Influence of polishing systems on surface roughness of four resin composites subjected to thermocycling aging.

Background: Surface smoothness considered to be a significant part of the appearance and success of the restorative materials. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of four different polishing systems on surface roughness of four resin composite materials when subjected to thermocycling. Materials and Methods: This research was designed as a comparative study. Four resin composites were used which are: Nanofill composite (Filtek Supreme XT), nanohybrid composite (Tetric EvoCeram), microfill composite (Renamel Microfill), and microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250). Sixty disk-shaped specimens of each resin composite were prepared then divided into four groups according to the polishing system (n = 15); which were Sof-Lex Spiral, Diatech Shapeguard, Venus Supra, and Astropol. The specimens of each group were polished following the manufactures' instructions, then surface roughness, Ra values in µm were measured initially and after the specimens subjected to thermal cycling. The influence of resin composites, polishing systems, thermocycling, and their interaction effects on surface roughness (Ra mean values) was statistically analyzed mainly by using the repeated measures two-way analysis of variance test, whereas the Bonferroni''s post hoc test was applied for pair-wise comparisons. P ≤ 0.05 was used as the significant level. Results: The results of this study revealed that Filtek Supreme XT recorded significantly the lowest mean surface roughness (Ra) of 0.2533 ± 0.073 µm (P < 0.001). The Sof-Lex Spiral polishing system revealed significantly the lowest mean surface roughness (Ra) of 0.2734 ± 0.0903 µm (P = 0.004). Regardless of composite type and polishing system, there was a statistically significant increase in mean surface roughness values (Ra) in µm after thermocycling (0.2251 ± 0.0496 µm and 0.3506 ± 0.0868 µm, respectively) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Resin composite type, polishing method, and thermocycling aging significantly affected the surface roughness of composites; Nanofill composite and Sof-Lex Spiral polishing system provided the lowest values of surface roughness which increased after thermocycling.

Synthesis of New Bis(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines) Linked to Different Spacers as Potential MurB Inhibitors.

An efficient protocol was adopted to efficiently prepare three new series of bis(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines) linked to different spacers. The new bis(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines) were prepared in 80-90 % yields by reacting the respective bis(enaminones) and 4-(4-substituted benzyl)-1H-pyrazole-3,5-diamines in pyridine at reflux temperature for 5-7 h. The new products showed a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity against six different bacterial strains. In general, propane- and butane-linked bis(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines), which are attached to 3-(4-methyl- or 4-methoxybenzyl) units, had the best antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values up to 2.5 and 5.1 µM, respectively. Additionally, the previous products demonstrated promising MurB inhibitory activity with IC50 values up to 7.2 µM.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Programmed Death Ligand 1 in Oral Extranodal Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphomas are the third most common cancer after squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland tumors. Extranodal diffuse B cell lymphoma (DBCL) represents 30 to 58% of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. One of the major problems of DBCL is the high likelihood of disease relapse following treatment. A recent trend in the treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is blockage of an immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets the programmed death of cell ligand 1 receptors (PD-L1). PD-L1 activation results in negative regulatory signals that induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor antigen-specific T cells allowing immune evasion of the tumor.The aim of this aim is to measure the expression level of PD-L1 on oral tissue samples from DLBCL patients using immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This current study was performed at the Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Egypt. Ethical approval was conducted from Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University. Tissue samples were collected from 13 patients diagnosed with oral extranodal DLBCL) nongerminal center B cell like subtype. Both hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining (The avidin-biotin-complex procedure) was performed with anti-PD-L1 antibody (clone number: 28-8, Abcam, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States).Cytoplasmic and/or membranous positive intensity was graded as follows: very mild staining, mild staining, moderate staining, and intense staining using Image J, 1.41a (National Institutes of Health, United States) image analysis software. The mean area fraction of the stained cells was calculated by counting immunostained cells in three fields of each case by two pathologists. Data was entered in SPSS program for analysis. RESULTS: PD-L1 was overexpressed on tumor cells of oral extranodal DLBCL than control cells from lesion free areas of oral tissues of the same patient.

Serum vitamin D level in healthy individuals versus patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic oral lichen planus.

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 pro-inflammatory 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.

First report of rare persistence granulomatous extra respiratory Rhinoscleroma of oral pathology.

Rhinoscleroma (RS) is a rare chronic specific progressive granulomatous disease of the upper airway and affect the nasal cavity, larynx, nasopharynx and may spread to the lower respiratory tract. Extra-respiratory involvement has rarely been described. A case report of extra-respiratory RS with oral manifestation in Egyptian female patient has been presented as a tumour extruded from mucosal lining of upper lip. She was living in crowded conditions with malnutrition and poor hygiene. On the first look, the lesion appeared to be carcinoma without any indication of infectious disease, and then patient was prepared for incisional biopsy. Upon clinicopathological evaluation, the diagnosis was made as RS in the granulomatous stage based on the presence of dense plasma cell infiltration with Mikulicz cells and Russell bodies. Long term oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice/day was started as a single treatment. By the end of six weeks antibiotic therapy, the large granulomatous mass reached the cicatricial stage, became very stiff fibrotic mass with sclerotic scar, markedly indurated & significantly decreased in size. This case shows the significant of through clinical examination and lab investigations to achieve correct diagnosis.

The Effect of Eggshell and Seashell Nanoparticles Alone and Combined With Nd: YAG Laser on Occlusion and Remineralization Potential of Patent Dentinal Tubules: An In Vitro Study.

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.

Developing Novel Rice Genotypes Harboring Specific QTL Alleles Associated with High Grain Yield under Water Shortage Stress.

Rice is considered a strategic crop for many countries around the world, being the main cash crop for farmers. Water shortage stress occurrence as a result of climate change is among the main threats challenging rice breeders in the last few decades. In the current study, 19 Fn-lines were developed from four populations by crossing a reverse thermo-responsive genic male sterile (rTGMS) line, M.J.5460S, with the three high-quality Egyptian commercial cultivars Giza177, Sakha105, Sakha106 and the promising line GZ7768 as male parents. These newly developed lines, along with their parents, and two water shortage stress-tolerant international genotypes (Azucena and IRAT170), were cultivated under water-shortage stress conditions and compared with their performance under well-watered conditions. Results indicated that the yielding ability of the 19 newly developed lines exceeded those for the two Egyptian parents (Giza177 and Sakha105) under well-watered conditions. The lines M.J5460S/GIZA177-3 and M.J5460S/GIZA177-12 were the best performing genotypes under water shortage stress conditions. The genetic and heritability in broad sense estimates indicated that direct selection for grain yield (GY) under water-shortage stress is highly effective in the current study. Molecular marker analysis revealed that M.J5460S/GIZA177-3 had accumulated the quantitative trait loci (QTL)s, on the chromosomes 2, 3, and 9, which contribute to GY under water-shortage stress from their high yielding tolerant ancestor, M.J5460S. It could be concluded that those lines are high yielding under both well-watered and water-stress conditions harboring several QTLs for yield enhancement under both conditions and that the markers RM555, RM14551, RM3199, RM257, RM242, and RM410 are among the markers that could be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding programs for such stress condition.

Developing new lines of Japonica rice for higher quality and yield under arid conditions.

Rice is the world's largest food crop, and its production needs to be doubled by 2050 to cope with population growth and associated demand. In addition to the value of improving yields, quality is also important for breeders and consumers, but it pays less attention in arid regions. During two successive summer growing seasons, the experimental material focused on 34 genotypes developed from different crosses on Fn generation after fixation as well as six of the most recent commercial cultivars used for comparisons. The results showed that a high yield of grain followed by high milling and grain quality characteristics were observed among the 34 genotypes used in this analysis. Highly important and positive correlations between the percentage of hulling and the percentage of milling (0.424) and the yield ability could be accomplished by choosing the number of panicles per plant and the weight of the panicles. Selection criteria for good quality should be met by the percentage of head rice and many mineral elements, particularly zinc and iron. As a consequence, the genotypes M.J 5460S/SK105-1, M.J 5460S/GZ7768-1, M.J 5460S/G177-1, M.J 5460S/SK105-3 and M.J 5460S/SK106-4 had desirable high yield and quality characteristics and could be used as promising accessions to the rice breeding program in arid regions. In addition to commercial genotypes, improved Japonica rice genotypes could be produced in arid conditions for higher yield and quality, leading to an increase in total production, supporting food security and nutrition.

Classification of different pineapple varieties grown in Malaysia based on volatile fingerprinting and sensory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pineapple is highly relished for its attractive sweet flavour and it is widely consumed in both fresh and canned forms. Pineapple flavour is a blend of a number of volatile and non-volatile compounds that are present in small amounts and in complex mixtures. The aroma compounds composition may be used for purposes of quality control as well as for authentication and classification of pineapple varieties. RESULTS: The key volatile compounds and aroma profile of six pineapple varieties grown in Malaysia were investigated by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry and qualitative descriptive sensory analysis. A total of 59 compounds were determined by GC-O and aroma extract dilution analysis. Among these compounds, methyl-2-methylbutanoate, methyl hexanoate, methyl-3-(methylthiol)-propanoate, methyl octanoate, 2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone, δ-octalactone, 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, and δ-undecalactone contributed greatly to the aroma quality of the pineapple varieties, due to their high flavour dilution factor. The aroma of the pineapples was described by seven sensory terms as sweet, floral, fruity, fresh, green, woody and apple-like. CONCLUSION: Inter-relationship between the aroma-active compounds and the pineapples revealed that 'Moris' and 'MD2' covaried majorly with the fruity esters, and the other varieties correlated with lesser numbers of the fruity esters. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to establish similarities among the pineapples and the results revealed three main groups of pineapples.

Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for osteopetrosis using reduced intensity conditioning.

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.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Cystone against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in cancer patients, and its influence on cisplatin antitumor activity.

PURPOSE: Evaluating the role of cystone, a polyherbal preparation, in protecting cancer patients against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, and its impact on the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin. METHODS: A prospective open-label randomized controlled trial conducted on 49 cancer patients who received six cycles of 70 mg/m(2) cisplatin-based regimens. The study comprised two groups, a control group (A) in which 28 patients received cisplatin without cystone supplement, and an experimental group (B) in which 21 patients received cisplatin with cystone supplement. Renal function parameters including serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, blood urea, and serum cystatin C were compared between both groups throughout chemotherapy cycles. Patient response to treatment was evaluated in both groups after 3rd and 6th cycles. RESULTS: At the end of the study, mean levels of serum creatinine, blood urea, and serum cystatin C were significantly lower, whereas creatinine clearance was significantly higher in group (B) compared with group (A). In group (B), there was no significant difference between mean levels of renal markers at baseline and after completion of treatment; while significant changes were observed in group (A). Grading of acute kidney injury according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events revealed significantly better renal status among patients in group (B) "grades 0 and 1 in 76 and 24 % of the patients, respectively" compared with group (A) "grades 0, 1, and 2 in 36, 32, and 32 % of the patients, respectively". Based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, there was no significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cystone can protect cancer patients from cisplatin nephrotoxicity without interfering with its antitumor activity.