Clinical assessment of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as direct pulp capping in young permanent teeth

Carious pulp exposure in permanent molars of children is a common incident. Mineral trioxide aggregate is a new material that possesses numerous exciting possibilities for pulp therapy. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of MTA as a direct pulp capping agent in young permanent teeth. METHODS: Thirty asymptomatic permanent molars with pulp exposures were treated by pulp capping using MTA. At each recall (6 12, 18 and 24 months), the teeth were assessed clinically, through pulpal sensitivity tests, as well as radiographically to evaluate periapical healing. RESULTS: None of the cases reported spontaneous pain at the six months follow up and the pulp showed signs of vitality and absence of periapical radiolucency. At 24 months, the clinical and radiographic success rate was 93% with evidence of continued root growth. CONCLUSION: Pulp capping with MTA is recommended for teeth with carious pulp exposures specially immature teeth with high potential for healing.     

The absolute quantification of endogenous levels of brain neuropeptides in vivo using LC-MS/MS

Neuropeptides seem to play an important role when the CNS is challenged. In order to obtain better insights into the central peptidergic effects, it is essential to monitor their concentration in the brain. Quantification of neuropeptides in dialysates is challenging due to their low extracellular concentrations (low pM range), their low microdialysis efficiencies, the need for acceptable temporal resolution, the small sample volumes, the complexity of the matrix and the tendency of peptides to stick to glass and polymeric materials. The quantification of neuropeptides in dialysates therefore necessitates the use of very sensitive nano-LC-MS/MS methods. A number of LC-MS/MS and microdialysis parameters need to be optimized to achieve maximal sensitivity. The optimized and validated methods can be used to investigate the in vivo neuropeptide release during pathological conditions, in this way initiating new and immense challenges for the development of new drugs.     

Effect of xylitol on dental caries and salivary Streptococcus mutans levels among a group of mother-child pairs

Recent researches have focused on xylitol as convenient and effective method to inhibit cariogenic bacteria. The purpose of the present study is to assess the effect of xylitol on plaque accumulation, caries activity and salivary Streptococcus Mutans in a group of Saudi mother-child pairs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 60 mother and child pairs selected on the basis of having high salivary streptococcus mutans levels. The study sample was randomly divided into experimental group (30 pairs) and control group (30 pairs). The experimental group was given xylitol treatment and the controls received fluoride varnish. Both groups were examined to assess caries, plaque and salivary streptococcus mutans levels. Xylitol treatment in the form of chewing gum for mothers and tablets for children was consumed three times/day for three months. All subjects received oral hygiene instructions, dietary counseling and restorative treatment. The results showed that the number of mothers and children with high streptococcus levels in the experimental group decreased to a statistically significant level at the end of the three month period, similarly, the control mothers showed the same trend. A statistically significant decrease in plaque scores was evident only among the children S experimental group. The caries level of children and mothers showed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups. The factors which significantly affected the streptococcus mutans count in children after three months were the child' dmft at baseline the preventive method used and the mother'salivary streptococcus mutans level.     

Hepatic viscoelastic parameters measured with MR elastography: correlations with quantitative analysis of liver fibrosis in the rat

PURPOSE: To determine the correlations between the viscoelastic parameters of the liver measured with in vivo MR elastography and quantitative analysis of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR elastography of the liver was performed in 10 rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) injections and five normal rats. Longitudinal waves of 200 MHz were transmitted into the liver with a mechanical transducer. Wave propagation into the liver was analyzed with a phase-locked spin-echo sequence at 1.5 T. The viscoelastic parameters, obtained with the Voigt model, were correlated with automatic image analysis of the fibrotic areas and with analysis of the hydroxyproline content of the liver. RESULTS: Substantial correlations were observed between the shear viscoelastic parameters and the percentage of fibrosis at automatic image analysis (r = 0.7, P = 0.005 for the elasticity, and r = 0.8, P = 0.001 for the viscosity) and moderate correlations were seen between the shear viscoelastic parameters and the hydroxyproline content (r = 0.6, P = 0.016 for the elasticity and r = 0.5, P = 0.041 for the viscosity). CONCLUSION: The viscoelastic parameters of the liver measured with in vivo MR elastography correlate with quantitative analysis of liver fibrosis. These results suggest that MR elastography is a promising noninvasive method to quantify liver fibrosis.     

Tumor biology,biomarkers, and liquid biopsy in pediatric renal tumors

The expansion of knowledge regarding driver mutations for Wilms tumor (WT) and malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRT) and various translocations for other pediatric renal tumors opens up new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment. In addition, there are growing data surrounding prognostic factors that can be used to stratify WT treatment to improve outcomes. Here, we review the molecular landscape of WT and other pediatric renal tumors as well as WT prognostic factors. We also review incorporation of circulating tumor DNA/liquid biopsies to leverage this molecular landscape, with potential use in the future for distinguishing renal tumors at the time of diagnosis and elucidating intratumor heterogeneity, which is not well evaluated with standard biopsies. Incorporation of liquid biopsies will require longitudinal collection of multiple biospecimens. Further preclinical research, identification and validation of biomarkers, molecular studies, and data sharing among investigators are crucial to inform therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes.     

COVID-19 in Morocco's region: Observational study of prevalence in symptomatic adults using the PANBIOS® rapid antigen test September 2021

Background

Rapid antigen tests have emerged to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential to reduce the spread of the disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and test the sensitivity and specificity in Temara-Skhirat in symptomatic adults through PANBIOS® test.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in mid-September 2021. Two investigators conducted data collection from symptomatic adult patients. The diagnostic performance of the PANBIOS®, and the PCR was assessed to calculate sensitivity and the specificity.

Results

Among 206 symptomatic participants, the mean age was 38 ± 12 years, and the majority were women (59%). In our population, 80% had benefited from the anti-COVID vaccine. The median duration of symptoms was 4 days; the most common symptoms were fatigue (62%), headache (52%), fever (48%), cough (34%), loss of smell (25%), loss of taste (24%), and sore throat (22%). Results revealed 23% of cases tested positive with PANBIOS® test versus 30% with the PCR test. The calculated medical decision between PCR versus PANBIOS® test showed high specificity of 95.7% and a sensitivity of 69.4%. There was concordance between the PANBIOS® test and the PCR.

Conclusion

The prevalence tested remain high, and the sensitivity and specificity of the PANBIOS® versus PCR test are similar to other literatures and close to value described in WHO recommendations. PANBIOS® is a useful test for controlling the spread of COVID-19 allowing identification of active infection.