Background: Saliva is one of the most important etiological host factors in relation to dental caries. It affects the carious process by its organic and inorganic constituents; in addition to its physiological functions as (flow rate, pH and buffer capacity). The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of major elements (calcium and phosphorus) and trace elements (ferrous iron, nickel, chromium and aluminum) in saliva among a group of adolescent girls, and to explore the relation of these elements, flow rate and pH with dental caries. Material & Methods: The study group consisted of 25 girls with an age of 13-15 years old. Dental caries was diagnosed by both clinical and radiographical examinations following the criteria of D1-4MFS index. Stimulated saliva was collected from patients between 9-11 Am under standarized conditions, and chemically analyzed to determine the concentration of calcium, nickel, chromium and aluminum by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while salivary phosphorus and ferrous iron were determined by using colorimetric method. The average salivary flow rate was measured from total volume, and salivary pH was determined using digital pH meter. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: All elements measured in saliva in addition to P/Ca ratio recorded statistically non significant correlation with DMFS, except ferrous Fe ions which showed statistically significant correlation (r= 0.34, P=0.05). Salivary flow rate and pH correlated weakly and statistically not significant with DMFS There were weak and statistically not significant correlations between all elements measured in saliva and salivary flow rate and pH. Conclusions: It had been found that Fe, Ni, Al and Cr ions present in very small amounts in saliva in comparison to Ca and P ions. The presence of these elements in saliva may indicate their presence in food, water and air.
Background: Prophylaxis methods are used to mechanically remove plaque and stain from tooth surfaces; such methods give rise to loss of superficial structure and roughen the surface of composites as a result of their abrasive action. This study was done to assess the effect of three polishing systems on surface texture of new anterior composites after storage in artificial saliva. Materials and methods: A total of 40 Giomer and Tetric®N-Ceram composite discs of 12 mm internal diameter and 3mm height were prepared using a specially designed cylindrical mold and were stored in artificial saliva for one month and then samples were divided into four groups according to surface treatment: Group A (control group):10 specimens received no surfa
... Show MoreThe highest incidence of injury is seen in adolescent playing pivoting sports such as soccer, basketball, and handball. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a neuromuscular prevention program in reducing knee and ankle injuries in adolescent male soccer players.
After restoration of Iraqi marshes during 2003, three locations were chosen, one in each main marsh (Um Al-Naaj site in Al-Hwaizeh marsh; Al-Nagarah site in Al-Hammar marsh and Al-Baghdadia site in Al-Chebaysh marsh) to determine the concentrations of nutrients (Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate and Silicate) in water seasonally for the period winter, spring, summer, and autumn at 2007. Five water replicates were collected from each site, seasonally. In the Lab., the samples were analyzed by colorimetric methods; the results showed that Um-Al-Naaj site has the highest nutrients level, while Al-Nagarah site has the lowest level. The statistical program t-test was applied at the significant levels (P-value < 0.01) and (P-value < 0.05) to know
... Show MoreIn the present work, Uranium (238U), Thorium (232Th) and Potassium (40K) specific activity concentration in (Bq/kg) was measured in five different types for wheat flours that are available in the Iraqi markets. The gamma spectrometry method with an NaI (Tl) detector has been used for radiometric measurements. Calculations of radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose equivalent, external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), representing gamma index and gamma dose rate in all flour samples were 17.98132 Bq/kg, 0.0100334, 0.04502, 0.04857, 0.06872, 0.125883 and 8.181244 respectively. It is found that the average of specific activity concentration of wheat flour sam
... Show MoreThis work provides a historical overview of water storage tanks used for solar energy collection, with a focus on the impact of different geometric configurations on thermal performance and energy storage efficiency. The designs of cylindrical, spherical, rectangular and triangular tanks were reviewed to analyse their effects on thermal gradients, heat retention and energy storage capacity. Within the scope of nominal processes, the study primarily aimed to identify the factors influencing the choice of tank shape in terms of size, capacity and aspect ratio. Another key objective was to assess what enhances heat storage in the tank to improve thermal efficiency. Comparing cylindrical shapes to other shapes, such as spherical, rectan
... Show MoreAims of this research to determine asbestos fibers levels in surrounding air of some crowded sites of Baghdad city were monitored in summer 2020. Collection of samples was conducted by directing air flow to a mixed cellulose ester membrane filter mounted on an open‑faced filter holder using sniffer a low flow sampling pump, samples of air were collected from five studied areas selected in some heavy traffic areas of Baghdad city, (Al-Bayaa and Al-Shurta tunnel, Al-Jadriya, and Al-Meshin commercial complex, control), then analyzed to determine concentrations of asbestos fibers. Counting of asbestos on the filters was carried out through using both scanning electron microscope SEM and an energy dispersive X‑ray system EDS to count
... Show MoreBackground: Mycotoxins have a significant impact on population health worldwide. Ochratoxin is a common mycotoxin that can be detected in the serum of healthy people due to its prevalence in food. Researches on ochratoxin and its metabolites in biological fluids can help us better understand the toxin's biological impacts. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether individuals in Baghdad, Iraq, were exposed to ochratoxin A. Methodology: Serum samples were obtained from 90 healthy persons (ages 14–40 years) and evaluated for ochratoxin A using the human Ochratoxin A ELISA Kit, an accurate, quantitative, and sensitive technique (limit of detection 0.34 ng/ml). Results: We detected Ochratoxin A in all serum samples, with a m
... Show MoreThis study aimed to measure the innovative thinking and cognitive cessation among university students. The sample consisted of (400) male and female students at al Mustansiriya University for the academic year (2018/2019). The results of the study showed that there are differences in innovative thinking and cognitive inhibition according to the gender variable in favor of males. There is a positive relationship between innovative thinking and cognitive inhibition. In light of these findings, the researcher presented a set of conclusions and recommendations.