The status of clinical trials regarding root canal sealers

Malak Ahmad AL,Masri Yasmina EL,Al Ziab Mira,Zrara Nancy,Baroud Tarek,Salameh Pascale 대한치과보존학회 2024 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.49 No.1

Objectives This study aimed to present the results and analyses of clinical trials, including updates on the different functions of root canal sealers. Materials and Methods In June 2023, we performed a comprehensive search of ClinicalTrials.gov to identify interventional clinical trials pertaining to root canal sealers. In total, 23 clinical trials conducted up to June 2023 were included in this study. Results Approximately half of the trials (11 out of 23) were completed, while none were terminated or withdrawn. Each included trial had a minimum of 10 participants, with 11 trials having more than 100 participants. None of the assessed trials provided outcomes, and the majority (17 out of 23) lacked associated publications. In terms of geographic distribution, the USA and Canada did not contribute to any root canal sealer trials. Conclusions This study highlights the lack of diversity in trial locations, the absence of reported results, and a scarcity of clinical trials examining the physicochemical properties of different sealers. Most published trials primarily focused on assessing the post-operative pain effect of these sealers, but no significant difference was found regarding post-operative pain control. Objectives This study aimed to present the results and analyses of clinical trials, including updates on the different functions of root canal sealers. Materials and Methods In June 2023, we performed a comprehensive search of ClinicalTrials.gov to identify interventional clinical trials pertaining to root canal sealers. In total, 23 clinical trials conducted up to June 2023 were included in this study. Results Approximately half of the trials (11 out of 23) were completed, while none were terminated or withdrawn. Each included trial had a minimum of 10 participants, with 11 trials having more than 100 participants. None of the assessed trials provided outcomes, and the majority (17 out of 23) lacked associated publications. In terms of geographic distribution, the USA and Canada did not contribute to any root canal sealer trials. Conclusions This study highlights the lack of diversity in trial locations, the absence of reported results, and a scarcity of clinical trials examining the physicochemical properties of different sealers. Most published trials primarily focused on assessing the post-operative pain effect of these sealers, but no significant difference was found regarding post-operative pain control.

FHIT Gene Expression in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and its Clinical Significance

Malak, Camelia A Abdel,Elghanam, Doaa M,Elbossaty, Walaa Fikry Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.18

Background: To investigate the expression of the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its clinical significance. Materials and Methods: The level of expressed FHIT mRNA in peripheral blood from 50 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and in 50 peripheral blood samples from healthy volunteers was measured via RT-PCR. Correlation analyses between FHIT gene expression and clinical characteristics (gender, age, white blood count, immunophenotype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and percentage of blast cells) of the patients were performed. Results: The FHIT gene was expressed at $2.49{\pm}7.37$ of ALL patients against $14.4{\pm}17.9$ in the healthy volunteers. The difference in the expression levels between ALL patients and healthy volunteers was statistically significant. The rate of gene expression did not significantly vary with immunophenotype subtypes. Gene expression was also found to be correlated with increase of total leukocyte and decrease in platelets, but not with age, gender, immunophenotyping or percentage of blast cells. Conclusions: FHIT gene expression is low in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and could be a useful marker to monitor minimal residual disease. This gene is also a candidate target for the immunotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Comparison between density gradient centrifugation method, an extended version of the horizontal swim up method and the combination of both for sperm selection

( Malak Jamil ),( Hasnae Debbarh ),( Amal Kabit ),( Moha Ennaji Lic ),( Loic Koumba ),( Ismail Kaarouch ),( Moha Zarqaoui ),( Wassim Rhazi Senhaji ),( El Mehdi Hissane ),( Brahim Saadani ),( Pierre Va 대한산부인과학회 2023 Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Vol.66 No.3

Objective To compare the degree of efficiency between density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method and an extended horizontal swim-up (SU) method. Methods A total of 97 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were divided into three aliquots and treated using DGC, extended horizontal SU, and combined methods. DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation were detected in native semen samples and their three corresponding aliquots. The corresponding mature oocytes of each semen sample were divided into two sibling cultures. The first sibling culture was microinjected with semen pellets from DGC, and the second sibling culture was microinjected with semen pellets from the combination of both methods. Fertilization rate and embryonic development were assessed at day 3. Results DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation was significantly low in DGC and extended horizontal SU samples; however, the rates of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation were significantly lower in extended horizontal SU samples than in DGC samples. The lowest rates of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation corresponded to the samples treated with both methods. The highest rates of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation corresponded to the samples treated with DGC. No significant difference was found in the fertilization rate or day 3 embryos between sibling cultures. Conclusion The combination of DGC and the extended horizontal SU techniques is best for giving the lowest rates of sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation.

Introducing Contemporary Blockchain Platforms

Alrumaih, Malak Suliman International Journal of Computer ScienceNetwork S 2021 International journal of computer science and netw Vol.21 No.4

Blockchain and its infrastructure technology have expanded rapidly in the last decade and are in high demand, but there is a lack of comprehensive studies on those platforms. Blockchain is a new technology based on the distributed digital ledger system. Decentralized trust is one of the key factors behind the blockchain-based system. Transparency of such a system is better than a conventional centralized ledger system. By using a blockchain-based transaction system, any business organization can harness key benefits like data integrity, confidentiality, and anonymity without involving any third party in control of the transactions. Since the blockchain is used in numerous applications and the horizon is expanding at an unprecedented pace. So, there is a need for an introducing and reviewing of blockchain platforms. In this paper, we have reported a review on existing contemporary blockchain platforms. In particular, From the existing studies, we have identified eighty blockchain platforms and the majority of them have a lack of technical details. To provide the researchers a comprehensive introducing on blockchain platforms to perform a broad guideline for future research and investment in the blockchain domain.

Evaluation of the posterior superior alveolar artery canal by cone-beam computed tomography in a sample of the Egyptian population

Fayek, Marco Malak,Amer, Maha Eshak,Bakry, Ahmed Mohamed Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2021 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.51 No.1

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting the posterior superior alveolar(PSA) artery canal in a sample of the Egyptian population. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 600 maxillary sinuses of patients were examined for the presence or absence of the PSA artery along the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, and for the diameter and type of the canal in relation to age and sex. The distances from the canal to the alveolar crest and sinus floor were also measured. Each canal was assessed to determine whether it was bifid. Results: The PSA artery canal could be detected in 92.0% of the sinuses. The mean distance from the inferior border of the PSA artery canal to the sinus floor was 8.2±2.2 mm (range, 3.2-13.6 mm) in males and 7.3±2.1 mm (range, 3.0-13.1 mm) in females. The mean distance from the inferior border of the PSA artery canal to the alveolar crest was 18.2±2.7 mm (range, 11.0-23.9 mm) in males and 17.4±2.3 mm (range, 10.8-23.5 mm) in females. The mean diameter of the PSA artery canal was larger in male subjects. The PSA artery canal was bifid in 8.7% of cases. The most frequently observed location of the PSA artery canal was intraosseous(82.2%). Conclusion: CBCT was confirmed to be a valuable tool for evaluation and localization of the PSA artery before maxillary sinus lift surgery to avoid intraoperative bleeding.

Association of Alanine-Valine Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Gene Polymorphism and Microheterogeneity Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Breast Cancer and Benign Breast Tissue

Manar Atoum,Malak Abdel-Fattah,Nisreen Nimer,Saleem Abdel-Rahman,Sawsan A. Abdeldayem 한국유방암학회 2012 Journal of breast cancer Vol.15 No.2

Purpose: Although the etiology of breast cancer is multifactorial, oxidative stress plays an important role in carcinogenesis. In this study, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene polymorphism and activity were evaluated in benign and breast cancer tissue. Methods: One hundred and one females were enrolled in this study, 65 who were histopathologically diagnosed with breast cancer and 46 who were benign patients. MnSOD enzyme activity was determined using an indirect competitive inhibition assay and MnSOD gene polymorphism using poly merase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: MnSOD enzymatic activity (79.83±42.14) was lower in breast cancer tissue compared to benign tumors (236.18±46.37). At the same time, MnSOD enzymatic activity among Ala/Val patients was significantly lower in breast cancer tissue (39.19±7.33) than in Val/Val malignant breast tumors tissue (96.9±22.9). MnSOD enzymatic activity was significantly lower in Val/Val cancer tissue (96.9±22.9) than in benign tissue (255.44±42.7). Conclusion: Breast cancer tumors contain less MnSOD than benign breast samples. Patients with Ala/Val polymorphism had reduced MnSOD activity compared to patients with Val/Val breast cancer. Ala/Val gene polymorphism may be a risk factor associated with more advanced breast cancer stage. MnSOD gene polymorphism Ala/Val may be a risk factor associated with more advanced breast cancer stage, and reduction of MnSOD activity may be a mechanism of the progression of benign to malignant tumors. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the role of MnSOD in breast cancer progression.

Effects of SiO₂ in Turkish Natural Stones on Cancer Development

Dal, Murat,Malak, Arzu Tuna Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.10

In materials science, one of the new concerns in the construction industry, it is well established that mineral dust from rocks (stones) has adverse effects on human health. For instance, it is suspected that some mineral dusts in particular leads to occupational diseases, including lung cancer. The present research concerned the relationship between cancer and those workers who work in Turkish construction industry and quarries and are exposed to silica mineral dust from natural stones. One focus was cancer prevention methods applied in-site. In mining and construction industry where stone dust is widely used, silicosis induced lung cancer is frequently seen. Cancer cases which are seen across the regions mostly affected by silica containing dust in Turkey were identified and a survey was conducted of the methods to protect workers in the construction industry from exposure to silica dust.

The Avon Patellofemoral Joint Replacement: Mid-Term Prospective Results from an Independent Centre

Pouya Akhbari,Tamer Malak,Sebastian Dawson-Bowling,Debra East,Kim Miles,P. Adrian Butler-Manuel 대한정형외과학회 2015 Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Vol.7 No.2

Approximately 10% of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee have unicompartmental OA confined to the patellofemoral joint (PFJ). The main surgical options are total knee replacement (TKR) and PFJ replacement (PFJR). PFJR has a number of advantages over TKR, including being less invasive, preserving the unaffected parts of the knee, allowing faster recovery and better range of motion and function. We report our prospective mid-term results of the Avon PFJR for established isolated PFJ arthritis in 61 consecutive procedures. Methods: Sixty-one Avon PFJRs were performed in 57 patients. The outcome measures were the new Oxford knee score (OKS), Hungerford and Kenna score (HKS), and Crosby Insall knee scores. Only patients with severe isolated PFJ OA were included. The diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical, radiological and, where available, arthroscopic findings. Results: Mean follow-up was 5.09 years (range, 12 to 124 years). There were 2 revisions in the first 5 years. The median HKS score was 80 (interquartile range, 70 to 95) and the mean OKS was 31.8 (± standard deviation, 8.7) at 5 years. These were significantly better (p < 0.001) than the preoperative scores. Conclusions: The Avon prosthesis gives good functional outcomes in the medium term and survives well. Our data support other studies in the literature and is the largest independent prospective study to date.

Effective Heterogeneous Ensemble Classification: An Alternative Approach for Selecting Base Classifiers

Esra’a Alshdaifat,Malak Al-hassan,Ahmad Aloqaily 한국통신학회 2021 ICT Express Vol.7 No.3

In this paper, an alternative approach to select base classifiers forming a parallel Heterogeneous ensemble is proposed. The fundamental concept is to trim poorly performing classifiers; thus, a more effective Heterogeneous ensemble can be generated. More specifically, the proposed trimming approach finds an optimal subset of classifiers to form the desired heterogeneous ensemble. The main challenge is how to detect poor performance classifiers. To address this issue, the differences in effectiveness between base classifiers forming the ensemble are utilized to spot weak classifiers. For evaluating the proposed approach, eighteen benchmark datasets are used for generating the heterogeneous ensemble classification and comparisons with the state-of-the-art methods are conducted. The experimental analysis demonstrated the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach when compared to other state-of-the-art approaches.

Role of Organizational Climate in Organizational Commitment: The Case of Teaching Hospitals

Mohammad Amin Bahrami,Omid Barati,Malake-sadat Ghoroghchian,Razieh Montazer-alfaraj,Mohammad Ranjbar Ezzatabadi 질병관리본부 2016 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.7 No.2

Objective: The commitment of employees is affected by several factors, including factors related to the organizational climate. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between organizational commitment of nurses and the organizational climate in hospital settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 at two teaching hospitals in Yazd, Iran. A total of 90 nurses in these hospitals participated. We used stratified random sampling of the nursing population. The required data were gathered using two valid questionnaires: Allen and Meyer’s organizational commitment standard questionnaire and Halpin and Croft’s Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire. Data analysis was done through SPSS 20 statistical software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). We used descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient for the data analysis. Results: The findings indicated a positive and significant correlation between organizational commitment and organizational climate (r = 0.269, p = 0.01). There is also a significant positive relationship between avoidance of organizational climate and affective commitment (r = 0.208, p = 0.049) and between focus on production and normative and continuance commitment (r = 0.308, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Improving the organizational climate could be a valuable strategy for improving organizational commitment.