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Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease affects the pancreas with upcoming fibrosis and notable parenchymal destruction. CP poses a high risk for pancreatic carcinoma. The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time up to our knowledge, the effect of olive leaf extract on L-arginine induced CP with referral to some of its underlying mechanisms. Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into four groups; control, olive leaf extract treated (200 mg/kg orally once daily), CP group (300 mg L-arginine/100 g body weight intraperitoneally, once daily for 3 weeks then every 3 days for the subsequent 3 weeks), and CP treated with olive leaf extract group. At the end of the experiment, body weight, serum glucose, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum amylase and lipase as well as tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Pancreatic tissues were subjected to histological and immuno-histochemical studies. The CP group revealed significant decrease in body weight and increase in serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR score, serum amylase, and serum lipase levels. Significant increase in MDA level and decrease in SOD level were detected. Marked degenerative changes and fibrosis were detected. Upregulation of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), caspase-3, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) immunoreactions were implicated in CP pathogenesis. Olive leaf extract alleviated all the examined parameters via its-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. Olive leaf extract can protect against CP and restore pancreatic functions.

Background: Hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection is a global health problem. Children with certain risk factors are at high risk of infection.Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV among high-risk Egyptian children.Methods: The study included 1357 children aged 3-15 years with risk factors of HCV including receiving blood products, hemodialysis, previous surgical intervention, insulin therapy and positive family history. They were subjected to careful history taking, thorough clinical examination and routine laboratory investigations. All children were tested for HCV antibodies using commercial 4th generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] kits. Those with positive results were further assessed using polymerase chain reaction [PCR].Results: Among the studied patients, there were 89 children [6.6 %] with positive HCV Ab and 73 children [5.4 %] with positive PCR test for HCV. Using multivariate logistic regression, significant predictors of HCV infection in the studied children were blood transfusion [OR: 1.23, CI: 0.019-13.4], Intravenous [IV] injection [OR: 10.962, CI: 1.937-62.026] and previous operation [OR: 3.12, CI: 1.046-31.6].Conclusion: HCV infection is highly prevalent among high-risk children. Blood transfusion, IV injection and exposure to surgery are independent risk factors for infection in this population.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immediate dentin sealing (IDS) on the fracture strength of ceramic onlays when compared with delayed dentin sealing (DDS). Twenty extracted human maxillary premolars were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the dentin sealing technique (n=10). A standardized mesio-occlusal-distal cavity was prepared with reduction of the palatal cusp. The dentin surfaces of the IDS group were immediately sealed after finishing the preparation (before taking impressions, temporization, and 14-day storage at 37°C) using a bonding system (ALL-BOND 3®, ALL-BOND 3® RESIN) and flowable composite (Te-Econom Flow). Impressions were made and temporary restorations were fabricated using PRO-V FILL®. The wax patterns were milled and the onlays were fabricated by heat-pressing technique (IPS e.max Press). After bonding the final restorations with resin cement (Variolink N), the specimens were thermocycled. Fracture strength was measured using a universal testing machine (Testometric M350-10KN) at 1 mm/min until failure occurred. Student's t-test was used to evaluate the results of the fracture strength test. The failure mode was examined using a stereomicroscope. The mean fracture strength in the IDS group (1335 ± 335 N) was statistically significantly higher than that for the DDS group (931 ± 274 N) (p0.05). Fracture of the restoration with a small portion of the tooth was the most frequent mode of failure. Within the limitation of this in vitro study, there was an improvement in the fracture strength of ceramic onlays with the use of IDS. However, the ceramic onlays were strong enough to withstand the physiological mastication force in both groups.

Background: Light chain3 is a sensitive autophagy-related protein distributed within the mammalian tissues. The role of LC3 localization in psoriasis pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to investigate, for the first time up to our knowledge, the localization of Light chain3 (LC3) in the keratinocytes of psoriatic skin by immunohistochemical study. Materials and methods: This prospective case case-control study was carried out on 30 patients presented with chronic plaque psoriasis versus 30 age and gender-matched apparently healthy volunteers. Clinical data were collected and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was assessed. From all controls and cases (lesional and perilesional), skin biopsies were taken and the epidermis was assessed for histopathological changes and LC3 immunoreaction. Results: There was a highly significant difference (P

Background: Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that causes damage and fibrosis of the parenchyma of pancreas, thus leads to endocrine and exocrine dysfunction. Objective: The goals of this review were to analyze morphological alterations in pancreatic tissue during chronic pancreatitis and this analysis addresses the effect of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), on chronic pancreatitis, and collagen fiber deposition. Results: This review also discussed the different immunohistochemical markers for PSCs. Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is an excellent marker for activated PSCs. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is an important profibrogenic cytokine that appears to act by stimulating collagen production by PSCs. Conclusion: It was concluded that chronic pancreatitis caused a significant and progressive serious effects on the acinar cells, duct system, and islets of Langerhans in the form of intracellular vacuolations, decreased zymogen granules, pyknotic nuclei and thickening of the duct wall, and extensive fibrosis. It is hypothesised that during pancreatic injury, PSCs are activated and proliferated exhibiting positive staining for the cytoskeletal protein α- SMA, and synthesising amounts of extracellular matrix proteins, particularly collagen.

Introduction: 5-fluorouracil is a potent antimetabolite chemotherapeutic medication used for treatment of various malignancies . Using this agent result in toxic effect mainly in the lining of digestive tract. To ameliorate 5 FU toxic effect ginger was implicated in this study.Aim of the Work: To evaluate the microscopic effect of 5-fluorouracil on gastric fundus mucosa in rat models . and to study the possible beneficial role of ginger in the ameliorations of these changes. Material and Methods: Forty-eight adult male albino rates were divided into four groups: group I (control), group II received ginger orally in a dose of 200 mg/kg/day , group III received 5-fluorouracil (15 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and group IV received 5 FU and Ginger as previous doses for 5 days. The fundic part of stomach was excised and subjected to light and electron microscopic studies.Results: In 5 FU treated group, the fundic gastric mucosa showed multiple areas of tissue loss , congested dilated blood vessels and extravasated red blood cells and mononuclear infiltration were seen between fundic gland cells. Parietal cells showed ballooned appearance, vacuolated cytoplasm, and pykontic nuclei. PAS/ Alcian blue stained sections showed marked reduction in both alcian blue and PAS positive reaction. There was strong positive cytoplasmic reaction in the apical and middle parts of the fundic glands for caspase 3 while large number of parietal cells were stained positive for Cox 2. These histological findings were improved after ginger administration. Histomorphometric study revealed significant weight reduction, increased mucosal ulcer depth, decreased mucosal thickness and increased number of parietal cells in 5 FU treated group when compared to control group. Conclusion: 5FU causes gastric damage in rat model. Ginger supplementation could be used to alleviate the damaging pathological effect on gastric fundus.

Background Porcelain sectional veneers with no preparation (no-prep) are an ultra-conservative choice for the esthetic treatment of the anterior teeth. They can be made from a sintered feldspathic porcelain, which gives a great appearance with small thickness, but there are still concerns about the fracture strength of this material. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of porcelain sectional veneers made from 2 different sintered feldspathic porcelains. Material and methods Twenty recently extracted human incisors were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the porcelain material (n = 10). The 1st group was applied the IPS Style® Ceram feldspathic porcelain and the 2nd group - GC InitialTM MC. The porcelain sectional veneers were fabricated following the manufacturers' instructions. After the veneers bonded with resin cement (Variolink® N), the fracture strength was measured using a universal testing machine (Instron®1195) at 1 mm/min until failure occurred. Failure modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. Results The mean fracture strength for group IPS Style Ceram was higher than that for group GC Initial MC (182.7 N and 155.7 N, respectively). The lowest value was observed in group IPS Style Ceram (78 N) and the highest value - also in the group IPS Style Ceram (294 N). Student's t-test demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions There was no difference in the fracture strength of the porcelain sectional veneers for the 2 types of sintered porcelain used in this study. Cohesive failure within the porcelain sectional veneer was the most common mode of failure.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by articular inflammation and joint destruction. The mechanism of RA pathogenesis is not fully understood, but humoral and cellular immunity are known to be involved. CD4+ T lymphocytes and cytokines released by these cells are suggested to initiate inflammation in RA. This study aimed to assess T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell ratio and its correlation with disease activity in adult and juvenile RA. This study included 80 patients, with RA, including 40 adults (mean age: 36.4 ± 11.1 years and 40 juveniles mean age: 12.7 ± 2.2 years), and 80 healthy controls. For all patients and control subjects, patient and disease characteristics; laboratory tests for complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), and flow cytometry to determine the numbers of Th17 and Treg cells. There was a statistically significant increase in the Th17/Treg ratio in patients with active disease compared with those with inactive disease for both adult and juvenile RA compared with controls. However, a similar significant difference was not observed between those with inactive adult and juvenile RA and controls. There were significant positive correlations between the Th17/Treg ratio and disease activity score 28 (DAS28), CRP, anti-CCP, and ANA in active adult and juvenile RA. The Th17/Treg ratio was increased in active form of adult and juvenile RA compared with inactive RA and control, indicating the Th17/Treg ratio as a potentially useful marker of disease activity.

Schizophrenia remains one of the most chronic and highly disabling mental disorders. Lumateperone is a recent FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic drug for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the internal FDA pathologist raised concerns regarding pigment deposition associated with degeneration in different tissue in animal studies with lumateperone treatment. The adrenal gland may be implicated in lumateperone side effects, and quercetin may have the ability to fulfill this treatment gap. To prove this hypothesis, 40 male guinea pigs were used and divided into four groups; control, quercetin-treated, lumateperone-treated, and quercetin/lumateperone cotreated orally for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral forced swim (FST) and open field (OF) tests were done at the end of treatment. Retro-orbital blood samples were taken to assess hormones: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA), and aldosterone, along with an assessment of oxidative stress parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Adrenal glands were extracted for histopathological assessment with H&E, Mallory trichome staining, immunostaining, and electron microscopy studies. Lumateperone-treated group showed a significant reduction in the activity in FST and OF with histopathological deterioration in adrenal secretory function and structure and increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), CASPASE-3, collagen deposition, and decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Cytoplasmic vacuolation, pyknosis of the nuclei, increase in the lysosome, lipofuscin pigment, and cellular infiltration with diminishing in the number of secretory granules could all be observed in lumateperone-treated group. Coadministration of quercetin and lumateperone showed improvement of the previously deteriorated parameters. Quercetin had a prophylactic effect against lumateperone depressive-like effect on animal behavior and its possible adrenal damage.Graphical AbstractConceptual framework for the proposed mechanism of action of coadministration of quercetin and lumateperone.

Background: Remdesivir is a novel broad spectrum antiviral drug previously used to treat Ebola. It is a pro-drug nucleoside with antiviral activity that is opposed to SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus. Aim: Current research was planned to evaluate and compare the potential ameliorative impact of the hematopoietic-stem-cell mobilized by the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) versus BM-MSC on the effect of novel antiviral remdesivir on the kidney.Materials and methods: Rats divided into four groups: control group, Remdesivir treated group (20 mg/kg/day IV on the first day followed by 10 mg/kg/day for 6 days), Remdesivir + BM-MSCs group (3x10⁶ cells/ml of PKH26 labelled MSC) and Remedesivir+ Filgrastim group (70 μg/kg/day/5 days). At the end of the experiment, animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed. Both animal kidneys were excised for histological, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy studies. Biochemical and morphometric assessments had been performed.Results: Remdesivir caused distortion and degeneration of both the glomeruli and the renal tubules associated with Bowman’s space widening. It greatly increased the deposition of collagen and enhanced the expression of caspase 3, IL-6, and TGF-β1. Ultrastructure changes were observed in the form of thickening of glomerular basement membrane, dilated basal plasma membrane infoldings of tubular epithelium and mitochondrial degeneration. Biochemically, decreased antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) with increased serum urea and creatinine were also recorded. Both BM-MSCs and G-CSF improved histological structure and function of the kidney. Conclusion: Prescribing drugs such as remdesivir should be carried out with severe care. BM-MSCs and G-CSF are an efficient and ideal option to protect patients from irreversible kidney damage.

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge among dental students at King Khalid University, Jazan University, and Najran University in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia about when to repair or replace defective direct composite restoration. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was formulated, pursuing the information about management (repair/replacement) of defective composite restorations and distributed among 200 dental students of three universities in the southern region of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The data were collected with the help of an online questionnaire. Data entry and the analysis were done using the statistical software package SPSS version 20.0. It was presented using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables, and range means and standard deviations for age, quantitative variable. Analytic statistics ere done using Chi-Square tests (x2) to test the significant difference between categorical variables. The level of significance, the p-value was 0.01 (p < 0.01). Results: The decision to choose between composite repair or replacement was influenced by whether this topic was taught to them at various undergraduate levels during Bachelor of Dental Surgery. The reason associated with the decision to repair defective composite restorations, 76% reported as cost-effective followed by Increased longevity (71%), the permanent filling (70%), patient’s preference for repair (65%), and least time consuming (50%). 67% participants preferred significantly (p

Antimicrobial agents play a key role in controlling and curing infectious disease. Soon after the discovery of the first antibiotic, the challenge of antibiotic resistance commenced. Antimicrobial agents use different mechanisms against bacteria to prevent their pathogenesis and they can be classified as bactericidal or bacteriostatic. Antibiotics are one of the antimicrobial agents which has several classes, each with different targets. Consequently, bacteria are endlessly using methods to overcome the effectivity of the antibiotics by using distinct types of mechanisms. Comprehending the mechanisms of resistance is vital for better understanding and to continue use of current antibiotics. Which also helps to formulate synthetic antimicrobials to overcome the current mechanism of resistance. Also, encourage in prudent use and misuse of antimicrobial agents. Thus, decline in treatment costs and in the rate of morbidity and mortality. This review will be concentrating on the mechanism of actions of several antibiotics and how bacteria develop resistance to them, as well as the method of acquiring the resistance in several bacteria and how can a strain be resistant to several types of antibiotics. This review also analyzes the prevalence, major clinical implications, clinical causes of antibiotic resistance. Further, it evaluates the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, identifies various challenges and strategies in addressing the issue. Finally, put forward certain recommendations to prevent the spread and reduce the rate of resistance growth.

Endodontic treatment approaches aim to achieve proper treatment and prevention of apical periodontitis to enhance the oral health status and enhance the prognosis of affected teeth. However, many complications can develop secondary to endodontic treatment. The management of post-treatment apical periodontitis might be challenging to clinicians, and the prognosis is usually lower than that of primary apical periodontitis. Therefore, identifying the potential etiology and intervening against them might be ideal for these cases. The present literature review discusses the commonest causes reported in the literature to predispose to the development of post-treatment apical periodontitis. Most of the various investigations in the literature indicate that post-treatment apical periodontitis is usually caused by either extraradicular or intraradicular infections, like primary apical periodontitis. However, it should be noted that some studies also reported that technical or procedural errors might predispose to the pathogenesis of the condition. However, it has been reported that the presence of associated bacterial infection conditions this.

Introduction: Ovarian torsion constitutes a gynecologic surgical emergency. However, early diagnosis of torsion may help to detorsion of the affected ovary and to preserve the fertility. Conservative therapy may lead to local and systemic deteriorating effects on the viability of the detorsioned ovary.Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the possible protective effect of amlodipine on ischemia and ischemia reperfusion (I/R) induced ovarian injury in a rat model using histological, immuno-histolochemical, biochemical and morphometric studies.Material and Methods: Forty adult female albino rats were used. They were equally divided into five groups. Group 1: Sham operation (control). Group 2: (ischemia) 3 hours duration of ischemia. Group 3: (ischemia/reperfusion) same as group 2 followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Group 4: (ischemia and amlodipine) 5 mg amlodipine given orally one hour before ischemia then 3 hours of ischemia. Group 5: (ischemia, re-perfusion and amlodipine) 2 hours of ischemia then 5 mg amlodipine given orally then 3 hours of reperfusion. Then ovarian removal was performed and subjected to histological, immuno-histolochemical , biochemical and morphometric studies.Results: In ischemia and (I/R) groups, the ovaries revealed exfoliation and desquamation of granulosa cells into the follicular cavity of degenerated follicles, with karyolysis and karyorrhexis of the oocyte nucleus, Congested dilated vessels, hyaline degeneration and vacuolation in the interstitial region, Massive cellular infiltrate, hemosiderin deposits and massive hemorrhage of the ovarian stroma. There was positive immunoreactivity for PECAM-I and CD68 and negative for estrogen receptor immunostain. Both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were significantly decreased while malondialdehyde MDA (LPO) concentration was significantly increased in ischemia and I/R groups as compared with the other groups. Amlodipine addition improves both histological findings and biochemical valuesConclusion: Amlodipine attenuates ischemia and (I/R) induced ovarian tissue injury

Utilizing cantilever bridges to perform fixed partial prostheses has been reported in the literature based on the increasing demands in this field to improve the outcomes and relieve extensive therapeutic approaches associated with complete oral rehabilitation. The current evidence indicates that cantilever bridges can effectively replace missing teeth with more favorable outcomes than removable partial dentures. However, evidence also shows that decreasing the number and size of cantilevered pontics and increasing abutment teeth are necessary to enhance the outcomes. Furthermore, if the occlusion is harmonious and stable, it has been demonstrated that cantilever bridges can be applied with the minimal periodontal ligament, which adds to its favorable outcomes. However, it should be noted that cantilever bridges are not applicable for all patients as it needs proper oral health status to be installed. Besides, it might also be associated with complications that may lead to failure. Therefore, further studies are still needed.

Introduction:The proportion of aged people is growing worldwide. Older persons are affected by a number of physical, psychological and social factors that influence their health and quality of life. These factors are usually multiple and are often masked by sensory and cognitive impairments.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the available literature emphasizing older persons’ care, care-related problems, and older persons’ quality of healthcare. Also, the paper aimed at exploring the future direction of research needs.Results:Good quality older patients’ care involves safety, professional interventions, recognition and management of physical and emotional wellbeing. Care of older patients requires addressing the aging process itself, the expected decrease in functionality, and diminished cognitive ability. Little statistical data were found to address the quality of hospitalized elderly patients in particular as well as study on healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Literature does not provide much guidance to the effectiveness of care strategies.Conclusion:The results assert that elderly health care is a priority. However, health care systems are not specific about elderly patients’ needs, leading to low quality of elderly care. There is a need to use an integrated model of care to improve the quality of life and quality of care provided to hospitalized older patients.

Background Job demand and job satisfaction in nursing profession have been identified as significant indicators of quality of nursing care. Job demand is the most influential job stressor and has been connected to negative consequences on nurses' ability to function. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of work locus of control on the relationship between job demand and job satisfaction among nurses working at public hospitals. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational design was utilized to randomly recruit 427 registered nurses working at two major public hospitals. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire regarding job demand, job satisfaction and work locus of control. Results Work locus of control had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between job demand and satisfaction. External locus of control had a negative effect on the job demand and job satisfaction relationship, whereas internal locus of control positively buffered this correlation. Conclusion This study adds a novel contribution to the body of knowledge that buffering effect of job demand among nurses is much dependent on appropriately enhancing internal locus of control, consequently improving job satisfaction.

Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Several studies reported wide range of cyclophosphamide induced cardiotoxicity in cancerous patients. Alpha lipoic acid is a natural antioxidant used widely for prevention and treatment of different conditions. Aim of the work: This work was conducted to study the role of alpha lipoic acid in cyclophosphamide induced cardiotoxicity basing on histological and ultrastructural studies. Material and Methods: Forty-four adult male Albino rats were divided into four groups: group I (control), group II (alpha lipoic acid -treated) in a dose (25 mg/kg body weight/day) given orally, group III (cyclophosphamide -treated) in a dose (200 mg/kg body weight) single dose injected intraperitoneally and group IV (alpha lipoic acid plus cyclophosphamid-treated). The experiment was conducted for ten days. Cardiac muscle specimens were subjected to light, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study. Results: Microscopic examination of cardiac muscle of cyclophosphamide treated group (III) showed focal disruption and vacuolation of cardiac muscle fibers with mononuclear infiltration between cardiac muscle fibers. Ultrastructurally, destruction of myofibrils, swollen, irregular arranged mitochondria and dilated SER were noted. Some nuclei showed chromatolysis and others were heterochromatic with irregular nuclear membrane. These results were confirmed by significant decrease in Bcl2. The intercellular spaces were wide contained dilated congested blood vessels and collagen. Alpha lipoic acid administration improved cardiac muscle architecture but still not attained the complete normal morphology Conclusion: Supplementation of alpha lipoic acid in concomitant with cyclophosphamide (CYP) can ameliorate the CYP induced cardiac injury.