, G2: eggshells paste for 2 minutes, G3: 2% NaF gel for 1minute, and G4: received no treatment (control), then all specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 24hrs. The color of the specimens was determined according to the CIE L*C*H color space using a spectrophotometer at baseline, after bleaching, and after remineralization. Colors were compared using the ΔL*, ΔC*, and ΔH* parameters as well as the total color difference (ΔE) after bleaching and remineralization.ResultsAfter bleaching; there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental groups for ∆C, ∆H, and ∆E. After remineralization, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of ΔL, ΔC, ΔH, and ΔE between groups, the lowest mean value of (ΔE) recorded with eggshells, followed by 2% NaF gel, then seashells, while the highest mean value of ΔE was recorded with the control group.ConclusionsAfter bleaching, nano-eggshells and 2% NaF maintained the post-bleaching color, indicating the recovery of the damaged enamel surface. Enamel treatment using seashells could negatively affect the effectiveness of whitening.

Background: A biocompatible additive to glass ionomer cement types without affecting their stability in moisture and dry conditions in demand.TiO2NPs are stable and bioactive nanoparticles that improved the mechanical properties of GICs, but their impact on water sorption and solubility remains undetermined. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the water sorption/solubility of glass ionomer cement incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in different storage solutions over time. Methods: A total of 60 glass ionomer discs were fabricated, and they were divided into two groups (n=30); conventional glass ionomer (control), TiO2 NPs modified glass ionomer. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups according to the type of storage solution used (n=10); artificial saliva, mouthwash with alcohol, and mouthwash without alcohol. Water sorption% and solubility% were recorded after immersion of specimens in the storage solutions according to the subdivided groups; at 24hrs, 1 week, and 1 month. Results: TiO2NPs were associated with a significant decrease in sorption% in artificial saliva at 1 week, alcohol at 24hrs, and a significant decrease in solubility% in all storage solutions at 24hrs and artificial saliva at 1 week. There was a significant decrease in water uptake associated with both materials in artificial saliva, also with TiO2NPs modified type in alcohol-free mouth washes. There was a gradual significant increase in solubility% for conventional GIC in artificial saliva and TiO2NPs modified type in alcohol (p≤0.05). Conclusion: TiO2NPs may play a promising role in improving water sorption and solubility of conventional GIC, considering the type of storage solution and time.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic directly affects the psychological well‐being of critical care nurses. Several studies had investigated the psychological impact of the pandemic on nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19, but few were conducted to identify the predictors of this impact. Aims and objectives The objective of this study is to identify the predictors of critical care nurses' stress, anxiety, and depression in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in five intensive care units in five hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed. It included socio‐demographic and work‐related data and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale scores of the nurses under study. A multiple linear regression model was developed to identify the predictors of critical care nurses' stress, anxiety, and depression in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results Two hundred (64%) of 308 nurses completed the electronic questionnaire. Significant predictors of stress included the number of infected colleagues (P

Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, to evaluate 21 rice genotypes (18 new promising lines and three commercial check varieties) for grain yield, yield components and quality characters under normal and water deficit conditions. Moreover, eight stress tolerance indices were calculated based on grain yield under water deficit and normal conditions to differentiate the water deficit tolerant genotypes from sensitive ones. The results showed that the variances due to years, environments, genotypes and their interactions were significant for most studied traits. All mean values of the studied traits decreased under water deficit stress condition compared to those under normal condition. The earliest genotypes were L4, L15 and L12 under normal condition. Whereas under stress condition L11,Giza 179 and Sakha 107 were the earliest ones. The most desirable mean values towards dwarfness were recorded by the lines L1 and L9. While, L13 and L2 had the highest mean values towards tallness. Moreover, Line 2 recorded the most desirable estimates for grain quality characters across all environments. The lines L14, L12 and L3 gave the highest grain yield and stress tolerance index (STI), while L6 displayed the lowest grain yield and STI. Moreover, the results indicated that harmonic mean (HM) and yield index (YI) indices gave similar ranks for these lines which considered as water deficit tolerant genotypes. Accordingly, these lines could be used in breeding programs to transmit tolerance genes to commercial cultivars for reduced irrigation.

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the synergetic effect of using silver diamine fluoride containing potassium iodide and grape seed extract on dentin microhardness. Materials and Methods: Sixty freshly extracted human deciduous second molars were enrolled in this study. Sixty dentin discs were cut from the crown and were randomly divided into four groups according to the applied treatment after dentin demineralization, (15 samples each). In the first group, samples were received no treatment, only stored in artificial saliva (positive control), in the second group, samples were treated with silver diamine fluoride containing potassium iodide only, in the second group, samples were treated with grape seed extract only (GSE), in the third group, samples were treated with silver diamine fluoride containing potassium iodide (SDF), whereas in the fourth group, samples were treated with combined therapy of grape seed extract followed with silver diamine fluoride containing potassium iodide (GSE+SDF). Microhardness measurements were taken for each dentin disc at baseline, after demineralization, and after treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in dentin microhardness after each treatment as compared to the demineralized dentin microhardness. The mean percent change of dentin microhardness was statistically significant increased in GSE, SDF, and GSE+SDF groups when compared to the control group. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of this study, monotherapy of GSE, SDF solution, and their combination can be recommended to enhance the micro-hardness of demineralized dentin. SDF applications after GSE improved the micro-hardness of demineralized dentin when compared to the monotherapy of each treatment.

The physiology of sports training is a science interested in studying the physiological changes that occur during training in order to detect the direct effect on the one hand, and the long-term effect on the other, which is caused by physical exercise or movement in general on the functions of different organs and organs of the body such as "muscles, nervous system, muscle system, ......... Therefore, the physiology of sports training is one of the most important humanities in the field of sports training. Physiological studies help workers in the field of sports education and sports training, through which it was possible to identify the effect of physical training methods on the vital organs of the athlete's body as a result of participating in competitions or training, which affects his physical fitness, which includes preparing or preparing the body for movement. (33:4) Abu Ala Ahmed, Tim G and others have agreed on the need to study the body's components of fat, bones, muscles and water, as the study of those components, especially muscles and all related to the possession of a large amount of muscle fibers in terms of size, mass and level of strength, became important in what was to judge more realistically and honestly on the impact of these physical practices in various forms and intensity on the human body where strength represents one of the most important components of fitness and plays the role of important in sports performance or Health in general and no other component of fitness has received a degree of importance as muscle strength.

Introduction: There is an interest in developing materials with bioactive potential that could block exposed dentinal tubules. This study compared the effects of eggshell and seashell nanoparticles individually or combined with ND:YAG laser on dentinal tubules occlusion and remineralization. Methods: Fifty radicular dentin discs were prepared from freshly extracted human premolars. The smear layer created by cutting was removed using 37% phosphoric acid gel for 15 sec. The discs were divided into five groups according to the applied treatment(A) (n = 10 each): (A1) control, (A2); Nano eggshells, (A3); Nano seashells, (A4); Nano eggshells + Nd: YAG Laser, and (A5); Nano sea shell + Nd: YAG Laser. Each specimen was evaluated for tubular patency and mineral contents before and after each therapy using ESEM-EDXA energy dispersive spectroscopy for the assessment of tubule occlusion and remineralization. Results: ESEM results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the mean percent changes of the dentinal tubules number after the treatment of the experimental groups compared to the control. The greatest percent decrease was recorded in the seashell NPs + Nd: YAG laser, followed by the eggshell NPs + Nd: YAG laser, then Eggshell NPs only and then Seashell NPs only, while the lowest percentage decrease was recorded in the control group. EDXA revealed that the greatest percentage increase in Ca wt% was recorded in the Eggshell + Nd:YAG laser group, followed by Eggshell only, then Seashell only and then Seashell NPs + Nd: YAG laser, while the lowest percent increase was recorded in the control group. The post hoc test revealed no significant difference between the experimental groups. Conclusions: Both eggshell and seashell nanoparticles are effective in the occlusion and remineralization of dentinal tubules. The combined treatments with Nd: YAG laser had no benefits when compared to the effect of treatments alone.

Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease (MLND) is a new disease in East Africa, first reported in Kenya in 2011 and then spread to Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. The disease is caused by Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) in combination with viruses of genus Potyvirus, mostly Sugarcane Chlorotic Mottle Virus (SCMV). The co-infection is the one that results in intensive to complete yield loss. Diagnosis of MLND based on symptoms is reported ineffective because symptoms like stunting and chlorosis resembles nutrient deficiencies or maize mosaic. Detection and characterization of MLND causing viruses have been done by techniques such as enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing. Relatively little work has been done to characterize MLND causing viruses in Tanzania prior to those techniques. The disease can be managed through the use of certified seeds, sanitation, quarantine, crop rotation, the use of resistant/tolerant maize varieties and other cultural practices. The use of resistant maize varieties is considered the most reliable, eco-friendly, effective and economical way of managing MLND. Key words: Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), etiology, Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, Maize lethal necrotic disease, nucleic acid based methods, resistant maize varieties, Sugarcane Chlorotic Mottle Virus.

Background Current estimates indicate that >80 % of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit concomitant sensory processing problems and hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input. These are now included as diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fifth Edition. Chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variations (CNVs), and coding sequence variants involving >100 genes have been identified in patients with ASD. Studying the CNVs of one such gene, SHANK3, and the associated phenotype in patients with ASD could provide insights that will guide future ASD treatments and interventions. Objective To assess SHANK3 CNVs in children with ASD and investigate their sensory processing patterns using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Subjects and methods Forty children with ASD were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. SSP was used to evaluate atypical sensory behavior, e.g., hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests. SHANK3 CNVs were assessed in these children using Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification. Results Of the 40 cases, 77.5 % showed sensory reactivity symptoms. The greatest difference from normality was observed in the under-responsive/seeks sensation domain, followed by the tactile sensitivity domain, whereas hypo-activity (low-energy/weak domain) was closest to normal. The sensory reactivity symptoms were significantly correlated with the severity of ASD. However, only three of the 40 cases had de novo duplications at 22q13.33. The duplications included SHANK3 in two of the cases and only the distal flanking region of SHANK3 in the third case. All three duplication cases also showed symptoms associated with the low-energy/weak domain. Conclusion We found that children with ASD exhibited sensory processing problems. The SHANK3 copy number gains found demonstrate the gene dosage effect of SHANK3 in ASD pathogenesis. This study adds to the growing understanding of 22q13 duplications that include SHANK3.

Sustainable control of plant diseases requires a good understanding of the epidemiological aspects such as the biology of the causal pathogens. In the current study, we used RT-PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to contribute to the characterization of maize lethal necrotic (MLN) viruses and to identify other possible viruses that could represent a future threat in maize production in Tanzania. RT-PCR screening for Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) detected the virus in the majority (97%) of the samples (n=223). Analysis of a subset (n=48) of the samples using NGS-Illumina Miseq detected MCMV and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) at a co-infection of 62%. The analysis further detected Maize streak virus with an 8% incidence in samples where MCMV and SCMV were also detected. In addition, signatures of Maize dwarf mosaic virus, Sorghum mosaic virus, Maize yellow dwarf virus-RMV and Barley yellow dwarf virus were detected with low coverage. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral coat protein showed that isolates of MCMV and SCMV were similar to those previously reported in East Africa and Hebei, China. Besides characterization, we used farmers&rsquo, interviews and direct field observations to give insights into MLN status in different agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Kilimanjaro, Mayara, and Arusha. Through the survey, we showed that the prevalence of MLN differed across regions (P = 0.0012) and villages (P &lt, 0.0001) but not across AEZs (P &gt, 0.05). The study shows changing MLN dynamicsin Tanzania and emphasizes the need for regional scientists to utilize farmers&rsquo, awareness in managing the disease.

summary article i nfo Article history: Accepted 14 April 2011 While there is widespread use of OSCE in general nursing specialties, psychiatric nursing has been slow to adopt this evaluation method and it has only recently been introduced to psychiatric nursing education. Aim: The main aim of the present study is to test the first application, validity and reliability of the OSCE in undergraduate psychiatric nursing education. Method: OSCE was developed to assess undergraduate psychiatric nursing students' clinical skills. The students' evaluation of the OSCE process was obtained after the completion of each OSCE circuit. Results: The psychiatric nursing OSCE proved to be a reliable and valid method in assessing psychiatric nursing clinical competencies. In general, the students perceived OSCE as a positive experience and stressful on the other hand. Conclusion: OSCE is a reliable and valid method of assessing the students' psychiatric nursing competency skills. It has been shown to have many advantages over traditional methods of assessment and has the ability to objectively assess psychiatric nursing skills.

Background Infantile malignant osteopetrosis (IMO) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by defective osteoclast activity, with hematopoietic bone marrow transplant being the only available cure. Over the past several years, new conditioning regimes and donor options have emerged, thus extending the possibility of cure to a greater number of patients and improving the outcomes of bone marrow transplant. Here we detail the outcomes of bone marrow transplant in a cohort of 31 patients treated with a combination of fludarabine, treosulphan, thiotepa, and antithymocyte globulin. Procedures Thirty-one patients with IMO who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with fludarabine, treosulphan, thiotepa, and antithymocyte globulin at our center from 2012 to 2017 are retrospectively reviewed in this study. Twenty-six patients were transplanted from 10/10 matched donors (13 from siblings, 11 from unrelated, and two from extended family donors), four from 9/10 matched unrelated donors, and one from a 9/10 matched family donor. Results Overall survival was 100% with a median follow-up of 363 days (range 74-1891). There were 12 cases of acute graft versus host disease (GvHD) (38.7%), no cases of veno-occlusive disease, and eight cases of hypercalcemia (25.8%). Almost 80% of patients suffered viral reactivations with two cases of Epstein-Barr-virus-driven post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. All cases of GvHD and viral reactivation were successfully treated. Conclusions We conclude that transplantation in children with IMO using fludarabine, treosulphan, thiotepa, and antithymocyte globulin is safe and effective and should be performed as early as possible following diagnosis, prior to the development of severe disease sequelae.

urface and bottom water samples were collected seasonally from eight stations at Suez Bay during the period from spring 2006 to winter 2007. Water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and dissolved inorganic phosphate were determined in each sample. The results indicated that, the annual mean range of concentration of these parameters for the surface water were 22.00-23.00°C, 8.10-8.28, 41.16-42.22‰, 8.76-10.17 mgO2/l, 1.54-3.23 µM NO2-N/l, 6.77-17.85 µM NO3-N/l, 3.59-12.13 µM NH3N/l and 0.44-2.56 µM PO4-P/l respectively. The corresponding values for bottom water were 21.50-22.38°C,8.12-8.19,41.11-41.86 ‰,8.58-9.53 mg 02/l, 1.72-3.23 µM NO2-N/l, 5.25-16.32 µM NO3-N/l, 2.79-8.89 µM NH3-N/l and 0.35-2.12 µM PO4-P/l respectively. Generally, the present data indicated that the concentration of the measured parameters were relatively high at the northwestern coast of the Bay and decreased eastward (Sinai side). This reflects the high intensive disposal of sewage and industrial effluents in the western and north-western parts of the Bay.

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder during childhood. Family violence is a psychosocial factor that has been recently introduced in the literature about ADHD, with indications that parents of hyperactive children are more likely to use physical methods to their discipline. Cortisol as the primary stress hormone and as an index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation has been used to study the neurobiological profile of ADHD patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 ADHD children & 30 matched controls, severity was assessed using the Conners’ Parent Rating Scales-Revised long version, children IQ and exposure to abuse was measured; salivary cortisol levels was measured using enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay in two samples (ELISA). Aim of the study was to measure prevalence and impact of abuse on ADHD children and correlate results with salivary cortisol level Results: Results showed significant higher exposure of ADHD children to parental abuse than control group. Executive function showed to be impaired in abused ADHD children, lower bedtime cortisol level in abused ADHD children compared to control. There was a negative correlation between cortisol level and child abuse. In addition, there was a negative correlation between different types of abuse and components of WCST. While no correlation between both cortisol samples and components of WCST. Conclusion: We concluded that children with ADHD displayed higher exposure to parental abuse, lower cognitive function and this was linked to their lower levels of cortisol level.