Background: Chronic cigarette smoking is one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease. However, it has additional cardiac adverse effects independent of coronary atherosclerosis. Patient and Methods: After informed consent and perm- ission from the review board of the hospital, 80 healthy subjects who were classified as smokers or non-smokers were included in the study. They were examined by standard echocardiography protocol which was followed by two-dimensional speckle tracking to assess the functions of the right ventricle. Results: The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was significantly reduced in smokers as compared to non-smokers (P < 0.05). The tricuspid flow peak late diastolic velocity (A wave) was sig

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive airflow limitation that is preventable but not curable. It is associated with persistent symptoms that cause a considerable burden on individual productivity at work, and daily activities, and reduced quality of life, also burdening the healthcare system and society. Objectives: The study aims to measure the burden of COPD on patients in terms of daily activities and work productivity. It also seeks to investigate some inflammatory biomarkers' levels and their correlation with selected outcomes. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 120 stable COPD patients who were diagnosed and treated according to the GOLD guidelines at Kirkuk General Hospital's

The poultry industry is developing continuously and rapidly, this development takes several trends in the poultry industry, such as searching for new alternatives feed additives. The research focused on finding new alternatives feed additives, among these alternatives is Synoptic, which used to maximize the benefit of the two important compounds (probiotics and prebiotics) as these two compounds are considered one of the most alternatives feed additives, which have been used a lot in poultry feeding to maximize the value of these compounds, they were combined into one compound called synbiotic. Several studies confirm that the synbiotic effect on the intestine morphology, which, the ratio villus height and villus: crypt ratio in the

Blastocystosis is symptomatic infection caused by the protozoal parasite Blastocystis , which resides in the intestinal tract of its hosts and it is one of the most common parasites reported in humans. It’s prevalence ranges between (30 - 50%) of the population in developing countries. This genus has a worldwide distribution and often the most commonly reported human intestinal protozoan in children and adults, even infect infants

The purple pigment violacein is produced by Gram-negative bacteria, mainly from the Chromobacterium violaceum. Violacein is synthesized by fusing two Ltryptophan molecules using five different enzymes encoded by VioA, VioB, VioC, VioD, and VioE genes. These genes have transferred to genetically engineering microorganisms such as E.coli for high production of violacein. It is receiving greater interest because of its significant biological functions and therapeutic potential. The reviews outlining the biosynthesis, production, and biological significance of violacein are being published.

This review article concentrates the light about aetiology and treatment of the periimplantitis.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the significant public health problems that is characterized by structural and functional changes due to various causes. Periodontal disease has risen as a nontraditional risk factor for CKD since it is considered a source of inflammatory products in systemic disease.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the association between serum and salivary levels of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and the periodontal health status of patients with CKD.