Background: Salivary gland neoplasms constitute a group of heterogeneous lesions with complex clinicopathologic characteristics and distinct biological behavior. Numerous studies have suggested geographical variation, therefore the aims of this study were to analyze the characteristics of salivary gland neoplasms in two Iraqi centers and to analyze the postoperative complications that are encountered after surgical treatment of these tumors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the patients who were treated for major and minor epithelial salivary gland tumors was conducted. The analyzed data included; demographic information (age and gender), the site of the tumor, the clinical manifestations, the histological type of the tumor, the type of the treatment and the postoperative complications. Results: Fifty seven patients were included in this study. The parotid gland was involved in most patients (n=37, 64.9%). Thirty five patients (61.4%) had benign tumors while 22 patients (38.6%) had malignant tumors. The mean age of patients with malignant tumors was 52.05 (±17.3) while of patients diagnosed with benign tumors was 41.6 (±11.4) years, the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.008). Surgical treatment consisted of superficial parotidectomy, total parotidectomy, surgical excision of the submandibular gland, surgical excision of minor salivary glands and maxillectomy. The most common complication was weakness of one or multiple branches of the facial nerve, complications were significantly associated with patients’ age, whereas gender and type of tumor whether benign or malignant did not affect the complication rate Conclusions: benign salivary gland tumors are more common than malignant tumors with no gender predilection and that patients who are diagnosed with malignant tumors are significantly older that patients with benign tumors, parotid gland is the most commonly affected gland with pleomorphic adenoma as the most frequent diagnosis. Facial nerve dysfunction was the most common complication and the complication rate was significantly associated with the age of patients.
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder of the carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, resulting in increased blood glucose levels. Various complications of diabetes have been described with periodontitis being added as the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has been identified as major tissue-destructive enzyme in periodontal disease. MMP-8 is released from neutrophils in a latent, inactive pro form and becomes activated during periodontal inflammation by independent and/or combined actions of host-derived inflammatory mediators .C-reactive protein is a systemic marker released during the acute phase of an inflammatory response. Subjects, materials and methods: Total samples
... Show MoreBackground: Vitamin D improves innate immunity by enhancing the expression of antimicrobial peptides. The antimicrobial action of cathelicidin is widespread and effective against cariogenic bacteria. This research aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the level of salivary cathelicidin concerning dental caries experience.
Subjects and Methods: A case-control study was carried out, and the sample was composed of 80 females; the study group involved 40 females with a serum vitamin D concentration of less than 10 ng/ml. In addition to the control group involving 40 females wh
... 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. Regression ana
... Show MoreBackground: Parotid gland tumors account for 80% of all salivary gland neoplasms, 20% of these are malignant, but in daily clinical practice most parotid masses are operated on before obtaining the final histological diagnosis. This clinical setting further complicates the critical point of parotid surgery, which is the management of the facial nerve. Materials and methods: 45 patients underwent parotidectomy for benign and malignant neoplasms. A complete history is collected from the patients with the duration and the site of the tumor, the facial nerve examined and its associations, a medical consultation done for opinion and management. Clinical examination with facial nerve was mandatory to avoid any mistakes that may occur. The most si
... Show MoreBackground and Objective: Public demand for procedures to rejuvenate photodamaged facial skin have stimulated the use of fractional CO2 laser as a precise and predictable treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of fractional CO2 laser system for reducing periorbital rhytids.
Materials and Methods: twenty seven subjects with mild periocular wrinkles, and photoaged skin of the face were prospectively treated two to three times (according to clinical response) in the periorbital area with a fractional CO2 laser device equipped with a scanning hand piece. Improvements in eyelid wrinkles was evaluated clinically and photographically. Subjects also scored satisfaction and
... Show MoreThe aim of the present research is to investigate the effecting of pH parameter on the feasibility of lead removal from simulated wastewater using an electrochemical system. Electrocoagulation method is one of electrochemical technology which is used widely to treat industrial wastewater. Parameters affecting this operation, such as initial metal concentration, applied current, stirrer speed, and contact time of electroprocessing were taken as 155ppm, 1.5 Ampere, 150 rpm, 60 minutes respectively. While pH of the simulated wastewater was in the range of 2 to 12 in the experiments. It was found from the results that pH is an important parameter affecting lead removal operation. The best value of pH parameter is appro
... Show MoreEnamel White Spot Lesions (EWSLs) are a common dental condition characterized by being opaque or chalky white in appearance. In this review, an overview of the etiology, prevention, and treatment techniques for EWSLs is presented. Enamel demineralization caused by bacteria in dental plaque which releases acids upon the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates causing mineral loss is thought to be the main cause of those lesions, which could be predisposed through orthodontic treatment, poor diet, inadequate oral hygiene and certain medical conditions. So, sustaining an adequate carbohydrate consumption, proper fluoride exposure and good oral hygiene are some of the practices which aid in these lesions’ prevention. Although the suc
... Show MoreA study was performed to evaluate heavy metals removal from sewage sludge using lime. The processes of stabilization using alkaline chemicals operating on a simple principle of raising pH to 12 or higher, with sufficient mixing and suitable contact time to ensure that immobilization can reduce heavy metals. A 0.157 m3 tank was designed to treat Al-Rustemeyia wastewater treatment plant sludge. Characteristics of raw sludge were examined through two parameters: pH and heavy metal analysis. Different lime doses of (0- 25) g CaO/100 g sludge were mixed manually with raw sludge in a rotating drum. The samples were analyzed two hours after mixing. pH and heavy metals results were compared with EPA and National Iraqi Stand
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