AIM: This study aimed to assess the shear bond strength of a self-adhering flowable resin composite versus a total-etch one to different surfaces of permanent-molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six sound human permanent molars were used. The teeth were embedded in acrylic blocks, such that their buccal surfaces were shown. The teeth were divided into three groups: Group I: Uncut-Enamel, Group II: Cut-enamel-surfaces with minimal-grinding and Group III: dentin-surfaces. Half of the teeth in each group were used for bonding to a self-adhering flowable resin-composite (Dyad-flow, Kerr, USA). While the other half of each group was bonded to a total-etch flowable resin-composite (Filtek™Z350-XT,3M-ESPE, USA) which necessitate etching and bonding. Teflon-mold was used for constructing resin composite cylinders (3 × 3 mm) over the buccal surfaces. The Dyad-flow was applied in the central hole of the mould placed upon tooth-surface, and then light-cured for 20 seconds. The Filtek-Z350-XT was applied similarly after etching and bonding steps. The teeth were stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 hours. The strength was measured using a universal testing machine and statistically analysed. Modes of failure were studied using digital-microscope. RESULTS: Mean values of shear bond strength for the Dyad and Filtek-Z350-XT in the uncut-enamel were 3.5 and 24.6MPa respectively, while that for cut-enamel were 4.5 and 12.7MPa respectively (Both highly statistically significant P ≤ 0.01) and in dentin were 4.3 and 6.7MPa respectively (Statistically significant P ≤ 0.05). The failure mode for Dyad was mainly adhesive (un-cut or cut-enamel 83.3% adhesive and 16.7% mixed, while in dentin 100% adhesive). While the modes of failure for Filtek-Z350-XT in enamel, either cut or un-cut, were 50% cohesive and 50% mixed, whereas in dentin 100% adhesive. CONCLUSION: Bonding of self-etch ″Dyad-flow″ flowable resin-composite was lower than the total-etch one in enamel and dentin. Thus further material improvement may be required.

Background: There are different intraoral appliances for cessation of thumb/finger sucking habit, but they have many disadvantages and to overcome it, extra oral appliances with colourful and attractive shape were developed. Electronic habit reminder in the form of wristwatch with alarming sound was assessed in cessation of thumb/finger sucking habit in children versus palatal crib after 6 and 9 months. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical pilot study, with allocation ratio 1:1 parallel group. Recruitment was at the diagnostic clinic, Paediatric Dentistry and Dental Public health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. Blinding was not feasible except for the statistician. Twenty-two children were included with age range (6–14), erupted upper first permanent molar and with thumb/finger sucking habit that resulted in open bite. After random allocation of participants into two groups: intervention group (electronic habit reminder) and control group (palatal crib), impressions were performed for fabrication of the appliances in both groups. Follow up was performed at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. Primary outcome was assessing cessation of thumb/finger sucking habit in children. Results: The total number of participants who were randomized and analysed was 22 (11 per group). Cessation of thumb/finger sucking habit in the intervention group was 27.3% while in the control group was 54.5% but with no statistically significant difference (P˃0.05). Positive feedback from the parents about the useful instructions, success, and ease of using the appliances but all with no statistically significant difference (P˃0.05). Harms: Regarding the palatal crib appliance, there was gingival inflammation that resolved by proper oral hygiene care. Also, interference with speech which disappeared after adaptation. Regarding appliances breakage or dislodgment, it was repaired or replaced with another one. Conclusion: Although most of the parents and children accepted both appliances, cessation of the habit was higher in the control group than in the intervention group. Trial registration: The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, ‘Trial registration number: NCT04075617 [first submitted -29/8/2019]’.

Background: Teledentistry offers an effective, cost-efficient solution for caries detection in school children, improving access to early diagnosis and preventive care in underserved areas. Through remote imaging, it enables timely assessments without in-person visits, helping bridge healthcare gaps and enhance children's oral health outcomes. Participants and methods: Three examiners participated in this study, examiner 1 (E1) clinically examined the children then examined the clinical photos, examiner 2 (E2) examined the photos only, and examiner 3 (E3) took the clinical photos at school without participating in clinical examination. Sample size consisted of 141 school-going children from primary one to primary six grades. They were examined clinically by E1 using deft/DMFT indices, then clinical photos were taken for both arches from occlusal view. Occlusal surface photos were only included in the analysis. These photos were examined by E1 and E2 after a 48-h wash-out period and the same indices were measured and calibrated. Results: There was a strong agreement between clinical and photo diagnosis for E1 (kw = 0.899, p < 0.001), clinical and photo diagnosis for E2 (kw = 0.834, p < 0.001), and image diagnoses (E1) and (E2) (kw = 0.898, p < 0.001). The internal consistency between clinical and photo diagnoses (E2) was acceptable 0.790 (0.706:0.85). For other scores, the internal consistency between all variables was excellent (α > 0.9). Conclusion: Teledentistry provides accurate and reliable results. It is a valuable tool for school-screening programs without dental radiographs. Trial registration: It was retrospectively registered on clinical trial.gov on 25/10/2024 with an identifier NCT06661837.

Problem: Investigations regarding perceptions of the institutional research integrity climate in the Arab Middle East remain underexplored. Subjects: We surveyed faculty from three Egyptian universities. Method: We utilized the Survey of Organizational Research Climate (SOuRCe) tool, which incorporates seven subscales that measure different aspects of the research integrity climate. Responses were obtained from a 5-point Likert scale. Findings: Of the 228 participants, the subscales ‘Regulatory Quality’ and ‘[Lack of] Integrity Inhibitors’ received the highest mean scores, whereas the lowest scores pertained to ‘Departmental Expectations,’ ‘Integrity Socialization,’ and ‘Responsible Conduct of Research´ indicating areas in need of improvement. Conclusions: Academic leaders should set fairer expectations for research and funding for their researchers, ensure junior researchers are socialized into research integrity practices, and promote effective RCR training and availability of RCR policies. We identify specific targeted interventions to enhance the research integrity climate within these institutions.

Background: The recent expansion of genomic biobank research in the Arab region in the Middle East North Africa has raised complex ethical and regulatory issues. However, there is a lack of studies regarding the views of Arab researchers involved in such research. We aimed to assess the perceptions and attitudes of Arab researchers regarding these issues in biobank research. Methods: We developed a questionnaire to assess the perceptions and attitudes regarding genetic research of researchers from Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, and Jordan. The questionnaire requested demographic data, perceptions, and attitudes regarding the collection, storage, and use of biospecimens and data, the use of broad consent, data security, data sharing, and community engagement. We used multiple linear regressions to identify predictors of perceptions and attitudes. Results: We recruited 383 researchers. Researchers favored equally the use of broad and tiered consent (44.1% and 39.1%, respectively). Most respondents agreed with the importance of confidentiality protections to ensure data security (91.8%). However, lower percentages were seen regarding the importance of community engagement (64.5%), data sharing with national colleagues and international partners (60.9% and 41.1%, respectively), and biospecimen sharing with national colleagues and international partners (59.9% and 36.2%, respectively). Investigators were evenly split on whether the return of individual research results should depend on the availability or not of a medical intervention that can be offered to address the genetic anomaly (47.5% and 46.4%, respectively). Predictors of attitudes toward biospecimen research included serving on Research Ethics Committees, prior research ethics training, and affiliation with nonacademic institutions. Conclusions: We recommend further exploratory research with researchers regarding the importance of community engagement and to address their concerns about data sharing, with researchers within and outside their countries.

Background: Root canal disinfection is considered critical for achieving successful regenerative endodontic procedures. Photo-activated disinfection is a novel disinfection method that can help to achieve the goal of regenerative endodontics. This article reports the clinical and radiographic results after single visit regenerative endodontics using photo-activated disinfection. Methods: An 8.5-year-old girl complained of fractured upper right central incisor. Pulp necrosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings. The root canal was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite solution (1.5%) followed by saline. Then, the canal was dried with paper points. A combination of a photosensitizer solution and low power laser light were applied. EDTA solution was used as a final irrigant. Bleeding was induced, followed by placement of collagen resorbable matrix and white mineral trioxide aggregate. Two days later, the tooth was sealed and restored with permanent filling. Results: Clinical findings revealed no pain on percussion or palpation tests. Radiographic examination revealed an increase in root length, an increase of apical root thickness and apical closure at the 12-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Regenerative endodontics using photo-activated disinfection achieved successful outcomes in the necrotic immature permanent tooth.