Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of EQUIATM coat liquid (E) after incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. ZnO and TiO2 (1 wt.% and 2 wt.%) were dispersed in EQUIA coat. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed to visualize systemic variation. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by colony-forming units and crystal violet staining using Streptococcusmutans and Lactobacillusacidophilus after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, and the microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The weight change was analyzed at 1 and 21 days. The PCA for TiO2- and ZnO-based groups showed 100% variance at all spectral ranges at 600–800/cm and 800–1200/cm, whereas 1200–1800/cm and 2700–3800/cm spectral regions demonstrated 99% variance. The absorbance values were significant (p < 0.05) for both nanoparticles-based adhesives, and the specimens with 2 wt.% ZnO showed the maximum response by minimum bacterial attachment, and the control group showed the least response by maximum attachment. The weight change percentage was reduced after the incorporation of antibacterial nanoparticles. It is suggested that EQUIATM coat containing nanoparticles exhibits promising results, and it may be recommended to clinically use as an improved coating material.

The insectivores (order Eulipotyphla) of Saudi Arabia consist of six species in four genera within two families (Erinaceidae and Soricidae). Details on the past and present distribution of the insectivores are included as well as illustrations for each species, along with available data on their habitat preferences and biology. The Ethiopian hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus, was the most common species inhabiting the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia. An analysis of the insectivorous fauna of Saudi Arabia revealed that they have two major zoogeographical affinities: the Palaearctic (Hemiechinus auratus, Paraechinus hypomelas and Crocidura gueldenstaedtii) and Afrotropical–Palaearctic (Paraechinus aethiopicus), which are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula (Crocidura dhofarensis), and one introduced species (Suncus murinus). Southwestern Saudi Arabia has the highest species richness. The Arabian white-toothed shrew, Crocidura arabica, is expected to occur in the extreme southwest. The conservation status and threats affecting insectivores in Saudi Arabia are highlighted.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the sexually transmitted diseases which have been implicated in the etiology of multiple cancers. To date, several studies have been conducted to evaluate the incidence of high-risk (HR) HPV in prostate cancer (PCa) which have generated widely conflicting data. Hence, this leaves a lack of awareness on the causal role of persistent HPV infection in the development of PCa. Although this has been investigated in a handful of countries, to the best of our knowledge, no prior studies have been conducted in the UK. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing were implemented to analyze a total of 49 fresh prostate specimens (35 benign and 14 malignant specimens) for the presence of viral DNA of 12 HR-HPV types. Data obtained confirmed the presence of HR-HPV in 32.7% of analyzed benign and malignant prostate tissues with HPV 35 being identified as the most frequent type. Moreover, HR-HPV positivity rate was found to be higher in abnormal prostate tissues (adenocarcinoma and benign with prostatitis) compared those with normal prostate condition. Using immunohistochemistry, we have confirmed the expression of HPV E7 protein in prostate tissues positive for HPV DNA. This observation, the first reported from a UK population, suggests that the presence of HPV in prostate tissue is likely to be a related factor in the progression of certain cases of prostate cancer.

This study aimed to modify an EQUIA coat (EC; GC, Japan) by incorporating 1 and 2 wt.% of zinc oxide (ZnO; EC-Z1 and EC-Z2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2; EC-T1 and EC-T2) nanoparticles, whereby structural and phase analyses were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, micro-hardness, and water absorption analyses were conducted, and the microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy. FTIR spectra showed a reduction in peak heights of amide (1521 cm−1) and carbonyl (1716 cm−1) groups. XRD showed peaks of ZnO (2θ ~ 31.3°, 34.0°, 35.8°, 47.1°, 56.2°, 62.5°, 67.6°, and 68.7°) and TiO2 (2θ ~ 25.3°, 37.8°, 47.9, 54.5°, 62.8°, 69.5°, and 75.1°) corresponding to a hexagonal phase with a wurtzite structure and an anatase phase, respectively. Thermal stability was improved in newly modified materials in comparison to the control group. The sequence of obtained glass transitions was EC-T2 (111 °C), EC-T1 (102 °C), EC-Z2 (98 °C), EC-Z1 (92 °C), and EC-C (90 °C). EC-T2 and EC-T1 showed the highest (43.76 ± 2.78) and lowest (29.58 ± 3.2) micro-hardness values. EC showed the maximum water absorption (1.6%) at day 7 followed by EC-T1 (0.82%) and EC-Z1 (0.61%). These results suggest that EC with ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles has the potential to be used clinically as a coating material.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in the etiology of a variety of human cancers. Studies investigating the presence of high-risk (HR) HPV in breast tissue have generated considerable controversy over its role as a potential risk factor for breast cancer (BC). This is the first investigation reporting the prevalence and type distribution of high-risk HPV infection in breast tissue in the population of Qatar. A prospective comparison blind research study herein reconnoitered the presence of twelve HR-HPV types’ DNA using multiplex PCR by screening a total of 150 fresh breast tissue specimens. Data obtained shows that HR-HPV types were found in 10% of subjects with breast cancer; of which the presence of HPV was confirmed in 4/33 (12.12%) of invasive carcinomas. These findings, the first reported from the population of Qatar, suggest that the selective presence of HPV in breast tissue is likely to be a related factor in the progression of certain cases of breast cancer.

Background Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low and middle income countries. Medical management is the mainstay of therapy to prevent recurrence of stroke. Current estimates are that only 1 in 6 patients have perfect adherence to medication schedules. Using SMS (Short Messaging Service) as reminders to take medicines have been used previously for diseases such as diabetes and HIV with moderate success. We aim to explore the effectiveness and acceptability of SMS in increasing adherence to medications in patients with stroke. Methods This will be a randomized, controlled, assessor blinded single center superiority trial. Adult participants with access to a cell phone and a history of stroke longer than 1 month on multiple risk modifying medications will be selected from Neurology and Stroke Clinic. They will be randomized into two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio via block technique with one group receiving the standard of care as per institutional guidelines while the parallel group receiving SMS reminders for each dose of medicine in addition to the standard of care. In addition intervention group will receive messages for lifestyle changes, medication information, risk factors and motivation for medication adherence. These will bemodeled on Social Cognitive Theory and Health Belief Model and will be categorized by Michies Taxonomy of Behavioral Change Communication. Patient compliance to medicines will be measured at baseline and then after 2 months in each group by using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The change in compliance to medication regimen after the intervention and the difference between the two groups will be used to determine the effectiveness of SMS reminders as a tool to increase medication compliance. The acceptability of the SMS will be determined by a tool designed for this study whose attributes are based Rogers Diffusion of innovation theory. A sample size of 86 participants in each arm will be sufficient to detect a difference of 1 point on the MMAS with a power of 90 % and significance level of 5 % between the two groups; using an attrition rate of 15 %, 200 participants in all will be randomized. Discussion The SMS for Stroke Study will provide evidence for feasibility and effectiveness of SMS in improving post stroke medication adherence in an LMIC setting. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01986023 11 /11/2013

Background and Objectives: The quest for a suitable esthetic material for tooth restoration has resulted in significant advancements in both material properties and application technique. Composites and acid-etch procedures are two significant advancements in esthetic restorative dentistry. Further research has strengthened composites' overall wear resistance and strength, but the problem of polymerization shrinkage has persisted. To reduce polymerization shrinkage and microleakage, a variety of techniques and material modifications have been suggested. The marginal leakage of amalgam, packable composite, flowable composite with packable composite, and high-viscosity traditional glass ionomer cement (GIC) was compared in this analysis to test the mentioned hypothesis. Materials and Methods: We chose 60 freshly extracted teeth and divided them into four classes of 15 teeth each. Class II cavities were prepared in a standardized manner. Group I was treated with amalgam, Group II with packable composite (GC G-aenial Posterior), Group III with flowable composite (G-aenial Universal Flo) as a liner and then restored with packable composite (GC G-aenial Posterior), and Group IV with high-viscosity traditional GIC (EQUI FORTE FILL). After that, the restorations were put through a thermocycling process. The specimens were soaked in 0.5% methylene blue dye before being cut into mesiodistal sections to assess microleakage at the gingival margin. After that, the parts were examined under a stereomicroscope. The degree of dye penetration was used to determine the score. Results: There was no microleakage in the control group, and the gap between the control and experimental groups was statistically significant (P = 0.017). Conclusion: The glass hybrid restorative device had less gingival microleakage than the resin-based restorative material, indicating that it has a better sealing capacity. Clinical acceptability of glass hybrid restorative systems, on the other hand, must be confirmed with a larger sample size and in vivo trials.

Background The effectiveness of mobile technology to improve medication adherence via customized Short Messaging Service (SMS) reminders for stroke has not been tested in resource poor areas. We designed a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of SMS on improving medication adherence in stroke survivors in Pakistan. Methods This was a parallel group, assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. Participants were centrally randomized in fixed block sizes. Adult participants on multiple medications with access to a cell phone and stroke at least 4 weeks from onset (Onset as defined by last seen normal) were eligible. The intervention group, in addition to usual care, received reminder SMS for 2 months that contained a) Personalized, prescription tailored daily medication reminder(s) b) Twice weekly health information SMS. The Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive theory were used to design the language and content of messages. Frontline SMS software was used for SMS delivery. Medication adherence was self-reported and measured on the validated Urdu version of Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to model the outcome against intervention and other covariates. Analysis was conducted by intention-to-treat principle. Results Two hundred participants were enrolled. 38 participants were lost to follow-up. After 2 months, the mean medication score was 7.4 (95 % CI: 7.2–7.6) in the intervention group while 6.7 (95 % CI: 6.4–7.02) in the control group. The adjusted mean difference (Δ) was 0.54 (95 % CI: 0.22–0.85). The mean diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 2.6 mmHg (95 % CI; −5.5 to 0.15) lower compared to the usual care group. Conclusion A short intervention of customized SMS can improve medication adherence and effect stroke risk factors like diastolic blood pressure in stroke survivors with complex medication regimens living in resource poor areas. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01986023 last accessed at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01986023

This study aimed to modify an EQUIA coat (EC; GC, Japan) by incorporating 1 and 2 wt.% of zinc oxide (ZnO; EC-Z1 and EC-Z2) and titanium dioxide (TiO ; EC-T1 and EC-T2) nanoparticles, whereby structural and phase analyses were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, micro-hardness, and water absorption analyses were conducted, and the microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy. FTIR spectra showed a reduction in peak heights of amide (1521 cm ) and carbonyl (1716 cm ) groups. XRD showed peaks of ZnO (2θ ~ 31.3°, 34.0°, 35.8°, 47.1°, 56.2°, 62.5°, 67.6°, and 68.7°) and TiO (2θ ~ 25.3°, 37.8°, 47.9, 54.5°, 62.8°, 69.5°, and 75.1°) corresponding to a hexagonal phase with a wurtzite structure and an anatase phase, respectively. Thermal stability was improved in newly modified materials in comparison to the control group. The sequence of obtained glass transitions was EC-T2 (111 °C), EC-T1 (102 °C), EC-Z2 (98 °C), EC-Z1 (92 °C), and EC-C (90 °C). EC-T2 and EC-T1 showed the highest (43.76 ± 2.78) and lowest (29.58 ± 3.2) micro-hardness values. EC showed the maximum water absorption (1.6%) at day 7 followed by EC-T1 (0.82%) and EC-Z1 (0.61%). These results suggest that EC with ZnO and TiO nanoparticles has the potential to be used clinically as a coating material.

The dental abnormalities are the typical features of many ectodermal dysplasias along with congenital malformations of nails, skin, hair, and sweat glands. However, several reports of non-syndromic/isolated tooth agenesis have also been found in the literature. The characteristic features of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) comprise of hypodontia/oligodontia, along with hypohidrosis/anhidrosis, and hypotrichosis. Pathogenic variants in EDA, EDAR, EDARADD, and TRAF6, cause the phenotypic expression of HED. Genetic alterations in EDA and WNT10A cause particularly non-syndromic/isolated oligodontia. In the current project, we recruited 57 patients of 17 genetic pedigrees (A-Q) from different geographic regions of the world, including Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The molecular investigation of different syndromic and non-syndromic dental conditions, including hypodontia, oligodontia, generalized odontodysplasia, and dental crowding was carried out by using exome and Sanger sequencing. We have identified a novel missense variant (c.311G>A; p.Arg104His) in WNT10A in three oligodontia patients of family A, two novel sequence variants (c.207delinsTT, p.Gly70Trpfs*25 and c.1300T>G; p.Try434Gly) in EDAR in three patients of family B and four patients of family C, respectively. To better understand the structural and functional consequences of missense variants in WNT10A and EDAR on the stability of the proteins, we have performed extensive molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We have also identified three previously reported pathogenic variants (c.1076T>C; p.Met359Thr), (c.1133C>T; p.Thr378Met) and (c.594_595insC; Gly201Argfs*39) in EDA in family D (four patients), E (two patients) and F (one patient), correspondingly. Presently, our data explain the genetic cause of 18 syndromic and non-syndromic tooth agenesis patients in six autosomal recessive and X-linked pedigrees (A-F), which expand the mutational spectrum of these unique clinical manifestations.