Suez Canal University

To improve the strength of large cavities, different types of fiber reinforcements are used. Polyethylene and glass fibers are two popular options, each with its own set of benefits. This study evaluated the fracture resistance and failure mode of two types of fiber reinforcements: short glass fiber-reinforced composites and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers in MOD cavities. To evaluate fracture resistance, eighty sound extracted lower third molar teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 16): intact teeth (positive control) (R1), unrestored teeth (negative control group) (R2), nanohybrid resin composite group (R3), SFRC group (R4), and Ribbond fibers group (R5). Teeth in groups R2, R3, R4, and R5 received standardized MOD cavities and were restored accordingly. R2 group left unrestored. In group R3, the prepared cavities were restored using a nanohybrid resin composite, in group R4, flowable SFRC was used as a base with nanohybrid composite layered over it. In group R5, a piece of Ribbond meshwork was applied in a U-shaped pattern, followed by the application of nanohybrid composite. Fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine. Following fracture, the teeth were examined visually and photographed via camera to determine the mode of failure. Intact teeth had the highest fracture resistance (3201.4 ± 123.4), followed by the SFRC group, the Ribbond fiber group, and the nano-hybrid resin composite group with values of 2132.9 ± 169.5, 2084.5 ± 177.2, and 1576.8 ± 118.3, respectively. Unrestored teeth had the lowest mean fracture resistance value of 354 ± 32.8. There was a statistically significant difference among all groups (P < 0.001), except for SFRC group and Ribbond fibers group which did not differ significantly (p = 0.436). Regarding failure mode results, intact teeth showed the highest repairability rate (75%), followed by the SFRC group (62.5%), the Ribbond fibers group (50%), and the nanohybrid resin composite group (31.3%). The unrestored teeth had the lowest repairability rate (12.5%). In terms of intergroup comparison, there was a significant difference among all groups (p = 0.05). Short glass and polyethylene fiber-reinforced composites have a positive impact on the fracture resistance and repairability of restored MOD cavities.

Restoring posterior primary teeth may result in issues such as improper contact points and proximal overhangs. New matrix systems were implemented to restore proper tooth contours and contacts. This study aimed to assess and compare the radiographic and clinical effectiveness, patient comfort, and operator satisfaction in Class II cavity restoration in primary molars utilizing the FenderMate matrix system versus the T-band. This randomized clinical trial involving (20 children, 40 molars), ranging between 5 and 9 years, with bilateral class II cavities in primary molars (n = 40), indicated for class II restoration. Primary molars were randomized into two groups based on the matrix system used; Group I underwent the FenderMate system, whereas Group II underwent the T-band system. We assessed the clinical and radiographical efficacy of restorations, patient comfort, operator ease and satisfaction by the end of the procedure. Data were collected, and subjected to stastical analysis utilizing the chi-square test, The Mann-Whitney U test and, the Fisher exact test with statistical significance determined at p < 0.05. The Optimum proximal contact was significantly achieved in 80% of T-band cases versus 30% with FenderMate (p = 0.006). No substantial differences were detetected between groups regarding radiographic proximal overhangs (p = 0.26) and ease of application/removal during primary molars' class II cavity restoration (p = 0.11 and p = 0.12, respectively). However, the FenderMate group experienced significant gingival trauma (p< 0.001) and restoration dislodgment (p< 0.001) but required significantly less time for application (p < 0.001). The T-band group exhibited significant patient comfort (P = 0.02, 0.0001), while FenderMate caused significant patient discomfort (P= 0.0002). T- band matrices yield better proximal contacts and patient confort, while FenderMate provides greater time efficiency. These findings might assist clinicians in matrix selection for pediatric Class II restorations. This current controlled trial was registered at clinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT06447324) on June 10, 2024.

Phytoextracts are safer, more affordable, and more readily available than conventional medications, making them promising anti-parasitic treatment options. Cryptosporidium species (spp.) and Giardia duodenalis are protozoan parasites responsible for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, respectively, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, children, and populations in developing countries. Although treatment options exist, many of them have significant side effects. The current review aims to evaluate the efficacy of phytoextracts tested against Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections. The current review indicated that the Asteraceae and Rutaceae families were the most extensively investigated sources of phytoextracts. Additionally, Zingiber officinale is the only extract to demonstrate efficacy against both parasites in in vivo studies. Furthermore, Curcuma longa and Morinda royoc showed the highest in vitro efficacy against Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. These results underscore the potential of phytoextracts as alternative therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease marked by scarring and inflammation, leading to impaired respiratory function. This study aimed to investigate the combined therapeutic effects of pirfenidone (PFD), metformin (MET), and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Methods: Forty-eight Western Albino rats were divided into six groups: normal control, BLM-positive control, and four treatment groups receiving PFD, MET, BM-MSCs, and their combination. Treatments were administered for four weeks starting on day 21 post-BLM instillation. Lung tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, and fibrogenic gene expression. Histopathological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. Results: The combination therapy significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers while enhancing antioxidant capacity. It decreased pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and increased anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels. Additionally, anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) was elevated, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) levels were markedly lowered. Gene expression analysis showed a significant downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col1α1). Histologically, the combination treatment group exhibited minimal fibrosis and inflammation, closely resembling normal lung tissue. Conclusions: The combination of PFD, MET, and BM-MSCs offered superior therapeutic efficacy in treating BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis compared to individual treatments. This multimodal approach effectively targets oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis, suggesting strong potential for future clinical application.

Manzala Lagoon, the largest coastal wetland of Egypt, lies within the Nile Delta and serves as an essential sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds. Despite its importance for regional biodiversity, the ecosystem faces significant anthropogenic pressures, with recent dredging activities constituting a major disturbance. This study aimed to evaluate dredging impacts on bird diversity and environmental health in the Ashtoum El-Gamil Protected Area. Seasonal monitoring in 2024, combining camera-based morphological identification with molecular barcoding of feathers (n = 13; cytochrome oxidase 1 gene), documented 123 species across 11 orders and 23 families, with 51 species consistently observed year-round. Health assessments in the endemic Coturnix coturnix (common quail) were conducted by measuring genotoxic damage, DNA repair capacity (via poly(ADP)-ribosylation), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the gut, liver, and gonads. Results revealed reduced DNA recovery, elevated antioxidant capacity, and a prominent 40kDa PARP immunoreactive band, particularly in gut and gonads. These oxidative stress indicators were independent of low heavy metal loads, implicating factors like rising temperatures may be the primary drivers. These findings highlight dredging's limited immediate effects on species diversity but underscore subtle health risks, advocating sustained, long-term monitoring and targeted management to safeguard wetland biodiversity.

Pleural effusion is a common clinical condition with a wide differential diagnosis, ranging from benign inflammatory processes to advanced malignancy. In some patients, malignant pleural effusion may represent the first manifestation of an underlying lung cancer. Early recognition and systematic evaluation are therefore essential for timely diagnosis and management. We report the case of a fifty eight year old Saudi male who presented with progressive shortness of breath and right sided chest discomfort of three weeks duration. The patient had a long history of cigarette smoking but no previous diagnosis of malignancy. Physical examination revealed reduced chest expansion and markedly diminished breath sounds over the right lower lung zone. Initial chest radiography demonstrated a moderate right sided pleural effusion without a clearly visible lung mass. Further diagnostic evaluation included contrast enhanced computed tomography of the chest, which confirmed a large right sided pleural effusion with partial lung collapse, mild pleural thickening, and a small irregular lesion in the right upper lobe. Diagnostic thoracentesis yielded exudative pleural fluid according to Light criteria. Microbiological studies were negative for bacterial infection and tuberculosis. Cytological examination of the pleural fluid revealed atypical epithelial cells suspicious for malignancy, and repeat analysis supported the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion. Subsequent CT guided biopsy of the right upper lobe lesion demonstrated histopathological features consistent with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Management initially focused on symptomatic relief through pleural fluid drainage and supportive care. Following confirmation of the diagnosis, the patient was referred for oncologic evaluation and further staging. This case highlights the importance of considering malignancy in patients presenting with unexplained pleural effusion, particularly in individuals with significant smoking history, and emphasizes the role of pleural fluid analysis and tissue biopsy in establishing the diagnosis.

Context:Recent advancements have introduced a debate over the most effective combination of file kinematics and irrigation timing. While continuous rotation and reciprocation motions each offer distinct advantages in debris extrusion and file safety, their synergistic effect with different chelation protocols remains a critical area of investigation.Aims:The aim was to evaluate the cleaning performance of reciprocation and continuous motions in combination with continuous versus sequential chelation irrigation protocols.Subjects and Methods:Sixty single-rooted single-canalled teeth were prepared and divided into two groups according to the type of file used (n = 30). Group A: one curve (OC) file system (rotation motion) and Group B: one RECI (OR) file system (reciprocation motion). Prepared teeth were then subdivided into three subgroups according to the irrigation protocol used (n = 10): Subgroup 1: saline, Subgroup 2: sequential chelation (sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and Subgroup 3: continuous chelation (NaOCl/etidronic acid). Samples were observed using an environmental scanning electron microscope to measure the percentage of opened dentinal tubules.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for pairwise comparisons between the different groups and thirds.Results:In all the groups, the coronal third had significantly cleaner dentinal tubules (P < 0.001). The difference between the two files was not statistically significant (P = 0.643). Sequential chelation showed the highest mean values of the opened dentinal tubules in conjunction with OC and OR (7.89 ± 2.95 and 8.95 ± 5.14, respectively). With continuous chelation, the mean values of the opened dentinal tubules in conjunction with OR were significantly higher than with OC (4.22 ± 3.21 and 2.39 ± 1.19, respectively).Conclusions:The cleaning abilities of the OC and OR file systems are comparable. Sequential chelation resulted in cleaner and more open dentinal tubules regardless of the file system used. Continuous chelation with reciprocation yielded cleaner canals than with rotation motion.