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Aims: To assess the effect of fiber reinforcement materials on the flexural strength of heat-cured denture-based resin. Materials and Methods: A sample of heat-cured acrylic resin was created and divided into a control group (heat-cured with no fiber addition) and two experimental groups (with fiber additive). The flexural strength was evaluated, and calculated. The information was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan multiple range tests with p ≤ 0.01 in SPSS Version 19. Results: The result showed a significant increase in flexural strength, untreated polypropylene fibers showed the highest flexural strength followed by untreated glass fibers. Conclusion: Reinforcement with fibers was an efficient approach for the improvement of flexural strength of heat-cured PMMA denture base resin.

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the flexural strength of heat-polymerized acrylic denture base material that is readily accessible commercially after strengthening with two kinds of saline treatment fibers. Material and Methods: Samples were created using traditional acrylic resin, the same resin that was reinforced with glass and polypropylene fibers, and conventional acrylic resin alone. A 3-point bending test was used to gauge the flexibility of the material, and the findings were then examined using a one-way analysis of variance Results: The flexural strength of all strengthened samples was greater compared to that of standard acrylic resin; those reinforced with polypropylene fibers had the highest flexural strength, followed by those reinforced with glass fibers. Conclusion: Heat-polymerized PMMA denture resin's flexural strength was increased following reinforcing with treated glass or polypropylene fibers, within the confines of the fibers used in this study. These findings might be used as the bases of distal extension partial dentures and temporary fixed partial dentures.

Abstract Background This research explores the relationships between the educational environment, student engagement, and academic achievement in Health Professions Education (HPE) , specifically examining the mediating role of engagement. Methods The study used cross-sectional design, and data were collected from 554 HPE students via self-report questionnaires. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) assessed the educational environment while the University Student Engagement Inventory measured learning engagement across the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions. Academic achievement was measured using cumulative GPA. Relationships between study variables were analyzed using path analysis. Results Path analysis demonstrated that four educational environment subscales directly affected emotional engagement (48% variance explained). Students’ perception of learning and academic self-perceptions influenced behavioral engagement (28% variance explained), while cognitive engagement was influenced by academic self-perceptions (39% variance explained). GPA was positively influenced by behavioral and cognitive engagement but negatively by emotional engagement. Cognitive and behavioral engagement mediated the relationship between students’ academic self-perceptions and academic achievement. Conclusions Students’ perceptions of the educational environment significantly influenced emotional engagement, followed by cognitive and behavioral engagement. Cognitive and behavioral engagement directly affected academic achievement and mediated the relationship between the educational environment and academic achievement.

The gut microbiota harbors a complex ecosystem of bacteria that govern host health homeostasis. Alterations to the intestinal environment, known as gut dysbiosis, is associated with several diseases. Targeting the gut with microbiome-engineered therapeutics, such as probiotics, is a promising approach to restore microbial homeostasis and host health. Probiotics can effectively improve the gut environment, although strain-specific mechanisms remain largely unknown. Thus, this study aims to identify beneficial action of select probiotics to modulate the gut environment through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. To this end, we tested the interaction among three probiotic strains – Lactobacillus gasseri A237 (LgA237), Lactobacillus plan-tarum WCFS1 (LpWCFS1) and Lactobacillus fermentum NCIMB 5221 (Lf5221) – and a human intestinal epithelial cell line, HT-29, for adhesion properties, radical scavenging abilities and anti-inflammatory activities. All three probiotics adhere well to HT-29 cells, indicating proper gut colonization. LpWCFS1 demonstrated the greatest adhesion capacity (68.3%), followed by LgA237 (35.5%) and Lf5221 (25.9%). The probiotics also exhibit excellent antioxidant properties via DPPH radical scavenging activity, comparable to quercetin, a known and potent antioxidant. Moreover, LgA237, LpWCFS1 and Lf5221 decrease interleukin-8 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-damaged HT-29 cells (41.19, 34.53 and 14.80% reduction, respectively), compared to non-treated cells. Further investigation of LpWCFS1 and LgA237 revealed a significant (p

Aims: To compare the extraoral and intraoral scanners' accuracy in obtaining implant impressions using an in-vitro reference model. Materials and methods: An upper master model was fabricated with two parallel dental implants at the first and second premolars missing regions in size (4.0mm in diameter and 10mm in length); twenty impressions were made using the intraoral and extraoral scanners to produce twenty digital impressions (10 for each one), which will result in twenty digital casts. The linear distance measurements were performed using (Medit Design) digital measurement by using Medit Intraoral Scanner. Results: In the digital part there was a highly significant difference between measurements for the oral scanner (MeditI500) and extraoral scanner Rainbow using Medit design, the intra-oral scanner (MeditI500) is the highest value which is at a level of significance p≤0.01. Conclusion: The Medit I500 Intra Oral Scanner is a more accurate impression technique than the Rainbow extraoral scanner in transferring implant position.

Aims: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of implant position transfer using three impression materials with two techniques. Materials and methods: A master model was fabricated with two parallel dental implants at the first and second premolars missing regions in size (4.0mm in diameter and 10mm in length); Two traditional impression techniques (open and closed tray); Three silicone impression materials were used which are: Condensation, Additional (heavy and low) and Additional (medium) consistencies. Sixty conventional impressions were taken, ten impressions for each material and each technique. The linear distance measurements were performed using two methods: Digital Vernier and Digital measurement by using Medit Intraoral Scanner. Results: The open tray technique showed significantly fewer changes (P≤ 0.05) with linear distance measurements when compared to the control, while the closed tray technique showed significantly more changes (P≤ 0.05) with linear distance measurements when compared to the control. In comparing Medit Design and digital vernier as methods of measurement for both open and closed tray techniques; there was no significant difference in the accuracy of measurements for both of these two methods of measurement at a level of(P≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The additional silicone material is the best in its accuracy in transferring implant position for the (open and closed tray) conventional impression technique. The condensation silicone material is the worst in accuracy in transferring implant position for (open and closed tray) conventional impression technique. The open tray technique showed significantly more accuracy than the closed tray technique in transferring implant position in the traditional impression technique.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is one of the most common spinal deformations that are usually diagnosed on frontal radiographs using Cobb’s method. Automatic measurement methods based on artificial intelligence can overcome many drawbacks of the usual method and can significantly save radiologist’s time. AIM: To analyze the accuracy, advantages, and disadvantages of a newly developed artificial intelligence program for the automatic diagnosis of scoliosis and measurement of Cobb’s angle on frontal radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 114 digital radiographs were used to test the agreement of Cobb’s angle measurements between the new automatic method and the radiologist using the Bland–Altman method on Microsoft Excel. A limited clinical accuracy test was also conducted using 120 radiographs. The accuracy of the system in defining the scoliosis grade was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: The agreement of Cobb’s angle measurement between the system and the radiologist’s calculation was found mostly in grade 1 and 2 scoliosis. Only 2.8% of the results showed a clinically significant angle variability of 5°. The diagnostic accuracy metrics of the limited clinical trial in City Mariinsky Hospital (Saint Petersburg, Russia) also proved the reliability of the system, with a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity of 0.88, accuracy (general validity) of 0.93, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93. CONCLUSION: Overall, the artificial intelligence program can automatically and accurately define the scoliosis grade and measure the angles of spinal curvatures on frontal radiographs.

Jordan G Kassab, R Hayden Meeks, Werner TW de Riese Department of Urology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USACorrespondence: Werner TW de Riese, Email werner.deriese@ttuhsc.eduAbstract: Prostate cancer (PCa) currently stands as the most common malignancy and the second most common cause of death in men worldwide. Dr. C. Huggins revolutionized the field of PCa treatment through his work investigating the therapeutic effects of androgen deprivation. These early surgical castration methods were expanded upon by integrating reversible pharmacologic castration via biologic agonists. Following this, intermittent ADT (iADT) became a medical substitute for its continuous counterpart. This data synthesis aims to highlight and assess the pertinent adverse effects of ADT, to compare mortality for PCa treatment plans, and consequently provide direction for clinicians in choosing the suitable systemic ADT approach. We performed a thorough systematic search across the PubMed database to identify prospective randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing continuous and intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (cADT and iADT). Our qualitative analysis aimed to evaluate the potential of iADT as an alternative treatment approach, emphasizing recent clinical outcomes. The analysis of randomized control trials in the literature revealed no discernable statistical difference in PCa-specific mortality in comparison of iADT and cADT treatments. Further, in the analysis of mortality due to non-PCa causes, iADT patients fared more favorably compared to cADT. Due to iADT’s characteristics of being more cost-efficient and less likely to cause undesirable side effects, urologic healthcare professionals should be made aware of these findings when counseling patients on the optimal form of ADT and consulting for future treatment guidelines.Keywords: androgen deprivation therapy, prostate cancer, cancer mortality

Abstract Background Ingestion of corrosive substances represents a frequent and consequential medical scenario, significantly impacting both vital and functional prognoses through the emergence of acute complications or stenosis, which pose considerable therapeutic challenges. Currently, endoscopy remains the cornerstone modality for diagnostic assessment and management. Nevertheless, recent research highlights computed tomography (CT) as a promising alternative, avoiding the risks associated with endoscopy and reducing the unnecessary surgical interventions based on its findings. Methods Our retrospective study, spanning three years, encompassed 28 patients who had ingested corrosive substances. Among them, 24 underwent both CT scanning and endoscopic evaluation using CT and endoscopic scores. Results Employing Standardized CT scoring criteria alongside the Zargar’s endoscopic classification, our findings revealed significant concordance between the two modalities, particularly in discerning trans-parietal necrosis within the esophagus and stomach. Notably, radiographic evidence of digestive tract injury was found to be predictive of complications in over 80% of cases, demonstrating high sensitivity and negative predictive value. Furthermore, CT scores indicating moderate to severe injury were significantly associated with stenosis, with slightly inferior performance compared to endoscopy. Of particular note, a CT score indicative of severe injury was found to be a good predictor of mortality, further underscoring the prognostic value of CT in these cases. Conclusion While the utility of CT in this context is undeniable, its integration with endoscopic findings remains imperative. We advocate for a systematic approach incorporating CT scanning, with further prospective research warranted to explore the feasibility of CT as a standalone diagnostic tool, as suggested by some scholars.

Barakat M ALRashdi,1 Diaa Massoud,1 Hager K Rashwan,2 Shahenda Mahgoub,3 Nermeen Z Abuelezz,2 Ali M Nasr,4,5 Rami B Kassab,6 Hatem K Amin3 1Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Biochemistry, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, 42526, Egypt; 5Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala, 43713, Egypt; 6Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Hager K Rashwan, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, P.O. Box, 77, Giza, 12572, Egypt, Tel +201066116240, Email hager.khaled@must.edu.egBackground: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a medical concern that is accompanied by the rapid deterioration of kidney function. It can be triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of gram-negative bacteria as it activates a complicated immune response, resulting in widespread inflammation and potential organ dysfunction. Black seed oil (BSO) is rich in beneficial constituents and has been widely used owing to its nutritional advantages.Purpose: This research is aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of BSO and its nano-formulation on AKI induced by LPS. It also aimed to compare their anti-inflammatory activity with indomethacin, a known synthetic anti-inflammatory drug.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight mice were placed randomly into 8 groups. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 2.5 mg/kg B.W. of LPS was used to trigger inflammation, and pretreatment with BSO and its nano-formulation was at 0.2 mL/kg/day for 14 consecutive days. Indomethacin was used as a reference drug and its efficacy was tested alone or in combination with BSO at lower doses. Renal function was assessed using urea, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Also, oxidative and inflammatory markers were assessed by measuring levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). Histopathological examination of the kidney tissues was also performed.Results: The study showed that BSO and its nano-formulation had anti-inflammatory effects comparable to or better than those of indomethacin. They greatly decreased the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers induced by LPS. Their protective effect against pathological alterations in kidney tissues was significantly noticed.Conclusion: BSO and its nano-formulation could be used as nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory supplements.Keywords: TLR-4, Nigella sativa, inflammation, nephrotoxicity, nanoparticles

Abstract A series of new 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-AD potential. The results revealed that eleven compounds (1b, 2a-c, 3b, 4a-c, and 5a-c) exhibited excellent inhibitory potential against AChE, with IC50 values ranging from 0.00098 to 0.07920 µM. Their potency was 1.55 to 125.47 times higher than that of donepezil (IC50 = 0.12297 µM). In contrast, the newly synthesized oxadiazole derivatives with IC50 values in the range of 16.64–70.82 µM exhibited less selectivity towards BuChE when compared to rivastigmine (IC50 = 5.88 µM). Moreover, oxadiazole derivative 2c (IC50 = 463.85 µM) was more potent antioxidant than quercetin (IC50 = 491.23 µM). Compounds 3b (IC50 = 536.83 µM) and 3c (IC50 = 582.44 µM) exhibited comparable antioxidant activity to that of quercetin. Oxadiazole derivatives 3b (IC50 = 140.02 µM) and 4c (IC50 = 117.43 µM) showed prominent MAO-B inhibitory potential. They were more potent than biperiden (IC50 = 237.59 µM). Compounds 1a, 1b, 3a, 3c, and 4b exhibited remarkable MAO-A inhibitory potential, with IC50 values ranging from 47.25 to 129.7 µM. Their potency was 1.1 to 3.03 times higher than that of methylene blue (IC50 = 143.6 µM). Most of the synthesized oxadiazole derivatives provided significant protection against induced HRBCs lysis, revealing the nontoxic effect of the synthesized compounds, thus making them safe drug candidates. The results unveiled oxadiazole derivatives 2b, 2c, 3b, 4a, 4c, and 5a as multitarget anti-AD agents. The high AChE inhibitory potential can be computationally explained by the synthesized oxadiazole derivatives’ significant interactions with the AChE active site. Compound 2b showed good physicochemical properties. All these data suggest that 2b could be considered as a promising candidate for future development.

Abstract Background RNA–DNA hybrids or R-loops are associated with deleterious genomic instability and protective immunoglobulin class switch recombination (CSR). However, the underlying phenomenon regulating the two contrasting functions of R-loops is unknown. Notably, the underlying mechanism that protects R-loops from classic RNase H-mediated digestion thereby promoting persistence of CSR-associated R-loops during CSR remains elusive. Results Here, we report that during CSR, R-loops formed at the immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain are modified by ribose 2′-O-methylation (2′-OMe). Moreover, we find that 2′-O-methyltransferase fibrillarin (FBL) interacts with activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) associated snoRNA aSNORD1C to facilitate the 2′-OMe. Moreover, deleting AID C-terminal tail impairs its association with aSNORD1C and FBL. Disrupting FBL, AID or aSNORD1C expression severely impairs 2′-OMe, R-loop stability and CSR. Surprisingly, FBL, AID’s interaction partner and aSNORD1C promoted AID targeting to the IgH locus. Conclusion Taken together, our results suggest that 2′-OMe stabilizes IgH-associated R-loops to enable productive CSR. These results would shed light on AID-mediated CSR and explain the mechanism of R-loop-associated genomic instability.

The study aimed to harden two grape cultivars, Superior and Red globe shoots grown in vitro by adding different PEG concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g L-1) to the growth medium (MS + 2 mg L-1 BA) for inducing in vitro drought stress. Biochemical compounds directly impacted by drought were assessed 30 days after planting to determine the modifications of their metabolic pathways to adapt to the drought and shoots survived. Compared to the control treatment, the addition of PEG resulted in a significant increase in the antioxidants produced in the explant (anthocyanin, proline, total sugars, and catalase enzyme) as well as a significant decrease in the explant content of malondialdehyde and chlorophyll. The results also demonstrated that the cultivars differed significantly in all the studied traits. Likewise, the interaction coefficients between the cultivars and the added PEG concentrations achieved significant differences from the control for each cultivar separately. The largest anthocyanin concentration for the Red globe and Superior cultivars (24.46 and 13.30 mg 100 g-1) proline (25.08 and 20.75 mmol g-1), respectively, obtained from shoots growing in media supplied with 20 g l-1 PEG While the most significant percentage of total sugars (11.17 and 10.58%), respectively, were obtained from shoots grown in media content 40 gm L-1 PEG, While the highest catalase enzyme concentration for the two cultivars Red globe and Superior (9.01 and 8.21 units mg-1) and was obtained from shoots grown in the presence of 40 and 20 g l-1 PEG, respectively.