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.
Zinc Oxide thin film of 2 μm thickness has been grown on glass substrate by pulsed laser deposition technique at substrate temperature of 500 oC under the vacuum pressure of 8×10-2 mbar. The optical properties concerning the absorption, and transmission spectra were studied for the prepared thin film. From the transmission spectra, the optical gap and linear refractive index of the ZnO thin film was determined. The structure of the ZnO thin film was tested with X-Ray diffraction and it was formed to be a polycrystalline with many peaks.
Feasibility of biosorbent of England bamboo plant origin was tested for removal of priority metal ions such as Cu and Zn from aqueous solutions in single metal state. Batch single metal state experiments were performed to determine the effect of dosage (0.5, 1 and 1.5 g), pH (3, 4, 4.5, 5 and 6), mixing speed (90, 111, 131, 156 and 170 rpm), temperature (20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and metal ion concentration (10, 50, 70, 90 and 100 mg/L) on the ability of dried biomass to remove metal from solutions which were investigated. Dried powder of bamboo removed (for single metal state) about 74 % Cu and 69% Zn and maximum uptake of Cu and Zn was 7.39 mg/g and 6.96 mg/g respectively, from 100 mg/L of synthetic metal solution in 120 min. of contact t
... Show MoreBackground: Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor that has a clear strong association with the prevalence and severity of chronic periodontitis (CP). Salivary biochemical parameters may be affected by both smoking and CP together. Materials and methods: Eighty systematically healthy male patients were included in this study. They were grouped based on their periodontal and smoking status. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected from all subject. Salivary flow rate (FR) was measured during sample collection. Parameters such as salivary pH, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), total fucose (TF), protein bound fucose (PBF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were estimated. Results: Salivary flow rate was not altered regarding to smoking
... Show More The present study is an attempt for detection of A. baumannii by conventional and PCR methods using species-specific primers for these A. baumannii. A total of 87 samples were collected from hospitals in Baghdad (Al-Rasafa and Al-Karkh Hospitals) during the period from 2019 to 2020.The samples included: 40 specimens, from wounds, respiratory infections (sputum), burns, CSF and 47 samples from the hospital environment (swabs), while samples collected from intensive care unit including patient beds, surgical instruments and appliances, emergency lobby and baby incubators. A. baumannii isolate identification depending on the morphologic characteristics on the culture media including, blood agar, MacConkey agar, as well as t
... Show MoreThe provided research paper offers a thorough analysis of the semiotic analysis present in tobacco-free initiative advertisements from the year 2021. The study delves into the intricate process of decoding the diverse signs, symbols, and visual components integrated into these anti-smoking campaigns. The core aim of this investigation is to comprehend and explore the semiotic tactics that underlie these advertisements, with a particular emphasis on visual communication as a pivotal tool in shaping the public's attitudes and behaviors towards tobacco usage. The research introduces a significant theoretical framework, the "Taxonomy of Image-Text Relations and Functions" theory, as proposed by Emily E. Marsh and Marilyn Dom
... Show MoreFlexure members such as reinforced concrete (RC) simply supported beams subjected to two-point loading were analyzed numerically. The Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was employed for the treatment the non-smooth h behaviour such as discontinuities and singularities. This method is a powerful technique used for the analysis of the fracture process and crack propagation in concrete. Concrete is a heterogeneous material that consists of coarse aggregate, cement mortar and air voids distributed in the cement paste. Numerical modeling of concrete comprises a two-scale model, using mesoscale and macroscale numerical models. The effectiveness and validity of the Meso-Scale Approach (MSA) in modeling of the reinforced concrete beams w
... Show Morepatterns of utterance stress in discourse direct attention to specific themes and reactions, controlling the flow and coherence of conversation. this study examines the utterance stress in Steve Harvey's selected episodes from a phono-stylistic perspective. this study is hoped to improve understanding of linguistic mechanism in talk show communication, highlighting the importance of phonetic features in transmitting meaning and increasing broadcast conversation participation. the researcher concentrates on the types of focus functions of utterance stress of some episodes available on YouTube. to conduct the analysis, the researcher adopts (Carr, 2013; Davenport& Hannahs 2005) to analyze utterance stress and Leech and Short (2007
... Show MorePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as a common polygenic endocrine condition, affects the ovaries and results in infertility and abortion. Dyslipidemia, Diabetes, hypertension, endometrial cancer, and other illnesses may all be made more likely by PCOS. Various drugs are used to treat PCOS, but they have several drawbacks and cannot effectively cure the condition. Therefore, and due to its strong antioxidant activity, anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, and other actions, the flavonoid quercetin has been proven to have health-promoting properties. The purpose of the study was to assess quercetin's impact activity in the treatment of PCOS - induced rats. A PCOS rat model was developed using testosterone. Female albino Wistar
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