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This randomized clinical trial study aims to compare ultrasound‐guided versus non‐guided Dextrose 10% injections in patients suffering from internal derangement in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The study population included 22 patients and 43 TMJs suffering from unilateral or bilateral TMJ painful clicking, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved disc displacement with reduction (DDWR), refractory to or failed conservative treatment. The patients were divided randomly into two groups (non‐guided and ultrasound (US)‐guided groups). The procedure involved injection of 2 mL solution of a mixture of 0.75 mL 0.9% normal saline solution, 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine and 0.75 mL dextrose 10% using a 25G needle in the joint and 1 mL intramuscular injection to the masseter muscle at the most tender point. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to compare joint pain intensity over four different periods, beginning with pre‐injection, 1‐, 2‐, and 6‐months postinjection. Twenty‐two patients 5 males (n = 5/22, 22.7%) and 17 females (n = 17/22, 77.2%) were included in this study. The mean age was 27.3 ± 7.4 years (30.2 ± 7.0) for the non‐guided group and 24.3 ± 6.9 for the US‐guided group. The dextrose injection reduced intensity over time in both groups with statistically significant improvement (Pvalue <.05) at 2 and 6 months in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS assessment between both groups. Intra‐articular injection of dextrose 10% for patients with painful clicking and DDWR resulted in reduced pain intensity in both US‐guided and non‐guided groups with significant symptomatic improvement over time in both groups. US guidance allowed accurate anatomical localization and safe procedure with a single joint puncture.

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has emerged as a transformative tool in epilepsy surgery, shedding light on the complex network dynamics involved in focal epilepsy. This review explores the role of SEEG in elucidating the role of deep brain structures, namely the basal ganglia and thalamus, in epilepsy. SEEG advances understanding of their contribution to seizure generation, propagation, and control by permitting precise and minimally invasive sampling of these brain regions. The basal ganglia, comprising the subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and striatum, have gained recognition for their involvement in both focal and generalized epilepsy. Electrophysiological recordings reveal hyperexcitability and increased synchrony within these structures, reinforcing their role as critical nodes within the epileptic network. Furthermore, low-frequency and high-frequency stimulation of the basal ganglia have demonstrated potential in modulating epileptogenic networks. Concurrently, the thalamus, a key relay center, has garnered prominence in epilepsy research. Disrupted thalamocortical connectivity in focal epilepsy underscores its significance in seizure maintenance. The thalamic subnuclei, including the anterior nucleus, centromedian, and medial pulvinar, present promising neuromodulatory targets, suggesting pathways for personalized epilepsy therapies. The prospect of multithalamic SEEG and thalamic SEEG stimulation trials has the potential to revolutionize epilepsy management, offering tailored solutions for challenging cases. SEEG's ability to unveil the dynamics of deep brain structures in epilepsy promises enhanced and personalized epilepsy care in our new era of precision medicine. Until deep brain SEEG is accepted as a standard of care, a rigorous informed consent process remains paramount for patients for whom such an exploration is proposed.

Stereoelectroencephalography is an established, hypothesis-driven method for investigating refractory epilepsy. There are special considerations and some limitations that apply to children who undergo stereoelectroencephalography. A key principle in stereoelectroencephalography is taking an individualized approach to investigating refractory epilepsy. A crucial factor for success in a personalized pediatric epilepsy surgery is understanding some of the fundamental and unique aspects of it, including, but not limited to, diverse etiology, epilepsy syndromes, maturation, and age-related characteristics as well as neural plasticity. Such features are reflected in the ontogeny of semiology and electrophysiology. In addition, special considerations are taken into account during cortical stimulation in children. Stereoelectroencephalography can guide a tailored surgical intervention where it is sufficient to render the patient seizure-free but it also lessens collateral damage with a minimum or no functional deficit. Epilepsy surgery outcomes remain stagnant despite advances in noninvasive testing modalities. A stereoelectroencephalography “way of thinking” and guided mentorship may influence outcomes positively.

Hallucinogenics are a broad category of psychoactive substances that have the ability to alter the senses of smell, taste, hearing and feeling, as well as mood and thought. They fall under three main categories: psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants. Muscle spasms, aggressive behaviour, convulsions, and in some cases unconsciousness, are among the dangers associated with their use. Hallucinogenics are largely classified as schedule 1 drugs, and thus are considered to have no therapeutic value. However, global research into their therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety is ongoing. This article aims to shed light on the risks associated with hallucinogenic substances, how this may present in primary care, and how they may be used in medicine in the future.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease recognized by elevated activity of autoimmune cells, loss of tolerance, and decreased regulatory T cells producing inhibitory cytokines. Despite many efforts, the definitive treatment for lupus has not been fully understood. Curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) have significant immunomodulatory roles and anti-inflammatory properties that have been demonstrated in various studies. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of CUR and BBR on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) with an special focus on the maturation and activation of DCs.Methods: Human monocytes were isolated from the heparinized blood of SLE patients and healthy individuals, which were then exposed to cytokines (IL-4 and GM-CSF) for five days to produce immature DCs. Then, the obtained DCs were characterized by FITC-uptake assay and then cultured in the presence of CUR, BBR, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 48 h. Finally, the maturation of DCs was analyzed by the level of maturation using flow cytometry or real-time PCR methods.Results: The results showed promising anti-inflammatory effects of CUR and BBR in comparison with LPS, supported by a significant reduction of not only co-stimulatory and antigen-presenting factors such as CD80, CD86, CD83, CD1a, CD14, and HLA-DR but also inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12.Conclusion: CUR and BBR could arrest DC maturation and develop a tolerogenic DC phenotype that subsequently promoted the expression of inhibitory cytokines and reduced the secretion of proinflammatory markers.

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanoparticles' optical and emission properties can be tuned bychanging their size across the visible spectrum. GaAs nanoparticles' optical characteristics aredegraded by oxidation on their surface. This work investigated the optical constants and the opticalband gap for a GaAs nanoparticle immersed in acetone using the laser ablation into liquids (LAL)technique after being exposed to a Nd: YAG pulsed laser operating at the wavelength (1064nm)10Hz frequency, and 7ns pulse width for a fixed flounce of 1.32 J/cm2, and the time of ablationwas 5 minutes. In order to calculate the optical conductivity (σ), refractive index (n), extinctioncoefficient (k), dielectric constant, absorption coefficient (α), and optical band gap, an opticalinvestigation was carried out utilizing a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer region in the wavelengthrange 300-1200 nm. The band gap energy was determined to be 3.8 eV, which is greater than thebulk Ga energy. The band gap energy of nanoparticles increases with increasing laser pulse energyand decreases with increasing pulse repetition rate. Transmission spectra increased as wavelengthsincreased, while optical absorption coefficients, extinction coefficients, and refractive coefficientsdecreased. The difference in optical constants is explained by defect states and the average bandenergy of the system. The acetone stability test reveals a peak at -0.69 mV, indicating low stabilityin nanoparticles.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local betamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space on postoperative neurosensory deficits. Materials and methods: A prospective controlled clinical study was conducted on 16 patients (6 male, 10 female; mean age, 24.95 ± 9.22 years) who underwent bilateral sagittal ramus osteotomy for mandibular discrepancies. One side of each patient’s mandible was randomly selected as the control side, and the opposite side as the experimental side. On the experimental side, a solution of betamethasone (6 mg/1 ml) was injected into the pterygomandibular space after the completion of wound closure. Neurosensory tests, including light touch, two-point discrimination, direction of movement, thermal sensitivity, and pin-prick discrimination, were performed. The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 12 months, according to the particular sensory test. The Fisher exact test was used to analyse the data. Results: The light touch sensation was abnormal in 75% of the control side and 31% of the study side, with the difference being significant (p= 0.03). However, at 6 months, all the study cases regained touch sensation, compared to 69% of the control side. No significant difference in direction movement discrimination was seen; however, at 3 months, the study side showed significantly less direction sensation (19%) compared to the control side (56%) (p= 0.02). There was no significant difference in the two-point discrimination; however, at 3 months, the study side had a significantly less abnormal two-point sensation (13%) than the control side (56%) (p= 0.02). In addition, no significant difference was noted in thermal sensitivity or pin-prick sensation. Conclusion: Betamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space reduces neurosensory disturbances after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies nd leads to faster recovery of sensations.

Titanium Dental implant is the most successful treatment modality to replace missing teeth today. Although titanium is considered biologically biocompatible, strong, and corrosion-free, the risk of implant failure continues due to bone loss at the expense of optimum oral health. Current research points toward the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles leached from dental implant surface, which occurred due to mechanical and chemical insults on the surface. This study aimed to investigate the influence of TiO2particles of different sizes leaching from implant surfaces on Human Osteoblast cells (HOB) in-vitro. Titanium dioxide particles in both nano (NPs) and micro (MPs) size and at different concentrations were introduced to human osteoblast cells with and without treatment with vitamin C. Production of ROS was measured using H2DCFDA cellular ROS Assay Kit and MCP-1 and IL-8 cytokines released were assayed at 24 h time point using ELISA technique. Results showed a dose dependent increase in ROS production following exposure of HOB to both nano and micro particles. MCP-1 and IL-8 were released and there was minimal difference between the amount generated by nano compared with micro size particles. Treatment of HOB with antioxidant vitamin C demonstrated a significant reduction in the generation of ROS. At the same time, MCP-1 release was reduced significantly for the 100 μg/mL TiO2NPs and MPs after Vitamin C treatment while IL-8 release increased significantly. This study suggests a positive role played by antioxidants in the control of ROS generation and chemokines production in the peri-implant tissue environment.

Radioactive radon gas is a source of environmental pollution, especially in places where radon levels are high. Radon gas concentrations must be kept at their lowest levels and below globally acceptable limits for a safe environment, which can be accomplished by taking frequent measurements to identify and fix high concentration areas. In this study, radon gas concentration was measured in the air of several buildings of the University of Al-Hamdaniya using the CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector. The measured radon concentrations ranged from 19.24 to 64.60 Bq.m−3, with an average of 41.54 Bq.m−3. The effective annual dose ranged from 0.48 to 1.62 mSv/y. The lifetime cancer risk was 1.86 × 10−3to 6.26 × 10−3. The mean radon concentration obtained was less than the World Health Organization reference level of 100 Bq.m−3.

Oil industry has impacted both economy and ecology of oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. The environmental detriments caused by gas flaring and oil spills develop violent ethnic agitations, through long lasting history area of conflicts, for economic, social, political, and environmental rights. This paper examines the history of oil and gas exploitation, in Niger Delta region, and its role to cause environmental degradations in the region. The study argued that multinational oil corporations’ activities were the first intriguing violence in local communities based on environmental approach. Also, the paper indicates that the conflict had many drivers related to different components of indigenous people. The tendency of violence escalated over time, in strength of acts from demonstrations and grievances to militant operations, and demands from self determination to justice, revenues equity and environmental rights, in order to reshape oil-bearing communities’ old motivations about self-governance.

Background: One of the best methods to treat Alzheimer disease (AD) is through the effective use of cholinesterase inhibitors as vital drugs due to the identification of acetylcholine deficit in the AD patients. Objective: The present study aims the investigation of spiro heterocyclic compounds as potential AD agents supported by their metal chelation capacity, POM analyses and DFT studies, respectively. Methods: The cholinesterase inhibition and metal chelation ability were performed on ELISA microtiter assay. Whereas, the B3LYP method with 6-31+G(d,p) basis set was implemented to study HOMOLUMO energy calculations. The pharmacokinetic properties of the synthesized molecules were studied through Petra, Osiris and Molinspiration (POM). Results: The six spiro (1-6) skeletons were tested for their inhibitory potential and metal-chelation capacity. Our findings revealed that the tested spiro skeletons exerted none or lower than 50% inhibition against both cholinesterases, while compound 4 proved to be the most active molecule with 57.21±0.89% of inhibition toward BChE. The spiro molecule 3 exhibited the highest metal-chelation capacity (9.12±5.26%). Molecular docking model for the most active molecule exhibited promising bindings with AChE and BChE’s active site pertained to hydrophobic hydrogen bonds and positive ionizable interactions. The POM analyses gave the information about the flexibility at the site of coordination of spiro compounds (1-6). Conclusion: The screening of spirocompounds (1-6) against cholinesterases revealed that some of them show considerable potential to inhibit AChE and BChE. Herein, we propose that the spiro molecules after further derivatization could serve interesting AD inhibitor drugs.

This study aimed to examine marginal bone loss (MBL) around immediately placed platform-switched implants (PS) compared to platform-matched (PM) implants; and to critically appraise the available literature on this topic.

La tendinopathie de la coiffe des rotateurs (TCR) est fréquente dans la population active, dont l’étiologie est multifactorielle. L’activité professionnelle peut engendrer une TCR chez les travailleurs et entraîner par conséquent une restriction de leur activité.

The purpose of this review is to describe the functional anatomy of the precuneal cortex and outline some semiological features of precuneal seizures. The precuneal cortex is a structure that occupies the posterior medial portion of the parietal lobe, and it has broad cortical and subcortical connections. Neuroanatomical tracing, functional imaging, as well as electrical stimulation studies of humans and other primates have elucidated many complex integrative functions of the precuneus including visuo‐spatial imagery, sensorimotor functions, and consciousness. Based on the understanding of its functions and connectivity, descriptions of potential seizure semiologies are hypothesized and compared to what is available in the literature. The latter is mostly in the form of case reports or case series. Seizures may involve simple or complex motor or sensory manifestations including abnormal eye movements, visual hallucinations, sensation of motion, or medial temporal‐like seizures.

A best evidence topic has been constructed using a described protocol. The three-part question addressed was: does the anastomotic technique after ileocolic resection affects the recurrence rate in patients with Crohn's disease? Using OVID interface and PubMed interface, 16 articles were found; out of this 6 studies were deemed to be suitable to answer the question. The outcomes assessed were anastomotic recurrence rate. The best evidence showed that Kono-S ileocolic anastomotic technique is associated with significantly low recurrence rate in patient with Crohn's disease.

Compared with vital teeth, changes in chemical and physical properties along with alterations in tooth structure after root canal treatment increase the possibility of root fracture. These aspects need to be considered in selecting materials used in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth, specifically the fabrication of posts and cores for this purpose. This study aimed to measure the apical extension of fracture in teeth subjected to root canal treatment and restoration by post- and core-fabricated materials. Forty extracted maxillary central incisors were included in the experiment and subdivided into experimental and control groups. Root canal treatment was performed for teeth in the control group, and the accessed cavity was restored with direct composite restoration. The experimental groups were restored using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milled posts and cores of polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), zirconia and metal. Then, the cores were restored with metal crowns, subjected to a compression test to record the fracture resistance, and examined to evaluate the extension of root fracture apically. The results of the compression test were expressed in Newtons. The extension of root fracture was measured in millimeters using metric pictures of the samples taken by stereomicroscopy. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey's HSD, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Compared to PICN, zirconia and metal groups showed a non-significant increase in fracture resistance. However, the difference in resistance to fracture between the control group and PICN group was significant, with a P value of 0.02. The apical extension of root fracture in metal (3.72 ± 0.41) and zirconia (3.77 ± 0.96) was significantly higher than that in PINC (2.02 ± 1.44) (p = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). In comparison to zirconia and metal samples, the samples in the PICN group showed less extension of root fracture apically. PICN would be an acceptable material of choice for restoring anterior teeth when post and core are required.

A best evidence topic has been constructed using a described protocol. The three-part question addressed was: is ileocolic anastomotic leak rate higher in handsewn or stapler's anastomosis? Using the reported search, 150 papers were found. 6 studies were deemed to be suitable to answer the question. The outcomes assessed were anastomotic leaks rate in hands Sewn and stapler's ileocolic anastomosis. The evidence does not provide an agreed consensus for which modalities of anastomosis have higher anastomotic leaks rate. Until a high quality randomized control trial is performed, the authors recommend an individual approach in a term of selection of which anastomotic modalities to be used.

The objective of this study is to analyze the annual medicines imported by private sector for the period between 2012 and 2015 with the help of priority system based on ABC-VEN matrix analysis and therapeutic category analysis.

Wheat and barley crops are used as food by humans and animals, their health effects on human life must be under the control, so it is important to measure their radiation concentrations. This work aimed to determine radon, radium, and uranium in barley and wheat crops planted in the Nineveh plains region. The technique of alpha track registration by CR-39 detector is used in measurements of the samples from ten planted locations. Radon, radium, and uranium mean concentrations found are 92.58 Bq.m−3, 0.4212 Bq kg−1and 0.368 ppm, respectively. The uranium activity concentration and the total annual effective dose equivalent mean values are 4.546 Bq.kg−1and 67.73 μSv/y. The results showed that the activity in locations depends on the agriculture soil of the area, and the amount of fertiliser applied in soil. All results are below the world permissible limits so the wheat and barley in the studied area are safe for consumption.

The three-dimensional Burgers equation is used to count the effects of the spectral index parameter κ, the ion, the negative (positive) kinematics viscosity coefficients of negatively (positively) charged grains on the dissipation of cylindrical shocks. The obtained results may useful for both laboratory and space applications of plasmas.