Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of plasma treatment versus conventional treatment on the micro shear bond strength (μSBS), surface roughness, and wettability of three different CAD/CAM materials. Materials and methods: Sixty cylindrical specimens (5 mm diameter ×3 mm height) were prepared from three different CAD/CAM materials: Group A: Zirconia, Group B: Lithium disilicate, and Group C: Resin nano-ceramic. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups according to surface treatment used: Subgroup I: Conventional treatment, zirconia was sandblasted with Al2O3, while lithium disilicate and resin nano-ceramic were etched with hydrofluoric acid. Subgroup II: Plasma treatment, the surface of each material was treated with a plasma device (PiezoBrush® PZ3 Handheld Device, Relyon Plasma, Regensburg, Germany). G-Multi PRIMER was applied, then self-adhesive cement (G-CEM ONE) was applied using a split mold (1 mm diameter ×3 mm height), and μSBS was tested in a universal testing machine. The surface roughness was measured using a profilometer. Nine additional specimens of each material for wettability test using an optical tensiometer. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni test at a level of significance of 0.05. Results: The highest mean of μSBS was recorded by AII (27.3 MPa), while the lowest was recorded by AI (17.9 MPa). One-way ANOVA test revealed a significant difference among groups. Bonferroni test showed each two subgroups significant difference except subgroups AI, CI and BII, CII, where there was a non-significant difference. For all CAD/CAM materials, conventional treatment increased the surface roughness compared to plasma treatment, while the contact angle decreased after plasma treatment. Conclusion: Plasma treatment increased the μSBS of resin cement to zirconia significantly while not significantly affecting the μSBS of resin nano-ceramic. Conventional treatment of lithium disilicate provided significantly higher μSBS than plasma treatment.
Objective Thalassemic patients present with multiple immune abnormalities that may predispose them to oral Candida, however this has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess oral candidal colonization in a group of patients with β-thalassemia major both qualitatively and quantitatively. Study design The oral mycologic flora of 50 β-thalassemia major patients and 50 age- and sex-matched control subjects was assessed using the concentrated oral rinse technique. Candida species were identified using the germ tube test and the Vitek yeast identification system. Results Oral Candida was isolated from 37 patients (74%) and 28 healthy subjects (56%; P = .04). The mean candidal count was significantly higher in thalassemic patie
... Show MoreEndometriosis is a painful disease that affects around 5% of women of reproductive age. In endometriosis, ectopic endometrial cells or seeded endometrial debris grow in abnormal locations including the peritoneal cavity. Common manifestations of endometriosis include dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and often infertility and symptomatic relief or surgical removal are mainstays of treatment. Endometriosis both promotes and responds to estrogen imbalance, leading to intestinal bacterial estrobolome dysregulation and a subsequent induction of inflammation.
In the current study, we investigated the linkage be
The study aims to build a proposed training program for school leaders in the Sultanate of Oman on the planning practices of the Kaufman model in light of the needs and challenges of reality. It also aims to identify the challenges facing school leaders in practicing the stages of strategic planning. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted the descriptive approach due to its suitability to the nature of the study. A questionnaire was used to collect the needed data. The study sample included (225) individuals from school principals, their assistants and senior teachers in post-basic education in the Sultanate of Oman. After processing the data statistically, the study concluded that the reality of planning practices for school lea
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