Exploring the multi-faceted potential: Synthesized ZnO nanostructure - Characterization, photocatalysis, and crucial biomedical applications.

This research describes the methodology for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). It demonstrates a unique, cost-effective, and non-toxic chemical technique for producing ZnO-NPs using the precipitation method with NaOH as reducing and capping agents. The formed nanoparticles have been characterized and analyzed using numerous techniques such as; Fluorescence emission spectroscopy (FL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet-visible optical absorption (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Also, the analytical technique X-ray diffraction studies has been used which showed that the ZnO-NPs had a Wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 34.27 nm. The form and the size of the synthesized ZnO-NPs have been seen in SEM and TEM photographs. Using J-image, particle size has been obtained at 13.33 nm, and the grain boundaries were all approximately spherical. Peaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the NPs indicate the presence of carboxylate (COO) and hydroxyl (O-H) functional groups. According to these findings, Zn interstitial defects are responsible for the 380 nm emission peak. Since EDX could not identify any impurities below the detection threshold, we may be sure that Zn and O are the principal components of the synthesized sample. ZnO-NPs cause an absorption band at 350.34 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum and a band gap of 3.24 eV. The catalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated by investigating their effectiveness in degrading crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) dyes, along with assessing the degradation rates. The results demonstrated a high degradation efficiency, with ZnO NPs achieving approximately 96.72 % degradation for CV and 97.169 % for MB dyes, underscoring their remarkable efficacy in the degradation process. As for antimicrobial activity assessment, the results revealed that the ZnO-NPs had negligible impact on Gram-negative bacteria, whereas they exhibited a discernible effect on Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, it showed anti-cancer potential against colon (SW480), breast (MDA-231), and cervix (HELA) lines cells as seen by (MTT) assay. Hence, due to its simplified processes and cheaper chemicals, our synthesis technique may use in industrial settings for various applications.

Designing Green Synthesis-Based Silver Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Theranostics and Cancer Invasion Prevention.

Introduction: Researchers are increasingly favouring the use of biological resources in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. This synthesis process is quick and affordable. The current study examined the antibacterial and anticancer effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from the Neurada procumbens plant. Biomolecules derived from natural sources can be used to coat AgNPs to make them biocompatible. Methods: UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to verify the synthesis of AgNPs from Neurada procumbens plant extract, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize their morphology, crystalline structure, stability, and coating. Results: UV-visible spectrum of AgNPs shows an absorption peak at 422 nm, indicating the isotropic nature of these nanoparticles. As a result of the emergence of a transmission peak at 804.53 and 615.95 cm-1 in the spectrum of the infrared light emitted by atoms in a sample, FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that the Ag stretching vibration mode is metal-oxygen (M-O). Electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectral analysis shows that elementary silver has a peak at 3 keV. Irradiating the silver surface with electrons, photons, or laser beams triggers the illumination. The emission peak locations have been found between 300 and 550 nm. As a result of DLS analysis, suspended particles showed a bimodal size distribution, with their Z-average particle size being 93.38 nm. Conclusion: The findings showed that the antibacterial action of AgNPs was substantially (p≤0.05) more evident against Gramme-positive strains (S. aureus and B. cereus) than E. coli. The biosynthesis of AgNPs is an environmentally friendly method for making nanostructures that have antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

Utilizing Cymbopogon Proximus Grass Extract for Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorod Needles in Dye Degradation Studies.

This study successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanorod needles (ZnO-NRNs) using an environmentally friendly method employing Cymbopogon Proximus extract. The resulting ZnO-NRNs exhibited exceptional physicochemical and structural properties, confirmed through various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The analysis revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with high crystallinity, a 3.6 eV band gap, and a notably blue-shifted absorption band. ZnO-NRNs showed impressive photocatalytic activity, degrading Rhodamine B dye by 97% under UV and visible sunlight, highlighting their photostability and reusability. This green synthesis process offers cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability for practical applications.

Electrodeposited polyaniline based carbon nanotubes fiber as efficient counter electrode in wire-shaped dye sensitized solar cells.

Electrodeposited polyaniline over the carbon nanotubes fiber (CNTF) has been investigated as potential candidate to substitutes the Pt based auxiliary electrodes in unidimensional fibrous solar cells. CNTF, with excellent electrical and mechanical properties, modified with conducting polymer (polyaniline) via facile electrodeposition process which employed as cathodic materials showed efficient electrochemical reduction of triiodide ions in the fiber shaped dye-sensitized solar cells. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed the efficacious integration of conducting polymer over the CNTF surface. The admirable electrocatalytic behavior of the fabricated electrode has investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Current density and voltage (J-V) curves are used to quantify the photovoltaic performance of devices with different counter electrodes with fixed photoanode. With lower peak to peak separation, improved current density and better fill factor, exhibited the superior efficiency of modified electrode (PANI@CNTF). As compared to pristine fiber, polyaniline modification showed the outstanding performance with improved photovoltaics and electrochemical parameters measured by theJ-Vand CV curves, respectively.

A Pilot Study of Preparedness of Dentists in the United Arab Emirates to Deal with Medical Emergencies.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the United Arab Emirates dentists' preparedness to manage medical emergencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven licensed dentists participated in this study. Dentists responded to self-administrated questionnaires that contained 23 questions divided into five parts. The first part collected data on participants' sex, years of experience, and whether they are general dental practitioner (GDP) or specialists. The second part included seven questions that asked participants to indicate if they took medical history, obtained vital signs, and attended basic life support courses. The third part included six multiple choice questions regarding the availability of emergency drugs in the dental clinic. The fourth part consisted of three multiple-choice questions that assessed the dentists' immediate response to a medical emergency. Finally, the fifth part comprised four questions to evaluate the dentists' knowledge of proper treatment of special emergency cases they may encounter in the dental offices. RESULTS: Out of the 97 participants, only 51% (N = 49) indicated that they can handle emergencies such as anaphylactic shock and syncope in the dental office. The majority of the dentists (80%) indicated that they have emergency kits. Only 46% of the specialists and 42% of the GDPs were able to correctly plan extractions in a patient with a prosthetic heart valve. Less than half of the participants (N = 35, 36%) were able to correctly answer the question regarding management of a foreign-body aspiration by attempting Heimlich/Triple maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, dentists need further hands-on training to improve their skills and knowledge about medical emergencies that could occur in the dental settings. Furthermore, we recommend that guidelines should be available in the clinic to strengthen the dentists' ability to deal with medical emergencies.

The impact of environmental and climate parameters on the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A cross-country comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors can influence the epidemiological dynamics of COVID-19. To estimate the true impact of these factors on COVID-19, climate and disease data should be monitored and analyzed over an extended period of time. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are particularly lacking in such studies. This ecological study investigates the association between climate parameters and COVID-19 cases and deaths in the GCC. METHODS: Data on temperature, wind-speed and humidity and COVID-19 cases and deaths from the six countries of the GCC were collected between 29/1/2020 and 30/3/2021. Using Spearman's correlation coefficient, we examined associations between climate parameters and COVID-19 cases and deaths by month, over four different time periods. A two-step cluster analysis was conducted to identify distinct clusters of data using climate parameters and linear regression analysis to determine which climate parameters predicted COVID-19 new cases and deaths. RESULTS: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had the highest cumulative number of COVID-19 cases while Bahrain had the highest prevalence rate per 100,000. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported the highest cumulative number of deaths while Oman recorded the highest death rate per 100,000. All GCC countries, except the UAE, reported a positive correlation between temperature and cases and deaths. Wind speed was positively correlated with cases in Qatar, but negatively correlated with cases in the UAE and deaths in KSA. Humidity was positively correlated with cases and deaths in Oman, negatively correlated in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and KSA but there was no correlation in the UAE. The most significant predictors in cluster analysis were temperature and humidity, while in the regression analysis, temperature, humidity and wind speed predicted new COVID-19 cases and deaths. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive epidemiological information on COVID-19 and climate parameters and preliminary evidence that climate may play a key role in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. This study will assist decision makers in translating findings into specific guidelines and policies for the prevention and elimination of COVID-19 transmission and infection.

In Silico Studies on Zinc Oxide Based Nanostructured Oil Carriers with Seed Extracts of Nigella sativa and Pimpinella anisum as Potential Inhibitors of 3CL Protease of SARS-CoV-2.

Coming into the second year of the pandemic, the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants continue to be a serious health hazard globally. A surge in the omicron wave, despite the discovery of the vaccines, has shifted the attention of research towards the discovery and use of bioactive compounds, being potential inhibitors of the viral structural proteins. The present study aimed at the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with seed extracts of Nigella sativa and Pimpinella anisum-loaded nanostructured oil carriers (NLC)-using a mixture of olive and black seed essential oils. The synthesized ZnO NLC were extensively characterized. In addition, the constituent compounds in ZnO NLC were investigated as a potential inhibitor for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro or Mpro) where 27 bioactive constituents, along with ZnO in the nanostructure, were subjected to molecular docking studies. The resultant high-score compounds were further validated by molecular dynamics simulation. The study optimized the compounds dithymoquinone, δ-hederin, oleuropein, and zinc oxide with high docking energy scores (ranging from -7.9 to -9.9 kcal/mol). The RMSD and RMSF data that ensued also mirrored these results for the stability of proteins and ligands. RMSD and RMSF data showed no conformational change in the protein during the MD simulation. Histograms of every simulation trajectory explained the ligand properties and ligand-protein contacts. Nevertheless, further experimental investigations and validation of the selected candidates are imperative to take forward the applicability of the nanostructure as a potent inhibitor of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) for clinical trials.

Corrigendum: Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Aspergillus niger on Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumonia In Vitro and In Vivo.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.748739.].

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Aspergillus niger on Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumonia In Vitro and In Vivo.

Currently, the mortality rate in Saudi Arabia's ICUs is increasing due to the spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing bacteria. This study was carried out to evaluate the ability of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Aspergillus niger to overcome carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (KPC) in vitro and in vivo. ZnO-NPs were synthesized via a biological method and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Zetasizer and zeta potential analyses, x-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In vitro sensitivity of KPC to ZnO-NPs was identified using the well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by a macro-dilution method. The morphological alteration of KPC cells after ZnO-NPs treatment was observed by SEM. The in vivo susceptibility of KPC cells to ZnO-NPs ointment was evaluated using wound healing in experimental rats. The chemical characterization findings showed the formation, stability, shape, and size of the synthesized nanoparticles. The MIC and MBC were 0.7 and 1.8 mg/ml, respectively. The in vivo results displayed reduced inflammation and wound re-epithelialization of KPC-infected rats. These findings demonstrated that ZnO-NPs have great potential to be developed as antibacterial agents.

Oral candidal carriage and its association with dental carious lesions in asymptomatic adults: a cross-sectional study from the UAE.

BACKGROUND: Candida's potential association with dental caries has previously been reported in children. This research aimed at investigating the associations between Candida species in whole saliva and dental and periodontal health indices in a sample of adult patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 160 patients investigated the associations between Candida species collected by oral rinse technique, and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS), and periodontal health indices. Chi-square and Independent Samples t-test were used to assess the associations between Candida carriage and confounding variables. Binary logistic regression was used to assess association strengths between Candida carriage and DMFS, adjusted for socio-demographic variables, diabetes mellitus and plaque index. RESULTS: Candida colonies were identified in 49 (30.6%) patients with CFUs ranging from 103 to 105 colonies per mL. The quantity of Candida CFUs increased with age (r = 0.200; p < 0.05). Among all dental and periodontal health indices, only DMFS was significantly associated with higher values of Candida carriage (p = 0.034), and this association was independent from sex, age, smoking, diabetes mellitus and plaque index (OR: 1.014; 95% CI 1.0-1.03; p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The association between Candida species in whole saliva and DMFS reported here supports an etiological role of Candida in dental cariogenesis among adults.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Citrus limon peels and evaluation of their antibacterial and cytotoxic properties.

The present work aimed to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biological waste products Citrus limon peels, its characterization, antimicrobial activities and the cytotoxic effect of the synthesized green AgNPs. Characterization of the prepared AgNPs showed the formation of spherical, and few agglomerated AgNPs forms as measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The average size of the prepared AgNPs was 59.74 nm as measured by DLS technique. The spectrum of the synthesized AgNPs was observed at 3 KeV using the EDX. On the other hand, FTIR analysis of the green synthesized AgNPs showed the presence of alcohols, phenolics, mono-substituted alkynes, aliphatic primary amines, sodium salt, amino acid, or SiOH alcohol groups. The antimicrobial studies of the formed AgNPs showed positive activity against most of the studied human pathogenic bacteria with varying degrees. Finally, the evaluation of the cytotoxic effect of the green synthesized AgNPs were done using two types of cell lines, human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT-116). The results revealed the concentration has a direct correlation with cell viability. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of MCF-7 cell line was in of 23.5 ± 0.97 µL/100 µL, whereas the HCT-116 cell line was in 37.48 ± 5.93 µL/100 µL.

Prevalence and determinants of overweight/obesity among school-aged adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study of private and public schools.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and predictors of obesity among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Private and public secondary schools. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents aged 13-19 years; 434 (46.6%) from private schools and 498 (53.4%) from public schools. MEASURES: Self-report questionnaires were used to assess adolescents' sociodemographic factors, fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake and physical activity. Participants' weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and body fat percentage (%BF) were measured, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Overweight/obesity was determined by BMI ≥85th percentile for age, abdominal obesity (AO) (WC, WHtR and WHR) and %BF. RESULTS: A total of 34.7% of participants were overweight/obese (BMI ≥85th percentile) and 378 (40.6%) had high %BF. AO was noted in 47.3%, 22.7% and 27.1% of participants, based on WC, WHR and WHtR, respectively. Significantly more participants from public schools were overweight/obese (37.8% vs 31.1%) and had greater AO (based on WC, WHR, WHtR) compared with those from private schools. Predictors of obesity based on BMI were: consuming less than five servings of F/V (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.41, 95% CI: 1.73 to 3.36), being physically inactive (AOR 2.09, CI: 1.36 to 3.22) and being men (AOR 3.35, 95% CI: 2.20 to 5.10). Predictors of AO were being men (WC: AOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.00; WHtR: AOR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.81 to 4.08); studying at public school (WHR: AOR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.66); being Emirati (WHR: AOR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.90); consuming less than five servings of F/V (WC: AOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.30; WHtR: AOR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.03), and being physically inactive (WC: AOR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.35). CONCLUSIONS: Focused interventions are needed to combat obesity while considering AO indicators and BMI to diagnose obesity in adolescents.

Green nanogold activity in experimental breast carcinoma in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) has been deployed widely in technologies and many concerns have emerged about the hazardous effect on human health after NPs exposure. OBJECTIVE: Green synthesis of gold NPs (AuNPs) and assessment of their activity in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer mouse model. METHODS: Chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) was used in formation of AuNPs with the help of Curcuma longa as aqueous reducing extract and stabilizing agent at room temperature. Formed NPs were characterized with UV-Vis spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zetasizer measurement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Virgin female albino mice with DMBA-induced breast cancer were treated with formed AuNPs for 5 consecutive days and were dissected after 28 days of the beginning of treatment. RESULTS: UV-Vis spectrometry showed absorbance maximum peak at 530 nm for formed AuNPs, FTIR confirmed formation of plant extract layer around formed NPs; zetasizer measurement revealed 278.2 nm as an average size of produced NPs; SEM and TEM approved formation of monodisperse spherical AuNPs. Biochemical analysis of untreated breast cancer group revealed marked changes in liver and kidney functions manifested by raised activity levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Whereas, the treated group with AuNPs post-breast cancer induction displayed reduction in the activities (of ALT, AST and creatinine), while the BUN activity level was raised. Histopathological examination showed heavy incidence of tumor foci in the breast and lymph nodes belonged to the untreated breast cancer group confirmed with intense response to Ki-67 antibodies. While the treated group with AuNPs post-breast cancer induction showed degenerated tumor foci in the breast and lymph nodes with weak response to Ki-67 antibodies. CONCLUSION: AuNPs were successfully synthesized using HAuCl4 and C. longa extract confirmed their ability to control DMBA-induced breast cancer in virgin female Swiss albino mice.

Greener Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Characterization and Multifaceted Applications.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique properties compared to their bulk counterparts, and they have potentials for various applications in many fields of life science. Green-synthesized NPs have garnered considerable interest due to their inherent features such as rapidity, eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana as a reducing agent. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The antimicrobial potential of the synthesized ZnO NPs against bacterial and fungal strains was examined by the disk diffusion method, and they showed a promising antibacterial and antifungal potential. The catalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO NPs in reducing methylene blue (MB) and eosin was studied via UV-Vis spectroscopy. The decolorization percentages of the MB and Eosin Y dyes were 84% and 94%, respectively, which indicate an efficient degradation of the ZnO NPs. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of the ZnO NPs on the HeLa cell line was evaluated via in vitro assay. The MTT assay results demonstrate a potent cytotoxic effect of the ZnO NPs against the HeLa cancer cell line.

The Beneficial Effect of Eco-Friendly Green Nanoparticles Using Garcinia mangostana Peel Extract against Pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes in Female BALB/c Mice.

Listeria monocytogenes is a psychrophilic bacterium, which causes widespread zoonosis in the natural environment, and mainly affects goat, sheep, and cattle herds. Recently, we predicted that it can be transmitted through food. It causes listeriosis, a severe infectious disease, which occurs with food contaminated with the pathogenic bacterium. Anti-inflammatory factors are important to treat the dangers of chronic inflammation associated with chronic diseases. Natural foodstuffs have made and are continuing to make vital contributions to the search for new antilisterial agents. The use of natural products in association with silver nanoparticles has drawn attention because of its easy, nonpathogenic, eco-friendly, and economical protocol. Hence, we aimed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Garcinia mangostana peel extract, which was found to be a good source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, their formation being confirmed by color change and stability in solution, and investigated the antilisterial activity of these nanoparticles in a murine model of L. monocytogenes infection. A total of 28 mice were divided into four groups-healthy control, infected, infected mice treated with green Ag-NPs biosynthesized with G. mangostana (5 mg/mL), and infected mice pretreated with Ag-NPs. From our results, oral treatment with Ag-NPs biosynthesized with G. mangostana peel extract resulted in a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and increased the levels of the antiapoptotic protein, compared with the untreated mice. These results indicate that G. mangostana may provide therapeutic value against L. monocytogenes-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alterations, and that these effects may be related to antiapoptotic and antioxidant activities.

Dentine hypersensitivity and dentine exposure in Arab patient populations.

BACKGROUND: Dentine hypersensitivity is a frequent oral complaint that is usually associated with several factors including diet and oral hygiene practices. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, severity and correlates of dentine hypersensitivity and dentine exposure-related risk indicators in a sample from six Arab countries. METHODS: A multinational cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 2924 participants, attending dental practices, aged 18-35 years from six Arab countries. Trained examiners assessed dentine hypersensitivity using the Schiff scale and scored the tooth with the highest value in each sextant. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed the frequency of drinking and eating acidic foods and their oral health habits. RESULTS: Overall, the Schiff score 1 was found in 938 (32.6%), score 2 in 613 (21%) and score 3 in 274 (9%) of the participants. There was variation between countries with Saudi Arabia (13.9%) and Oman (15%) having the highest prevalence of hypersensitivity and Kuwait (2.2) and Jordan the lowest (4.8%). Participants who experienced toothache and difficulty eating once a day were significantly more likely to have Schiff score 2 or 3 (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.54-2.87; OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04-1.73, respectively). Furthermore, drinking soft drinks once a day was also significantly associated with dentine exposure (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.65). CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, dentine sensitivity and exposure were common in Arab patient populations.

Clinical Efficacy Associated with Enhanced Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract, Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Murine Model of Leishmania major.

Leishmaniasis is one of the most significant vector-borne syndromes of individuals. This parasitic infection can be affected by many species of Leishmania, most of which are zoonotic. Natural products have made and are continuing to make important contributions to the search for new antileishmanial agents. The use of plants in the production assembly of silver nanoparticles has drawn attention because of its rapid, eco-friendly, non-pathogenic, economical protocol and provides a single step technique for the biosynthetic process. Hence, we aimed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and investigated the antileishmanial activity of these nanoparticles in a murine model of Leishmania major infection. A total of 50 mice were used and divided into five groups-healthy control, infected, infected mice treated with pentostam, infected mice treated with Ag-NPs and infected mice pretreated with Ag-NPs. In the present study, the leaf extract of the plant species Moringa oleifera was found to be a good source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, their formation being confirmed by color change and stability in solution. In the present murine model of Leishmania major infection, we found that oral treatment with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Moringa oleifera extract resulted in a significant reduction in the average size of leishmaniasis cutaneous lesions compared with untreated mice. Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of Moringa oleifera extract was associated with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, treatment with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Moringa oleifera extract has higher and faster clinical efficacy than standard pentavalent antimonial treatment, probably by boosting the endogenous antioxidant activity.

Assessment of Elementary School Teachers' Level of Knowledge and Attitude regarding Traumatic Dental Injuries in the United Arab Emirates.

INTRODUCTION: In this cross-sectional study, the level of knowledge and attitude of elementary school teachers regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDI) were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 330 elementary school teachers in 30 randomly selected schools in the Emirates of Sharjah and Dubai. The questionnaire collected information on participants' demographic characteristics, first aid training, and attitude about emergency management of TDI. RESULTS: 292 teachers (88%) completed the questionnaires; of these, 95% were females, and 50% of the participants had first aid training. Knowledge about tooth avulsion was inadequate, and first aid training was not associated with correct responses to management of avulsed teeth (p > 0.05). A significantly higher percentage of younger teachers (p < 0.05) expressed the need for future education on TDI management. A significantly higher percentage of participants who had an educational position (95%) indicated that they did not have enough knowledge regarding TDI compared to physical education teachers (79%) and administrators (87%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elementary school teachers in the UAE have a low level of knowledge regarding the management of dental trauma. Educational programs that address TDI are needed and could improve the elementary school teachers' level of knowledge in emergency management of TDI.

The effect of rubber dam on atmospheric bacterial aerosols during restorative dentistry.

Rotatory dental instruments generate atmospheric aerosols that settle on various surfaces, including the dentist's head. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess bacterial contamination of the dentist's head and to evaluate whether it is affected by using a rubber dam. Senior dental students (n=52) were asked to wear autoclaved headscarves as collection media while performing restorative dental treatment with and without a rubber dam. Four points from each headscarf were swabbed for bacterial culture after 30min of operative work. Bacterial contamination was quantified by counting the colony-forming units. Regardless of the collection point, using a rubber dam was associated with more bacterial colony-forming units than not using a rubber dam (P=0.009). Despite its clinical value, the rubber dam seems to result in significantly higher aerosol levels on various areas of the dentist's head, requiring that dentists cover their heads with suitable protective wear.

Reporting child abuse cases by dentists working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Reporting of suspicious cases of child abuse is a sensitive issue that is often hindered by uncertainty of diagnosis. This cross sectional study aimed to assess the UAE dentists' experiences in child abuse recognition, the factors that prevent them from reporting suspicious cases to authorities and their perceived training needs. A closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 350 dentists working in the UAE. Chi Square test was used to determine association between training needs on child abuse and its reporting rate. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between perceived training needs and other covariates. One hundred and ninety three respondents satisfied the inclusion criteria. Forty seven (25%) dentists reported encountering a suspicious child abuse case at least once in their career, but only 15 (32%) of those reported their suspicion. Fear of making the wrong diagnosis was the most frequent challenge hindering reporting and dentists who demonstrated a need for specialized training were more likely to express this fear (OR = 5.88, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.45; P = 0.00). The majority of UAE dentists do not report their suspicion to authorities and specialized training should be offered to build dentists' capacity in diagnosing and appropriately reporting suspicious child abuse cases.