Background: The bonded orthodontic retainer constructed from multistrand wire and composite is an efficient esthetic retainer, which can be maintained long-term. Clinical failures of bonded orthodontic retainers, most commonly at the wire/composite interface, have been reported. This in vitro investigation aimed to evaluate the tensile forces of selected multistrand wires and composite materials that are available for use in the construction of bonded fixed retainers. Materials and Methods: The study sample includes 120 wires with three types of retainer wires (3 braided strands\ Orthotechnology, 8 braided strands\ G&H Orthodontics, 6 coaxial strands\ Orthoclassic wires), two types of adhesive (flowable\ Orthotechnology, non flowable\ G&H Orthodontics composites) and two thickness of the adhesive (1mm, 2mm). The samples were prepared for each composite in which a wire was embedded; then the composite was light cured for 40 seconds and the specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C in the incubator for 24 hours. The ends of the wire were drawn up and tensile force was applied through Tinius-Olsen universal testing machine until the resin failed and the results were recorded in Newton (N). Results: Statistical analysis showed that there was a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) among the mean values of tensile forces of the three types of retainer wires in each thickness of composite with exception of a non significant difference (P > 0.05) between (3 braided) and (8 braided) and a non significant difference (P > 0.05) between (3 braided) and (6 coaxial) in both thickness of composite, a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) between the two thickness of both composite types in each wire type and a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) between the two types of composite in each wire type of both thickness of composite. Conclusion: The result of this study revealed that the 8 braided strands retainer wire shows the highest values of tensile force among the tested retainer wires, the non flowable composite demonstrates a higher tensile force than the flowable composite and increasing the thickness of composite overlying the wire increased the force required to detach the wire from the composite.
Background Solar irradiance is a nonlinear and intermittent function, which makes accurate forecasting of solar power generation a challenge. The high variability of meteorological conditions is not well represented by conventional atmospheric models, thus hampering forecasting skill and model robustness. In this work, an advanced hybridization of multi-population cuckoo search (HMPCS) algorithm with machine learning (ML) methods is developed to enhance the prediction performance of photovoltaic (PV) power forecasting with more reliability. Methods In this study, a hybrid modeling framework is proposed, called HMPCS–ML framework which captures the global search capacity of HMPCS and predictive power of sophisti
... Show MoreThe present research has investigated the effect of microwave energy on improving the flow properties of heavy crude oil. The fragmentation of crude oil molecules was carried out with and without using 1 and 10 wt. % concentration of various types of H-donors like tetralin, cyclohexane, and naphtha. Microwave power of 320, 385, and 540 W and radiation time 1-9 min, and temperature were studied. The kinematic viscosity and asphaltene content were measured for evaluation the improving of heavy crude oil. Results show that viscosity of crude oil decreased with increase H-donor concentration, a maximum percentage of viscosity reduction was10.63 % for tetralin at 6 min radiation time, while 8.67%, and 7.34% for cyclohexane a
... Show MoreAim: To learn more about Oral Lichen Planus Iraqi patients, including their background information, symptoms, and prognosis. Materials and Methods: From the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department, College of Dentistry, Baghdad University, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 68 patients with a histologically confirmed clinical diagnosis of oral lichen planus and subsequently contacted the patients by phone to evaluate their prognosis. Results: Females were more likely than males to experience severe pain; the reticular form of Oral Lichen Planus was the most prevalent at 38.2%, but the erosive type was more prevalent among females. Only 53 of 68 patients responded to phone calls. More than 37% of those respondents reporte
... Show MoreBackground Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. Patients with PD face numerous challenges in managing their chronic condition, particularly in countries with scarce healthcare infrastructure. Objective This qualitative study aimed to delve into neurologists’ perspectives on challenges and gaps in the Iraqi healthcare system that influence the management of PD, as well as strategies to mitigate these obstacles. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with neurologists from five different Iraqi provinces, working in both hospitals and private neurology clinics, between November 2024 and January 2025. A thematic analysis approach was employed to identify the main challenge
... Show MoreThe involvement of maxillofacial tissues in SARS‐CoV‐2 infections ranges from mild dysgeusia to life‐threatening tissue necrosis, as seen in SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated mucormycosis. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which functions as a receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2 was reported in the epithelial surfaces of the oral and nasal cavities; however, a complete understanding of the expression patterns in deep oral and maxillofacial tissues is still lacking.
The immunohistochemical expression of ACE2 was analyzed in 95 specimens from maxillofacial tissues and 10 specimens o
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene contains some single nucleotide polymorphisms, which have been associated with serum high-density lipoprotein concentration and other lipoproteins. This study is done for determining of cholesteryl ester transfer protein polymorphism and evaluate its effect on serum lipid profile concentrations in some hyperlipidemic patients compared with healthy subjects in Salah Al-din governorate-Iraq. Blood samples were taken from (90) patients suffering from hyperlipidemia, and (70) samples that were apparently healthy controls. Serum lipid concentrations were measured by enzymatic assays. The polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.&n
... Show MoreIntroduction Periodontal diseases are ranked among the most common health problems affecting mankind. These conditions are initiated by bacterial biofilm, which is further modulated by several risk factors. Objectives To investigate the association of different risk factors with periodontal...