Introduction: Salivary melatonin is a critical antioxidant that contributes to oral health by mitigating oxidative stress. Psychological stress linked to thumb sucking may disrupt oral homeostasis, leading to conditions such as dental caries and fungal infections. Aim: This study explores the relationships between thumb sucking, salivary melatonin levels, dental caries, and the presence of Candida albicans (CA) in children. Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted with 60 children aged 4-5 years at the University of Baghdad’s College of Dentistry. Participants were divided into thumb-sucking (n=30) and non-thumb-sucking (n=30) groups. Salivary melatonin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), dental caries were assessed via the dmfs index, and CA counts were quantified on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Statistical analyses were performed, including t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation assessments. Results: Thumb-sucking children exhibited significantly lower salivary melatonin levels (28.620±2.278 pg/mL) compared to controls (34.525±2.142 pg/mL; p=0.044). The thumb-sucking group also had higher dmfs scores (15.033±1.449 vs. 8.667±0.899; p=0.000) and greater CA counts (18.900±1.048 vs. 13.583±0.549; p=0.000). Negative correlations were observed between salivary melatonin levels and the severity of dental caries, while positive correlations linked CA with dental caries. Conclusions: Thumb sucking adversely affects pediatric oral health by reducing salivary melatonin, increasing dental caries risk, and promoting fungal overgrowth. Early intervention to curb thumb-sucking behaviors may mitigate these risks and improve oral health outcomes.
This study discusses risk management strategies caused by pandemic-related (Covid-19) suspensions in thirty-six engineering projects of different types and sizes selected from countries in the middle east and especially Iraq. The primary data collection method was a survey and questionnaire completed by selected project crew and laborers. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel to construct models to help decision-makers find solutions to the scheduling problems that may be expected to occur during a pandemic. A theoretical and practical concept for project risk management that addresses a range of global and local issues that affect schedule and cost is presented and results indicate that the most significant delays are due to a
... Show MoreIn this work, the impact of different geomagnetic storm events on the plasma-sphere layer (ionosphere layer) over the northern and southern hemisphere regions was investigated during solar cycle 23. To grasp the influence of geomagnetic storms on the behavior and variation of the critical frequency parameter of the F2 ionospheric layer (foF2), five geomagnetic storms (classified as great, severe, and strong), with Disturbance storm time (Dst) values <-100 nT were chosen. Four stations located in different mid-latitude regions in northern and southern hemispheres were designated, the northern stations are: Millstone Hill (42.6° N, 288.50° W) and Rome (41.90° N, 12.50° E) and the southern stations are: Port Stanley (-51.60° S,
... Show MoreThe drive of this exploration is to investigate the mucoadhesive assets of A. indica (Azadirachta indica) fruit mucilage by incorporating it into mucoadhesive microspheres with Acyclovir (AVR) as a model drug. The study was performed to check the impact of the mucilage proportion on particle size and swelling index. Nine batches of AVR mucoadhesive microspheres were made with varying proportions of Polyacrylic acid 934P and A. indica fruit mucilage (AIFM). A central composite design with design expert software to check the impact of dependent variables (A. indica mucilage and Polyacrylic acid 934 P levels) on particle size and swelling index as a response. As part of congeniality studies, the batches w
... Show MoreAbstract:
The current research aims to demonstrate the relationship of correlation and influence between the independent variable strategic control through its dimensions represented by (organizational structure, human resources management, commitment to specialization, defining powers and responsibilities, values and integrity) and the dependent variable the performance of the insurance company, and the degree of arrangement of these dimensions according to their importance, as well as Detection of significant differences in the sample's response to the questionnaire paragraphs in the researched company, and the research problem
... Show MoreThe present study aimed to investigate the possible production of Thioflavin T and the effect of NaCl concentrations and growth phases on the growth rate, doubling time and proline of C. saipanensis N. Hanagata (Scenedesmaceae, Shaerophleales). The alga was cultured in BG 11 medium and six NaCl concentrations were used in the experiments during different growth phases. The results have unveiled the presence of Triflavin T in the alga. The study results showed a growth rate decrease at all NaCl concentrations except in control treatment, while the doubling time, was recorded highest value (14 days) at the NaCl concentration of 0.08 M. The highest value of Proline (0.509 mg. Lˉ¹) was recorded at the treatment of 0.08 M of NaCl and recorded
... Show MoreForm recurrence of financial crises phenomenon disturbing and attention , and returns the reasons so that its negative effects were sharp and dangerous , because of the nature and cause of Ncaha , threatened political and economic stability of the countries in which they occur these crises , in addition to Machmlh these crises spread of contagion across multiple channels to include other countries many developed and developing , and the reason for this to the openness of the economic and financial witnessed by the countries affected by crises and other countries concerned, the financial crisis is a case of financial turmoil appears in one of the sections of the financial system one and extends to
... Show MoreThe fluctuations in oil prices in world markets affect the general budget and the trade balance of the rent countries, because oil is a strategic commodity affected by economic and political factors. The fluctuations in oil prices affect the public budgets of the rent countries through the public revenue side of oil revenues. On the other hand, these fluctuations affect the balance of trade through the volume of oil exports, which lead to imbalance of trade surplus or deficit . &nbs
... Show MoreThe electronic payment systems are considered the most important infrastructure for the work of banks, particularly after a steady and remarkable development in information and communication technology, Which created the reality of the work of the infrastructure for these systems and these systems also become one of the most important components of infrastructure for the work of banks, cause it is one of the most important channels through which the transfer of cash, financial instruments between financial institutions in general and banking in particular.
In order to achieve the objectives of the research, the most important to identify the concept of electronic payment systems, and its divisions, and th
... Show MoreBACKGROUND: Mental health problems are reflected and linked to human behavior in many aspects. Medical students are susceptible to a wide variety of events that compromise their mental well-being, social life as well as their academic achievements. AIM: This study aimed to find the impact of social support on medical students’ behavior in Iraq via assessing their depression, anxiety, and stress status. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey-based study targeted all medical students in Iraq. The employed questionnaires covered mental health status of participants by evaluating their perceptions of depression, anxiety, and stress using. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. RESULTS: The study revealed a signifi
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