The capacity of three active Mn(IV)‐reducing isolates to dissolve Mn in sterilized samples of two Egyptian soils and a pure sand enriched with MnO2 were studied. These isolates were identified as Penicillium variable (P. v.), Aspergillus niger (A. n.) and Streptomyces exfoliatus (S. e.). The data indicated that inoculation with the fungi and actinomycete mentioned increased the soil contents of water soluble + exchangeable manganese (Mnws+ex) but decreased the easily reducible form (Mner). The increase in Mn‐mobility depended on soil type, organism used and time of incubation. The maximum level of Mnws+ex appeared after 14 days in the 3 soil samples. The release of Mn (II) ranged from 19.6 to 49.4 ppm in the sand samples, from 34.8 to 53.3 ppm in samples of a clay loam soil and from 9.9 to 19.8 ppm in samples of a calcareous sandy loam soil. The increase in Mnws+ex was at the expense of Mner but not in stochiometric amounts. The organisms tested can be ranked according to their capacity to reduce MnO2 in the following order (for all soils) Streptomyces exfoliatus > Aspergillus niger > Penicillium variable. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant differences due to inoculation, soil type, incubation time and their interactions.

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate coronal leakage of preheated nanohybrid and bulk fill composites in endodontically treated teeth. Materials and methods:A total of 100 human mandibular premolars were divided into six groups after standardized root canal treatment protocol: group I (n = 20): nanohybrid composite (Filtek Z250XT); group II (n = 20): preheated nanohybrid composite; group III (n = 20): bulk fill composite (Filtek Bulk fill); group IV (n = 20): bulk fill composite (Filtek™ Bulk fill); group V (negative control) (n = 10): Gutta-percha was kept intact till orifice and covered with nail polish; and group VI (positive control) (n = 10): Gutta-percha was kept intact till orifice. The samples were thermocycled followed by dye penetration with 2% methylene blue. Scoring was done under stereomicroscope at 10× magnification. Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon signedrank test, and Mann-Whitney U test were applied. There was significant difference among all the groups.Results: Preheated bulk fill composites sealed significantly better. Nanohybrid composites displayed the highest microleakage followed by preheated nanohybrid composite. Bulk fill composites were better than preheated nanohybrid composites. Conclusion:Preheating decreases microleakage of nanohybrid and bulk fill composites. Bulk fill composites, especially when preheated, are superior in performance to nanohybrid composites in terms of microleakage.Clinical significance: Preheated bulk fill composites are a suitable alternative to nanohybrid composites for the improvement of marginal integrity of restorations in endodontically treated teeth.

INTRODUCTION:Scars widen when the underlying musculature (frontalis muscles, procerus, and corrugator supercilii muscles) pulls apart suture lines, and scars oriented against relaxed skin tension lines (RSTL) are especially susceptible to these distraction forces. Because botulinum toxin A (BTA) induces complete muscle paralysis, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of BTA using both observer dependent qualitative assessments and quantitative measurements to verify its beneficial effects on facial scarring. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Botulinum Toxin type A injection on improving vertical or oblique facial scars when injected in early postoperative days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve individuals with vertical or oblique recent forehead lacerations were randomly selected. The sample was chosen based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria and was then randomized to one of two groups:The BTA injection was given to one group (n = 6) within five days of primary closure, while the other group (n = 6) received no further treatment. Assessment included measurement of wound width and Vancouver scar scale, along with clinical photographs. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, patients treated with BTA injections had a significant improvement in VSS and a less gain in wound width. At the 3-and 6-month examinations, all significant changes were found, but not at the 1-month appointment. All cases showed uneventful healing. CONCLUSION: This study showed that when BTA injections are administrated during the early postoperative days it shows great improvement in the scar quality.

INTRODUCTION:Pediatric mandibular fracture is particularly challenging and its management is still controversial. The disadvantages of conventional metal plates such as stress shielding ,restricting bone growth, particularly in children, palpability, thermal sensitivity, and interference with diagnostic imaging, ,elicited the search for better options for fracture fixation. Therefore, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has emerged as a promising alternative in the development of new osteosynthesis plates. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of customized computer assisted PEEK plates in the fixation of pediatric mandibular fractures in terms of clinical and radiographic assessment parameters. MATERIAL*S AND METHODS:The present study was conducted on seven children with recent displaced mandibular fractures indicated for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). All children were treated using customized computer assisted PEEK plates. Patients were then followed up for three months. Each patient was assessed clinically in terms of the operative time and postoperative complications. Radiographic assessment was done with the aid of an immediately postoperative orthopantomogram and computed tomography (CT) after three months to assess the bone healing and evaluate the mean bone density along the fracture site. RESULTS: The overall postoperative complications were 14.3%. The mean operative time was (0:56 ±00:07). The mean bone density at the third month revealed a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase when compared to the preoperative mean bone density results. CONCLUSION: Customized computer assisted PEEK plates may be a better option for treating pediatric mandibular fractures as it offers reasonable operative time, precise reduction, less postoperative complications, and proper bone healing.

INTRODUCTION:Maxillary sinus lifting for dental implant placement is a well-known and versatile technique; new techniques have been presented based on the physiology of bone repair inside the maxillary sinus, now blood clot can be considered autogenous osteogenic graft material, into which osteoprogenitor cells can migrate, differentiate, and regenerate bone. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effectiveness of graftless sinus lifting technique through lateral window with simultaneous placement of dental implant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients were selected to match inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were treated using graftless sinus lifting through lateral window technique with simultaneous implant placement. New bone formation was assessed radiographically by measuring bone height, bone volume, bone density, and implant stability. RESULTS: In all treated cases bone volume and bone height increased significantly. Radiological and clinical follow-up was conducted throughout 6-months postoperatively. All patients showed successful bone formation beneath the schneiderian membrane. CONCLUSION: Graftless sinus lifting with immediate implant placement is a predictable, time saving technique. Also, it decreases the overall cost of the procedure and the complications that maybe encountered when using any bone substitutes.