Objectives To tailor composites of polyethylene–hydroxyapatite to function as a new intracanal post for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT). Methods Silanated hydroxyapatite (HA) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) filled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites were fabricated by a melt extrusion process and characterised using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The flexural strength and modulus were determined in dry state and post ageing in simulated body fluid and fractured surfaces analysed by SEM. The water uptake and radiographic appearance of the experimental composites were also measured and compared with a commercially known endodontic fibre post. Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey multiple comparison tests at a level of significance P < 0.05. Results The LDPE/HA composites were structurally flexible and the HA content had a significant effect on the flexural strength and modulus. A univariate analysis of variance showed no significant differences in modulus and strength (P < 0.05) post accelerated ageing in simulated body fluid with very low water uptake. The melting point of the LDPE/HA composites ranged between 135 and 136 °C, which would facilitate removal in case of retreatment using conventional dental heating devices. The inclusion of HA reduced the damping thereby enhancing dimensional stability, whilst the addition of zirconia yielded a semi-translucent material that was sufficiently radiopaque, comparable to commercial posts, thus yielding aesthetic materials. Conclusions Innovative materials for restoration of ETT were developed; offering considerable benefits over the currently available material in terms of biomechanical and thermal properties. Clinical significance This study provided a new option for the development of a new intracanal post made up of functional and aesthetic composites.
Background: Fiber-optic endoscopy is an important
investigation of the large intestine, whether or not the
radiologist (barium enema) has discovered a lesion in
the bowel. Colonoscopy affords a unique opportunity
to direct visualization of entire colonic mucosa. At
the same time, the physician can obtain biopsy specimens, remove polyps, and decompress volvuli.
Most experienced endoscopists and well prepared
patients can reach the cecum in over 90% of patients.
If colonoscopy is properly performed, it has a low
risk of complications, such as perforation and bleeding.
Methods: A total of 70 consecutive patients admitted
to Endoscopy department at Al-Kindy Teaching hospital from September- 2008 to July-2009.
This paper aims to study the fractional differential systems arising in warm plasma, which exhibits traveling wave-type solutions. Time-fractional Korteweg-De Vries (KdV) and time-fractional Kawahara equations are used to analyze cold collision-free plasma, which exhibits magnet-acoustic waves and shock wave formation respectively. The decomposition method is used to solve the proposed equations. Also, the convergence and uniqueness of the obtained solution are discussed. To illuminate the effectiveness of the presented method, the solutions of these equations are obtained and compared with the exact solution. Furthermore, solutions are obtained for different values of time-fractional order and represented graphically.
The objective review is to inspect the involvement of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to highlight the role of IL-6 and its variants in the pathogenesis of RA and response to anti-IL-6 agents. Several genetic and environmental risk factors and infectious agents contributed to the development of RA. Interleukin-6 is engaged in self-targeted immunity by modifying the equilibrium between T regulatory (T-reg) and T helper-17 (Th-17) cells. The evidences reported that IL-6 parti
The ground level ozone concentration at different locations in Baghdad city was identified. Five
different sites have been chosen to identify the ground level ozone concentration. Al- Dora and Al-
Za'afarania were chosen as areas contained point source ( power plant station ) in addition to high traffic
load , while Al –Uma park, Aden square and Al-Mawal square were chosen as area contained heavy
traffic only (line source). The measurement focuses on spring and fall because these periods display
favorable meteorology to ozone formation. During the research period the maximum values (peaks) for
ground level ozone concentration were observed at fall: at Al-Za'afarania area 101ppb as an average, at
Al-Dora 87 ppb as a
Background: ;Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease. Approximately 85% of patients acutely infected with HCV progress to chronic liver disease with persistence of HCV-RNA for more than 6 months Among patients with chronic HCV infection , 15-20% progress to end-stage liver disease main transmission methods of the virus is by : blood and blood products ; sharing needles and acupuncture .Objective: To evaluate Iraqi patients infected with chronic HCV, including their treatment, and factors that affect their response to treatment .Methods :This study was performed at Gastroenterology and Hepatology hospital in Baghdad from January 2011 to March 2012.The study enrolled 90 patients with HCV Antibody positive (Ab +ve)
... Show MoreAbstract Background: Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that apically positions the gingival edge and/or removes supporting bone in order to increase the amount of supra gingival tooth structure for restorative or cosmetic purposes.
The objective of the study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the 940nm diode laser in esthetic crown lengthening surgery through clinical observations, patient questionnaires, clinical photographs, and gingival healing following gingival operations. Material and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 16 patients (11 females and 5 males) had their crowns surgically lengthened using a diode laser (940 nm) in continuou
... Show MoreThis study aims to evaluate the performance of the sewage treatment plant in Al- Diwaniya, one of cities in the southern part in Iraq. This evaluation could be used to facilitate effluent quality assessment or optimal process control of the plant. The influent reaching the plant is considered a medium to strong in strength with BOD5/COD ratio in the range 0.23 and 0.69 which can be considered an easily degradable sewage by the biological processes performed by the activated sludge unit. The quality of the effluent was found to be higher than the Iraqi standards for disposal to water bodies. The BOD5/COD ratios of the treated sewage varied over a wide range as low of 0.13 to 1.48 indicating operational problems in the plant. Regressio
... Show MoreThis study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing Glycetin by injection on the productive features of local Iraqi chickens. 100 female hens and 20 roosters from a local Iraqi chicken population, at age 26 weeks. The sample was divided into three groups, in addition to a control group. Each experimental group had 25 female hens, with the same procedure being performed for each individual hen, and 20 roosters, which were reared separately for the purpose of artificial insemination. The avian specimens were housed in separate enclosures, and the experimental conditions were allocated as follows: the initial condition (Control Group) did not receive any injections, whereas condit
Suggestive ambiguity is a strategy of defense and maneuvering as it provides the speaker both protection and function. To put it differently, it helps the speaker to say whatever he likes and at the same time gives his opponents and friends the interpretation they desire. This is possible due to the flexibility of the linguistic expressions that the speaker uses. To be more clear, the context of situation, peoples' background and world knowledge interact with the significance of the linguistic expressions reaching an allusive situation where two interpretations, positive and negative, are available to the addressees. Such situation enables the addressers to implicate different ideas or messages, accusations, inciting violence, etc. The pres
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