Children's Ages, Reasons, and Experiences for First Dental Visit and Barriers of a Late Visit: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the age and reason of pediatric patients at the first visit and the barriers to a late visit. METHODOLOGY: A study was conducted among guardians of children attending the Outpatient Pediatric Dentistry Department. Children who visit the dentist for the first time were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used and the behavior of children was evaluated by using Frankl's scale. Descriptive statistics was used to explore the general data. RESULTS: A total of 211 children had their first dental visit. The majority (n = 112, 53.1%) visited the dentist for the first time at the age of three to six years. Reasons for the first dental visit for most children were dental caries (n = 118, 32.8%) followed by dental pain (n = 114, 31.7%). More than half of the parents (n = 160, 75.8%) reported that the overall experience of the first visit was very good. The highest reported barriers to a late dental visit were that the child's not complaining of dental problems (n = 60, 20.5%) and dental fear and anxiety (n = 58, 19.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the children in this study visited the dentist for the first time beyond the internationally recommended age and the reason behind this visit is to relieve a specific chief complaint. Moreover, the barriers contributing to the postponement of a child's first dental visit vary in this study. The child not complaining of any dental problems and dental fear and anxiety were the highest reported barriers.

Diagnosis and management of a rare case of encysted hydrocele of spermatic cord: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A hydrocele is typically a non-cancerous condition that arises from the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the vaginal process. Diagnosis primarily involves a physical examination. In instances where the condition is mistaken for other pathological conditions, additional investigations may be undertaken. Surgical intervention is typically deferred until after the age of one year, unless the hydrocele is significantly large. CASE PRESENTATION: A case was presented of a 4-year-old boy who was referred to the hospital with a suspected deep inguinal hernia. Upon examination, it was determined that the mass was actually an encysted hydrocele of spermatic cord. The patient underwent a minimally invasive surgery to remove the spermatocele, and the procedure was successful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: This emphasizes the importance of obtaining a detailed patient history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination, which often provide sufficient information to make a diagnosis. In many instances, these initial steps can spare patients from undergoing additional tests that may be invasive or pose unnecessary risks. CONCLUSION: It is important to note that in cases of hydroceles, conservative treatment, such as observation, is the primary approach before the age of one year. Surgery is typically reserved for older children or those with large hydroceles.

Evaluating the impact of scan body angulation and geometric attachments on the accuracy of complete-arch digital implant impressions: A comparison of two intraoral scanners.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of scan body (SB) angulation and geometric attachments (GAs) on the deviations of complete-arch digital implant impressions obtained using intraoral scanners (IOSs), in relation to the gold-standard desktop scanner. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two IOSs (iTero and Omnicam), two SB angulations (0 degrees and 30 degrees), and GAs for the SBs were investigated. SBs were attached to an edentulous maxillary cast with the following implant analogs: parallel 0-degree at positions #13, #23, and #26, and 30-degree posteriorly tilted at position #16. The cast was digitized using a reference desktop scanner, followed by ten consecutive digital scans using each IOS (five scans with GAs and five without GAs, n = 20). Meshes obtained from the IOS scans were superimposed on the master reference mesh. Linear distance and 3D surface deviations from the reference mesh were calculated. A three-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to assess the effects of angulation, IOS type, and GAs on the combined dependent variables (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant three-way interaction was observed between IOS type, SB angulation, and GAs for combined deviations from the reference scan (p = 0.56). Simple main effect analysis revealed that iTero exhibited significantly lower mean 3D surface and linear deviations than Omnicam (p < 0.05). Additionally, the use of GAs significantly reduced deviations (p < 0.001), with mean deviation reductions for both scanners ranging from 26-33 micrometers (µm) for 3D deviations and 15-21 µm for linear distance deviations. No differences were found between angled and parallel SBs regarding 3D surface and linear distance deviations (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ITero demonstrated significantly smaller deviations, and the use of GAs led to significantly reduced distance and 3D surface deviations. SB angulations did not impact scan deviations.

Thickness-Dependent Light Transmittance and Temperature Rise in Dual-Cure Bioactive and Light-Cure Bulk-Fill Composite Resins.

This study aimed to assess the light transmittance (T) and temperature increase through different increments of dual-cure bioactive bulk-fill restorative material (ACTIVA), light-cure bulk-fill, and conventional composite resin materials. Cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 8 mm and heights of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm of ACTIVA, Tetric-N-Ceram bulk-fill (TBF), Filtek One bulk-fill (FBF), and Filtek Z250 (FZ) (n = 6 per group, 96 in total) were light-cured with a visible blue low-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) (650-800 mW/cm2 irradiance). T, and the temperature increase, were measured using an optical power meter and a digital thermometer during curing. The T mean values ranged between 0.012 and 0.239 (76.02 to 98.81% light attenuation), while the temperature rise mean values ranged between 9.02 and 20.80 °C. The parameters, including material type (partial eta squared (ηp2) = 0.284, p < 0.0001), thickness (ηp2 = 0.284, p < 0.0001), and their interaction (ηp2 = 0.185, p = 0.047), significantly affected the T values, whereas only the material type (ηp2 = 0.352, p = 0.047) affected the temperature rise values. The T and temperature rise mean values were highest in ACTIVA increments of 1-mm increments, in particular, showing the highest T mean values, followed by similar increments of TBF. A significantly higher T was found in 1-mm increments compared to thicker increments for all materials (p < 0.0001), and a significant positive correlation existed between T and temperature rise values (r = 0.348, p = 0.001). These findings show that the bioactive material ACTIVA and TBF allow for better T than the other materials, with ACTIVA recording a higher temperature rise. However, the large light attenuation observed for all materials, irrespective of thickness, suggests that curing in more than one location with a low-intensity LED is necessary to optimize the curing process. Furthermore, incremental filling of bulk-fill materials using a low intensity LED could be beneficial.

Evaluation of separating media for autopolymerizing acrylic resin fabricated on 3D-printed acrylate-based resin dental casts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited data are available regarding the most suitable separating medium for fabricating dental acrylic resin prostheses or appliances on 3-dimensional (3D)-printed resin casts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate and evaluate different separating media in terms of the ease of removal and detail reproduction of an autopolymerizing acrylic resin fabricated on acrylate-based 3D-printed resin casts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cube-shaped cast was designed with a built-in truncated cone-shaped hole and a V-shaped groove at the base. Seventy-five casts were 3D-printed using acrylate-based resin and assigned to 5 groups according to the applied separating media: Siliform BEA (silicone-based), IMPRIMO 3D (alginate-based), 3D Modellisolierung (wax-based), TECHNOSIL (alginate-based), and none (control). After the application of the separating media, the truncated cone-shaped holes in the specimens were filled with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. The efficacy of the separating media was evaluated according to the ease of removal on a scale of 1 to 3 and accurate detail reproduction of the V-shaped groove on a scale of 1 to 3 under ×6 magnification. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis rank test was used to identify significant differences among the separating media (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the groups (P<.001). Siliform BEA and 3D Modellisolierung had the best mean rank in both the ease of removal and detail reproduction scores, which were significantly different from those of the alginate-based separating media (IMPRIMO 3D and TECHNOSIL) and the control group (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The dedicated silicone- and wax-based separating media for 3D-printed casts exhibited the most favorable performance in terms of ease of removal and detail reproduction.

Therapeutic impact of purified Trichoderma viride L-asparaginase in murine model of liver cancer and in vitro Hep-G2 cell line.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the common cancers, but difficult to diagnose and treat. L-asparaginase has been introduced in the treatment protocol of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since the 1960s with a good outcome and increased survival rates to nearly 90%. Moreover, it has been found to have therapeutic potential in solid tumors. Production of glutaminase-free-L-asparaginase is of interest to avoid glutaminase-related toxicity and hypersensitivity. In the current study, an extracellular L-asparaginase that is free of L-glutaminase was purified from the culture filtrate of an endophytic fungus Trichoderma viride. The cytotoxic effect of the purified enzyme was evaluated in vitro against a panel of human tumor cell lines and in vivo against male Wister albino mice intraperitoneally injected with diethyl nitrosamine (200 mg/kg bw), followed by (after 2 weeks) oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (2 mL/kg bw). This dose was repeated for 2 months, and after that, the blood samples were collected to estimate hepatic and renal injury markers, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS: L-asparaginase was purified from T. viride culture filtrate with 36 purification folds, 688.1 U/mg specific activity, and 38.9% yield. The highest antiproliferative activity of the purified enzyme was observed against the hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cell line, with an IC50 of 21.2 g/mL, which was higher than that observed for MCF-7 (IC50 34.2 g/mL). Comparing the DENA-intoxicated group to the negative control group, it can be demonstrated that L-asparaginase adjusted the levels of the liver function enzymes and the hepatic injury markers that had previously changed with DENA intoxication. DENA causes kidney dysfunction and altered serum albumin and creatinine levels as well. Administration of L-asparaginase was found to improve the levels of the tested biomarkers including kidney and liver function tests. L-asparaginase treatment of the DENA-intoxicated group resulted in a significant improvement in the liver and kidney tissues to near normal similar to the healthy control group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this purified T. viride L-asparaginase may be able to delay the development of liver cancer and may be used as a potential candidate for future application in medicine as an anticancer medication.

Dental Treatment Characteristics of Autistic Children and Differences in Dental Procedures under General Anesthesia Relative to Healthy Counterparts.

Here, we assess the dental treatment characteristics among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare the dental procedures delivered under general anesthesia (GA) with those of healthy-matched counterparts. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data from medical records of ASD children (n = 82) which included demographic profile, medical status (including the severity of the ASD and associated comorbidities), and dental history (including dental visits, behavior, care approach, and dental procedures provided). For those children who received dental GA (DGA) (n = 64), we compared all procedures delivered and the number of repeat sessions with healthy children (n = 64). Our results reveal that most ASD children (78%) received DGA, mainly with one repeat session (63.4%). The dental procedures provided to the children differed significantly according to the severity of the ASD and the behavior of the children. Furthermore, increasing severity led to significantly worse behavior of the children, increased need for DGA and repeat sessions. Comparison of the dental procedures under GA with healthy children revealed a significantly lower mean of almost all dental procedures in ASD children, except fissure-sealed teeth (p < 0.05). Considering these findings, DGA is unavoidable for ASD children with moderate-to-severe conditions or negative behavior in the dental office, even when their dental needs are lower than healthy children. The severity of ASD was the most important factor affecting the behavior of the children and the care approach they received. Along with children's behavior, they most influenced the dental procedures delivered and the need for repeat DGA.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride Compared to Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Against Streptococcus mutans in a Biofilm Caries Model

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the antibacterial efficacy of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) with a product containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) against Streptococcus mutans using a biofilm caries model. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven saliva-coated dentine blocks obtained from extracted human teeth were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans monospecies biofilm in this in vitro study. The biofilms were then exposed to 10% sucrose in brain heart infusion broth eight times daily for seven days. After the biofilm growth period, the dentine blocks (n=9 per group) were treated with one of the following substances: 1) sterile saline (control), 2) 38% SDF, and 3) a product containing CPP-ACP. Then, the samples were incubated at 37ºC for 48 hours, and the numbers of viable microorganisms in the biofilms were counted and compared. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests were used to analyze the data (p<0.05). Results: The number of viable bacteria, as determined by the number of colony-forming units (CFU mL-1) of Streptococcus mutans, was significantly reduced following treatment with SDF and the CPP-ACP product (p<0.05). However, SDF showed superior antibacterial activity compared to the CPP-ACP product (mean CFU mL-1 =zero compared to 96 x106) (p<0.05). Conclusion: SDF has higher antibacterial activity against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans biofilm than the CPP-ACP product. The CPP-ACP product showed antibacterial activity, but it was limited.

Ki-67 pulmonary immunoreactivity in silver nanoparticles toxicity: Size-rate dependent genotoxic impact.

Engineered nanoparticles have been recently utilized in numerous domains particularly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Nonetheless, the possible side effects resulting from AgNPs exposure are not fully clarified. The present study was designed to clarify the toxicity of AgNPs on lung tissue. Furthermore, therapeutic impact of Glycosmis pentaphylla (G. pentaphylla) and Casimiroa edulis (C. edulis) leaves extracts in addition to mucilage and protein (the purified compounds from C. edulis) was investigated against AgNPs induced pulmonary toxicity. Male Swiss albino mice were administered AgNPs orally in two different particle sizes (20 nm and 100 nm) for one month and was further treated via G. pentaphylla, C. edulis, mucilage and protein in a dose of 500 mg/ kg for three weeks. Biochemical, molecular, immunohistochemistry, and histopathological investigations were further assessed. An obvious alteration in oxidative stress biomarkers as well as mRNA gene expression of both survivin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) was recorded in AgNPs intoxicated group. In addition to, exploration of positive nuclei for Ki-67 was also observed upon AgNPs intoxication. Data declared a significant improvement in the assessed parameters upon G. pentaphylla, C. edulis, mucilage and protein treatment. In conclusion; G. pentaphylla and C. edulis extracts could be considered as a promising candidate as therapeutic regimen against pulmonary toxicity induced via AgNPs due to their enrichment with different active constituents. Practical applications: Due to the expansion of AgNPs applications, it is urgent to investigate their toxic impact associated with release of free silver ions. Different particle sizes of AgNPs can induce various alterations in cellular biochemical parameters, mRNA gene expression, histopathological and immunohistopathological examination. Herein, this natural products extracts are used for the first time as promising therapeutic regimen to ameliorate the toxic effect in AgNPs intoxicated lung tissue in mice model as a result of the bioactive metabolites, especially flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.

Mitigation of apoptosis-mediated neurotoxicity induced by silver nanoparticles via rutaceae nutraceuticals: P53 activation and Bax/Bcl-2 regulation.

Rapid progress in nano-scales and nanostructure extremely altered the way of diagnosing or preventing numerous diseases. One of the most important nano-medicines used in cancer treatment and diagnosis is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Regardless of their extensive utilization, their prospective neurotoxicity wasn't studied yet. Herein, male Swiss Albino mice were intoxicated via two Nano-scales of AgNPs; (20 nm and 100 nm) for one month (100 mg/kg) then treated by leaves extracts of both Casimiroa edulis (C. edulis) and Glycosmis pentaphylla (G. pentaphylla), in addition to, mucilage and protein, the separated compounds from C. edulis fruits and seeds respectively in a dose of (500 mg/kg). Molecular, Biochemical and histopathological examinations were then conducted. Data recorded showed a significant elevation in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and reduction in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) level post AgNPs intoxication. The oxidative stress occurred was modulated upon treatment regimens. Protein expression of C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a significant elevation and Molecular analysis recorded a significant up-regulation in the expression of both Bax and caspace-3 genes upon AgNPs intoxication in both particles size. On the contrary, both Bcl2 and P53 gene expression were shown to be significantly reduced. Treatment by C. edulis, G. pentaphylla, protein and mucilage extracts revealed modulation in apoptotic and pro-apoptotic biomarkers. Histopathological examination confirmed the obtained results. AgNPs exposure could induce neurotoxicity, genetic alternation and oxidative stress; the targeted extracts could be considered as a promising candidate in modulating apoptosis and neurotoxicity induced by AgNPs.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Saudi Medical Students about Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries.

Several studies indicate that physicians lack emergency management knowledge concerning traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), emphasizing the fact that medical students are not taught about this topic. This study aimed to assess the basic knowledge and attitudes of medical students in Saudi Arabia about emergency TDI management. This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of medical students in their clinical years through social networking sites and asked them to answer a pretested internationally accepted questionnaire that included demographic questions, two case scenarios about crown fractures and avulsion of permanent teeth, and self-assessment questions. The data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test (p < 0.05). A total of 761 medical students responded. Only 5.8% of the students reported receiving information about TDIs in their curriculum. Medical students, mainly those ready to graduate, were more knowledgeable of the emergency management of a crown fractured permanent tooth than an avulsed permanent tooth (p < 0.0001). However, more than half of the students were unable to differentiate between a primary versus permanent fractured tooth and would manage an avulsed primary or permanent tooth similarly. Regarding students' attitudes, less than one-quarter of the students (13.5%) were confident about diagnosing TDIs and/or providing emergency management when required (18.1%). Furthermore, only about one-tenth of the students (9.3%) were satisfied with their self-perceived knowledge, and most (71%) reported needing further education about the topic. Medical students in Saudi Arabia have insufficient knowledge about the emergency management of TDIs. Gaps in students' knowledge of emergency management of avulsion injury were identified in addition to their low confidence level to either diagnose or immediately treat TDIs if required. Students felt dissatisfied with their current knowledge level, this being most prominent among graduating students. There is a need to elaborate the undergraduate medical curriculum in Saudi Arabia to include emergency management of TDIs.

Levels and correlates of knowledge of teething among Saudi Arabian families.

Background: Parental knowledge of teething has been repeatedly investigated; however, little emphasis has been made on the associated sociodemographic factors with good knowledge of the parents and whether or not good knowledge is translated into adopting proper pain-relieving practices. The present study aims to firstly assess the knowledge level and practices of Saudi parents regarding teething and then explore associated sociodemographic variables with good knowledge of teething to determine the relation between parents' knowledge of teething and their adoption of pain-relieving practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited parents from the social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and they were asked to answer a pretested three-part internationally accepted questionnaire. Data were examined using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient analysis. Results: One thousand four hundred ninety-nine parents responded and returned completed questionnaires. Of those, only 11.2% had good knowledge of teething. The majority of parents did not have basic knowledge of the teething period as well as believed that teething was associated with a runny nose (87.5%), diarrhea (77.9%), and sleep disturbance (72%). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with no primary school education (Odds Ratio: 0.29), or those who had an intermediate or secondary education level (OR: 0.55 and 0.78) were less likely to have good knowledge compared with parents who had a university degree. However, parents who earned intermediate monthly income (OR: 6.63) were more likely to have good knowledge of teething. With regards to practices used to relieve teething pain, inappropriate practices were observed regarding bottle feeding at night to soothe the child's pain (72%) and applying topical analgesics to rub the gum (72.4%). A significant positive correlation was found between the knowledge score and the practice score of both fathers and mothers (r = 0.22 and 0.13, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: A very low percentage of Saudi parents, mainly those with the highest education level and intermediate monthly income, had good knowledge of teething, which translated into appropriate practices to soothe the child's pain regardless of the parent's gender. Saudi parents should receive anticipatory guidance related to teething from all health professionals to ensure an uneventful teething period for their children.

Chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, and biochemical disturbances induced by silver nanoparticles in mice: role of particle size and natural compounds treatment.

CONTEXT: Nanotechnology is widely used nowadays in several fields of industry, engineering, and medicine, the biological action mechanisms of AgNPs, which mainly involve the release of silver ions (Ag+), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). OBJECTIVE: The potential toxicity AgNPs of damages to hepatic cells, hesperidin, and naringin role for their protective effect against the increase of ROS due to AgNPs toxicity. They can be restored, most cellular biochemical parameters, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and histopathological analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Toxicity was induced by an oral dose of Ag NPs of (20-100 nm) for one month, after that treated with hesperidin, naringin (100 mg/kg) for three weeks, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH) and catalase were estimated. Also, aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin, and total bilirubin were determined, following Chromosomal aberrations, DNA breaks, and histological analyses. RESULTS: hesperidin, and naringin treatment, recorded amelioration in most biochemical, genetic, and spermatogenesis disturbances Also, histological Investigations were improved. CONCLUSION: Their biological safety problems, such as potential toxicity on cells, tissue, and organs should be paid enough attention, hesperidin and naringin amelioration fundamental alterations, as hepatic architectural and DNA damage, related to its role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Effect of ambient lighting conditions on tooth color quantification in cross-polarized dental photography: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited data are available in the dental literature regarding the effect of ambient lighting on the consistency of color quantification in cross-polarized photography. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the effects of ambient lighting conditions and postprocessing photograph calibration on color quantification in cross-polarized dental photography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve volunteers with intact maxillary central incisors were recruited. Cross-polarized photographs were captured under light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent ceiling, and natural lighting. The photographs were repeated after a 1-week interval, yielding a total of 72 photographs. The average Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L∗a∗b∗ coordinates of the right central incisor were obtained with a software program before and after calibration by using a neutral gray reference card. The color difference (ΔE) values were calculated for each participant between the repeated photographs under the change and no change in illumination both before and after calibration. A 3-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare these values (α=.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant 3-way interaction was found between the illuminant type, change in illumination, and calibration (P<.001); however, all the ΔE values were within a clinically acceptable threshold (ΔE≤3.7). Before calibration, when photographs were captured under no change in illumination, LED lighting was found to have a significantly lower ΔE than fluorescent (P=.008) and natural and fluorescent lightings (P=.011), but when there was a change in illumination, no significant differences (P>.05) were found. After calibration, all the ΔE values were ≤1 and significantly lower than the values before calibration (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both the ambient illuminant type and change in illumination had minimal effects on ΔE. Calibration through the use of a neutral gray reference card was found to result in reduced and imperceptible color change (ΔE≤1) for all illuminant types.

Reduction of aerosols and splatter generated during ultrasonic scaling by adding food-grade thickeners to coolants: an in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of using food-grade coolant thickener solutions on the amount of aerosols generated and splatter contamination spread distance during simulated ultrasonic scaling was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed using a phantom lower jaw placed on a black box. Simulated ultrasonic scaling was performed for 2 min using four coolant solutions: distilled water (control), 2% wt. polyacrylic acid (PAA), 0.4% wt. xanthan gum (XA), and 0.4% wt. carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The simulation was repeated 10 times for each coolant group. The generated aerosols and droplets were quantified using a handheld particle counter, and the splatter contamination spread distance was evaluated by adding tracing fluorescent dye to the coolant reservoir supplying the scaler unit. One-way multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine the difference among coolant groups (a = .05). RESULTS: The amount of aerosols and droplets and splatter contamination distance (p < .001) pertaining to the three food-grade coolant thickener solutions were considerably lower than those for the distilled water (control). The PAA group exhibited a significantly lower splatter contamination distance (p < .001) and a number of generated droplets (p = .031) than those of the XA group. The CMC group exhibited a significantly lower splatter contamination distance (p < .001) than that of the XA group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the PAA and CMC in terms of the three dependent variables (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The food-grade coolant thickeners could reduce the amount of generated aerosols and splatter contamination distance but not completely eliminate them. PAA and CMC solutions were more effective in reducing the aerosol/splatter during scaling compared to XA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many dental procedures generate aerosols and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the patients and dental personnel, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparison of color difference and reliability of two intraoral spectrophotometers

Aim: to evaluate the intra and inter-device reliability of two intraoral spectrophotometers in measuring the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color coordinates and to compare the color difference (ΔE) between both devices. Methods: the central region of the labial surface of the maxillary central incisor of 31 participants was measured twice by each of the devices (VITA EasyShade and Degudent Shadepilot) by one examiner. CIE L*a*b* color coordinates were obtained for all teeth and ΔE was measured and compared. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Mann-whitney U test were used to analyze the data (p<0.05). Results: inter-device reliability ICCs in measuring CIE L*a*b* color coordinates ranged between 0.08-0.49 with significant difference between devices only concerning the b coordinate (p<0.05). While intra device reliability ICCs ranged between 0.86-0.89 for VITA EasyShade and 0.81-0.86 for Degudent Shadepilot. The mean ΔE for CIE L*a*b* color coordinates of VITA EasyShade was 3.61 (±1.93) compared to 3.60 (± 1.45) for Degudent Shadepilot with insignificant difference between both devices (p>0.05). Conclusions: high intra device reliability in measuring CIE L*a*b* color coordinates was achieved particularly of Vita EasyShade, and both devices had clinically acceptable color difference (ΔE <3.7) however, inter device reliability was low to moderate. Consequently, the same spectrophotometer should be used throughout the steps of performing any tooth- colored restoration

Synthesis and hyperglycemic, biochemical and histopathological evaluation of novel sulfonylbiguanide and sulfonylurea derivatives as potent anti-diabetic agents.

New sulfonylbiguanide hydrochloride salts and sulfonylurea derivatives containing two sulfonyl groups were synthesized through the reaction of arylsulfonohydrazides with cyanoguanidine and p-tolylsulfonylisocyanate, respectively. Oral treatment of hyperglycemic rats with the synthesized sulfonylbiguanide derivatives 2 and sulfonylurea derivatives 3 revealed that sulfonylurea derivatives 3a and 3c possessed significant decrease of the elevated glucose in compression with the anti-diabetic standard drugs. Effects of the synthesized sulfonylurea derivatives 3a and 3c on the diabetic properties towards α-amylase, liver function enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP, TB and γ-GT), kidney functions (urea and creatinine), lipids profiles (TG, TL, TC and HDL-C) were studied. Also, the effect of sulfonylurea derivatives 3a and 3c as antioxidants (reduced glutathione and lipid peroxide) was evaluated. Histopathological examination of hepatic and pancreatic tissues was investigated. The obtained results suggested that the most potent sulfonylurea derivatives 3a and 3c might be possible used as novel diabetic inhibitor agents.

Oral Health-Related Quality-of-Life According to Dental Caries Severity, Body Mass Index and Sociodemographic Indicators in Children with Special Health Care Needs.

This study aimed to assess the impact of dental caries' severity, body mass index (BMI), and sociodemographic factors on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) for special health care needs (SHCN) children and the suitability of their caregivers as proxies to determine OHRQoL. This cross-sectional study recruited 107 pairs of SHCN children and their caregivers and asked them to complete a questionnaire on sociodemographic issues as well as the Arabic version of the early childhood oral health impact scale (A-ECOHIS). This was followed by a dental examination. Dental caries was measured using the dmft/DMFT index, while caries' severity was also determined. The children's height and weight were measured, and BMI (kg/m2) was recorded. Data were analyzed statistically using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Poisson regression models. Our results revealed that the A-ECOHIS score was 10.93, while the OHRQoL was affected in 95.3% of children. The most-reported item was 'pain in the teeth, mouth, or jaws' (48.7%). By regression analysis, caries-free children (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.650) or those who had moderate caries (OR: 0.551) were less likely to have a negative impact on their OHRQoL than those with severe caries. Additionally, those whose caregivers had a maximum primary education (OR: 0.656) or whose occupation was in the health sector (OR: 0.721) were less likely to have a negative impact on their OHRQoL. Those who were ≤ 6 years old (OR: 1.188) were more likely to have a negative impact. BMI did not have a significant impact on the OHRQoL of the children. Further, we detected a significant positive correlation between children's dmft/DMFT scores and the A-ECOHIS scores reported by the mothers. Given these variables, which included dental caries' severity, but not BMI, and caregivers' education level and occupation, plus the child's age group, we found a significant impact on the OHRQoL. However, we found that mothers were better proxies for their children's OHRQoL.

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Dental Students and Fresh Graduates from Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and attitudes of graduating Saudi medical and dental students and fresh graduates from those faculties about pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the relation of their knowledge level to sociodemographic variables. In this cross-sectional study, 722 graduating students and fresh graduates were requested to answer a questionnaire pretested for validity and reliability. The data were analyzed statistically. Results revealed that medical participants scored 15.45 (out of 22), with 38% of them showing good knowledge about pediatric OSA, while dental participants scored 14.59, with 25.2% of them showing good knowledge. By regression analysis, medical participants (odds ratio (OR): 1.529) were more likely to have good knowledge than dental participants, while participants who belonged to institutions located in the central region (OR: 0.546) were less likely to have good knowledge than those from southern region institutions. In addition, participants from public institutions (OR: 0.290) were less likely to have good knowledge than those from private institutions. Regarding attitudes, medical participants scored 14.13 (out of 20), and dental participants scored 14.64. We detected a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores of dental participants. Given these findings, the knowledge level of graduating Saudi medical and dental students and fresh graduates about pediatric OSA was not optimal. The college type, institution sector, and location in the kingdom were factors associated with good knowledge. There is a need for further education and training about pediatric OSA in the undergraduate Saudi medical and dental curricula and continuing professional development programs about the topic after graduation.

Electrolyzed Water Generated On-Site as a Promising Disinfectant in the Dental Office During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Electrolyzed water is a safe, broad-spectrum bactericidal and viricidal agent, which can be used as a potent and effective alternative disinfectant in case of supply shortages. This report describes the on-site production of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (EW) from diluted salt solution and vinegar at a dental office using a portable EW generator unit. Such measures can ensure the safe continuity of important dental service provision for our patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVID-19) pandemic.