bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders among Implant Patients in Relation to Bite Force
Authors: Ali Rihab Abdul Hussein , Diab Ban Sahib , Alaswad Fawaz Dawood 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The installation of dental implants may impair the temporomandibular joint’s ability to operate by altering bite force.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to compare dental implant patients with partially and fully dentate patients in terms of temporomandibular joint issues related to maximal bite force measurement.

Materials and Methods:
Ninety patients with dental implants aged 50–60 years old were compared to 90 with partial and 90 with complete dentition patients who were age and gender matched. The incidence and severity of temporomandibular joint problems among patients were assessed using Helkimo anamnestic and clinical dysfunction indices. By using a biting force sensor, maximum occlusal bite force was measured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as reported at a US-based corporation. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 22.0 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois).

Results:
According to the data, patients in the fully dentate group had larger percentages of Helkimo anamnestic symptom-free and clinically no dysfunction than those patients in implant and partially edentulous groups. Patients in the partially edentulous group were more likely to have Helkimo anamnestic mild and severe symptoms, as well as clinical mild, moderate, and severe dysfunction than patients in the other two groups. These data, however, did not show a statistically significant association. Data analysis revealed that maximum bite force measurements were significantly different between groups for all Helkimo anamnestic and clinical indices.

Conclusion:
Following oral implant therapy, the function of the temporomandibular joint was affected. In addition, bite force measures decreased as temporomandibular disorder symptoms became more severe.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on HBV-Infected Patients
Authors: Al-Kaif Laith A. I. K. , Al-Saadi Mohammad Abd-Kadhum , Al-Charrakh Alaa H. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 are prevalent in individuals infected with viral hepatitis type B (HBV).

Objectives:
The current study aims to determine the extent of the HBV reactivation depending on the immune impact on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred forty-one hospitalized cases were divided into patients infected with HBV with/without SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed by automatic fluorescent immunoassay system COVID-19 Ab (IgM/IgG). Next, HBV reactivation was assessed using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBcAb (IgM), HBeAg, and HBeAb ELISA test.

Results:
The results showed significant differences in HBV reactivation patients with SARS-CoV-2 at P < 0.05. Out of 141 HBV patients, 115 (1, 80, and 34) had positive COVID-19 in IgM, IgG, and IgM with IgG, respectively. The results of reactivation test showed 34.07% of patients have HBV reactivation.

Conclusions:
The HBV reactivation patients had been recorded in acute and chronic cases of HBV patients, where no severe cases were recorded compared with the advanced cases of the disease who received immunosuppressive therapy and biological treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the special care of persons exposed to infection with SARS-CoV-2 to patients infected with viral hepatitis, in particular, advanced cases of the disease and their stages of treatment as it leads to liver dysfunction and life-threatening complications.
Genetic Study of Gardnerella vaginalis Virulence Factors Isolated from Vaginal Discharge
Authors: Abdullah Sawsan Talal , Althahab Azhar Omran , Jabuk Sura Ihsan A. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Vaginitis is the most prevalent infectious condition affecting the female genital system. Prevalent vaginal infections, namely, bacterial vaginosis. Gardnerella vaginallis is one abacterial genus almost always associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Objective:
Isolation and identification of G. vaginalis. and Diagnosis some virulence such as Vaginolysin, Sialidase, Phospholipase.

Materials and Methods:
Collected 100 vaginal samples from women then cultures in Columbia blood agar to isolated G. vaginalis and genetic detection some virulence factors.

Results:
The findings revealed that 12 (12%) of the samples tested positive for G. vaginalis., including (7%, 26%, 13%, 8%, and 2% isolated from 20 to 50 years age, respectively. The results of PCR showed that out of 12 isolates only 4 (33%), 9 (75%) and, 6 (50%) of G. vaginalis isolates gave positive results to vly, sld and, pho gene respectively gave positive results from 12 G. vaginalis isolates.

Conclusions:
A healthy vaginal microbiota is considered to be significant for maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections. Bacterial vaginosis is the condition that occurs when the balance of the vaginal flora is dysregulated, and replaced by pathogenic bacteria in the vagina like G. vaginalis.
Breastfeeding Effect on Primary Teeth Emergence in Relation to Craniofacial Growth among Iraqi Infants
Authors: Salih Shaimaa Thabit , Diab Ban Sahib 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition; it can be viewed as a natural orthotic device for the harmonious development of the face. Sucking has an impact on a child’s premaxillary region’s growth, and mandibular movements encourage mandibular growth. Along with the advantages for general health, breastfeeding also helps with the right development of teeth, face muscles, and occlusion. Hence symmetric, well-proportioned face and appropriate occlusion depend on balanced facial growth.

Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on the timing of teething in relation to craniofacial development.

Materials and Methods:
This study is a cross sectional comparative study concerning craniofacial growth assessment, with prospective view concerning timing of eruption. Sample was composed of 100 breastfed infants compared with 100 infants depending on formula milk. Clinical examinations and follow-up for teeth emergence was done for whole sample.

Results:
Breastfeeding was found to be associated with early teeth emergence. Additionally, although, there were no significant differences between facial growth and feeding pattern there was a significant correlation between delay eruption time of primary dentition and facial growth parameters (mandible and maxilla depths) among bottle-feeding group.

Conclusion:
The current study confirms the effect of breastfeeding on the early teething emergence of primary dentition; however, there were no significant differences between type of feeding and facial growth parameters. While a significant relation between delay eruption time and facial growth parameters (mandible and maxilla depths) was found among bottle-feeding infants.
Raised Inflammatory Markers as Predictors of Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Drugs (Etanercept and Infliximab) in a Sample of Iraqi Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Al-Shaibani Saif Abdulkareem Raoof , Jassim Nizar Abdullatif , Al-Bayati Anmar Abdulwahhab Khaleel 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder mainly affecting the axial skeleton, although peripheral joints, entheses, and extra-articular tissues such as eyes, heart, and lungs may also be involved. Raised inflammatory markers in patients with AS at the start of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy are associated with more clinical response.

Objectives:
The aim of this article is to assess the role of raised inflammatory markers in predicting response to anti-TNF drugs in patients with AS.

Materials and Methods:
The prospective cohort study enrolled a total of 71 patients with AS. Nineteen patients were excluded from the study due to discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy and 52 patients continued in the study and were followed for 3 months.

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 35.2±9.6 years, males constitute 84.6% of them and the median disease duration was 5 (3–10) years. Univariate analysis showed that the predictors of response to anti-TNF drugs were raised baseline C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent predictor for response to anti-TNF drugs was raised baseline CRP. The optimal cut point for CRP to predict response was >7.5 mg/L, whereas that for ESR was >32 mm/h.

Conclusion:
Raised inflammatory markers at baseline predict better response to anti-TNF drugs in AS patients. CRP had better prediction of response to anti-TNF drugs than ESR.
Clinical and Pathological Evaluation of Hemp Seeds Oil Effectiveness in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
Authors: Farhood Iqbal Ghalib , Mamoori Afraa , Sahib Zena Hasan 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Alopecia areata is an inflammatory, autoimmune, non-scarring, common patchy, hair-loss condition. Many treatment lines are used to treat alopecia areata, but all are palliative. Alternative medicine, like aromatherapy is expected to promote hair growth, but they are still lacking the scientific basis. Hemp oil is one of the aromatherapies that comprises polyunsaturated fat in approximately 76% involving “essential fatty acids” mainly omega-6 fatty acids” and lesser amount of “omega-3 fatty acids.”

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate hemp seed oil effect in the treatment of patients with alopecia areata.

Materials and Methods:
This was a clinical trial planned to evaluate the efficacy of hemp seed oil in 20 patients with localized alopecia areata for 2 months. Plant material is hemp oil extract, applied at night daily for 2 months. Regrowth of terminal hair was evaluated by clinically and by trichoscope examination to evaluate the pathologic changes response. The assessment was done at 0, 4, and 8 weeks of the treatment.

Results:
After 8 weeks of the treatment, the response was marked in five (25%) patients, moderate in eight (40%) patients, and mild in two (10%) patients. Five (25%) patients revealed no response. There was a significant increase in the response of patients who were under the marked improvement group between 4 and 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Hemp seed oil can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for localized alopecia areata. Additional clinical trials are advised to adjust the dose and determine the period of time, which is required to obtain a better result.
The Implication of Left Ventricular Mechanical Dispersion as a Risk Predictor for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Al-Shehristani Riyadh Mustafa , Abdulhamza Radhwan Readh , Al Hashimi Abbas Fadhil 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is considered a benign disorder, although it can be accompanied by ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can be a promising tool for detecting early derangement.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine whether the left ventricular (LV) mechanical dispersion (MD) derived by STE can be considered a predictor for occurrence of VA in patients with MVP.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 63 patients with MVP (37 women and 29 men) presented with palpitation. The patients were divided into two groups: arrhythmic patients with VA (Group 1) and non-arrhythmic patients (Group 2). All of them underwent comprehensive clinical and electrocardiographic examination, cardiac rhythm assessment by Holter monitoring, and comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation including speckle tracking technique.

Results:
VA were detected in 32 of 63 patients. Ventricular bigeminy was the most common type of VA in arrhythmic patients. Unlike other echocardiographic parameters, the LV MD and the mitral annular disjunction (MAD) were found to be significantly higher in arrhythmic versus non-arrhythmic MVP patients (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean LV MD was higher in patients with frequent ventricular ectopics versus infrequent ones (P = 0.003). The cutoff value for LV MD was 35.1 ms or higher (sensitivity 87%, specificity 71%) and for MAD it was 2.7 mm or higher (sensitivity 82%, specificity 60%) in predicting VA in patients with MVP.

Conclusions:
LV MD in addition to MAD can be implemented in risk prediction for VA in patients with MVP presenting with palpitations.
Zinc and Copper in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients on Different Iron Chelators in Basrah
Authors: Hasan Balqees Kadhim , Saud Wasan Hameed 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Disturbances induced by chelating agents in the essential metal ions, including zinc and copper, can adversely impact the health of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT).

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different iron chelators on the levels of zinc and copper among patients with TDT.

Materials and Methods:
This case-control study involved 94 patients with TDT and 59 healthy controls, their ages ranged from 5 to 37 years. Patients with TDT were subdivided into two groups: 51 patients were on deferasirox and 43 were on deferoxamine. Blood samples were collected from all participants for complete blood counts and serum ferritin, iron, zinc, and copper levels, which were determined by spectrophotometry.

Results:
Serum iron, ferritin, and zinc levels were significantly higher among patients with TDT, while the Hb level was significantly lower than that in the healthy population (P < 0.05). Serum copper levels did not differ significantly between the groups. A high frequency of zinc deficiency was reported among patients with TDT on deferasirox (56.9%) and control group (47.5%), compared to 16.3% for patients with TDT on deferoxamine (P < 0.001). For serum copper, most of them had normal levels (81.4%–90.2%). Patients on deferoxamine had significantly higher serum zinc and copper levels than those on deferasirox and control group, although the mean serum values were within the normal range of values for the three groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:
Low serum zinc was reported in a considerable percentage of patients with TDT receiving deferasirox compared to those receiving deferoxamine, while serum copper was within normal range in the majority of patients with TDT.
Antibiotic effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical cases in babylon hospitals
Authors: Hamza Emad Noman Hassan , Fazaa Suaad Abid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus, especially those that are multidrug-resistant, constitute a public health problem worldwide. It has been represented as the most common causative agent of skin infections, wound infections, and bacteremia.

Objective:
The purpose of the current study was to determine the incidence of S. aureus antibiotic resistance through bacteria collection from various clinical locations in a number of hospitals in the Babylon province.

Materials and Methods:
During the research, 429 clinical samples were collected from hospitals in the Babylon Health Directorate between July 2022 and February 2023. The samples were cultured in routine selective media, and the bacterial isolates were found according to different testing biochemically. The disc diffusion method was used in an antibacterial sensitivity test.

Results:
Of 429 different specimens, 284 (66.2%) showed bacterial growth. After using manual methods to identify species, 171 (60.21%) of 284 isolates are Staphylococcus spp. From 171 Staph species, 61 (35.67%) were S. aureus. These isolates award a maximum rate of sensitivity to nitrofurantoin (90%) and chloramphenicol (95%) and showed a maximum ratio of resistance to penicillin (91%) and cefoxitin (85%).

Conclusion:
High prevalence of S. aureus 61 (35.67%) from 171 Staphylococcus species. Antibiotics indicated a high ratio of sensitivity to nitrofurantoin (90%) and chloramphenicol (95%) and indicated a high ratio of resistance to penicillin (91%) and cefoxitin (85%). The purpose of the current study was to determine the incidence S. aureus antibiotic resistance through bacteria collection from various clinical locations in a number of hospitals in the Babylon province.
Cytokines Profile in Patients with Hydatidosis in Babylon Province, Iraq
Authors: Al-Mosawi Ahmed Mohammed A. , Al-Joborae Fadhil Farhood M. , Al-Joborae Huda Fadhil , Al-Saadi Mohammed Abd Kadhum , Al-Charrakh Alaa H. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Hydatidosis is caused by infection with the larval stage of the Cestode Echinococcus granulosus.

Objective:

In vitro quantitative evaluation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), INF-gamma (INF-γ), and CD4 and CD8 molecules during hydatidosis infection and control group.

Materials and Methods:

In vitro quantitative determination of IL-6, INF-γ, and CD4 and CD8 molecules in serum of hydatidosis-infected patients using serological test Sandwich-ELISA.

Results:
The result showed a significant difference in serum IL-6 in patients with hydatidosis than in the control group (38.753 ± 18.307 pg/mL) and 11.752 ± 3.328, respectively; the differences were highly significant (P < 0.0001). The mean of serum CD4 molecules concentration was 5.475 ± 2.335 (ng/mL) and 3.154 ± 1.027 (ng/mL) for controls groups with P value ≤ 0.0001, while serum concentration of soluble CD8 was 2.977 ± 1.321 (ng/mL) and 1.152 ± 0.699 (ng/mL) for control group with (P value ≤ 0.0001). The ratio of CD4/CD8 was 1.841 in hydatidosis infection patients compared with control group (2.737).

Conclusion:
Immunological parameters included in the present study (IL-6, IFN-γ, CD4 and CD8) showed high levels among patients with hydatidosis infection compared to healthy control.
Comparative In Vitro Study Regarding the Effect of 2% and 6% Titanium Tetrafluoride on Demineralized Human Enamel
Authors: Al-Hassnawi Amjed Kamel , Radhi Nada Jafer 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Dental caries is the most common disease of the childhood and adulthood where the mineral contents of the enamel of the teeth begin to lose due to acids attacks by demineralization process. It can be prevented by application of fluoride that increased the mineral content of the enamel and made it highly resistant to acid demineralization.

Objectives:
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) in different concentrations and frequencies on surface microstructure and chemical structure of artificially demineralized enamel.

Materials and Methods:
The sample consisted of 35 premolar teeth: seven teeth randomly selected remained sound (five for energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and two for scan electronic microscopy, whereas the remaining 28 teeth were divided into four treatment groups (n = 7): (1) control negative (deionized water), (2) control positive (acidulated phosphate fluoride gel), (3) 6% TiF4 solution once daily, (4) 2% TiF4 solution three times daily. Chemical structure and surface microstructure analyses were made for sound, after demineralization then after treatments.

Results:
The fluoride content was greater in 6% TiF4, whereas the calcium content was greater in control positive followed by 6% TiF4 then 2% TiF4 groups. Surface microstructure revealed uniform, smooth, glaze-like surface with no irregularities in 6% TiF4 while localized areas of glaze-like depositions were noted in 2% TiF4.

Conclusions:
The TiF4 showed better minerals contents and uniform surface in its higher concentration and the frequency of applications was not important as concentration.
Short-Term Comparison between Resection and Preservation of the Infrapatellar Pad of Fat in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Fayyadh Wisam Khalid , Hwaizi Las , Musa Laween Omer 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Resection of infrapatellar pad of fat (IPPF) is an ordinary step performed in primary total knee joint replacement (TKR) in approximately 88% to get a clearer field and eases patellar retraction to a side away during the surgical procedure.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the preservation versus resection of the IPPF regarding postoperative pain and range of movements in patients undergoing primary TKR.

Materials and Methods:
This was a prospective, case series study conducted in Erbil Teaching Hospital from March 1, 2018 till December 31, 2018. A total of 28 patients who underwent primary TKR were randomly allocated into two equal groups. In the first group the pad of fat was resected, whereas in the other group the pad of fat was preserved. The follow-up period of this study was 9 months. Patients of both groups were seen and followed up in the ward in the first 5 days of admission and seen again at the outpatient clinic at weeks 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36. The anterior knee joint pain and range of movement were recorded and observed by visual analog scale (VAS) score, knee score, and knee functional score.

Results:
Twenty-eight patients who underwent primary TKR were included in this study. Among them, 18 patients were women (64.28%) and 10 were men (35.72%). The mean age of the patients was 63.42 years ± 4.31 years, ranging from 56 to 71 years. Improved postoperative VAS score of the IPPF resection group (6.28 ± 0.91) and preserved group (5.92 ± 0.82) were observed (P < 0.045) at the 6 months of follow-up. Improvement in the degree of flexion observed in the IPPF preservation group over the resected one (P < 0.0060), with either no statistical differences were noticed of the final Knee Society Scores or the functional scores of the two groups, (62.78 ± 4.91) and (50.07 ± 5.80) of the IPPF resected group, (64.57 ± 5.54) and (52.14 ± 5.08) of the IPPF preservation group with both scores (P = 0.059 and 0.850), respectively.

Conclusions:
Preservation over resection of the IPPF during primary TKR decreases the postoperative anterior knee joint pain. Consequently, no significant changes were observed regarding the knee joint functionality.
The antimicrobial activity of nanochitosan and nano-CaCO3 against some bacteria
Authors: Saleh Rasha Hadi , Khalaf Aysar Ashour 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The growing threat of infections and drug-resistant microorganisms is a crucial challenge; hence, finding novel antimicrobial medicines is urgently needed. Nanotechnology has garnered interest in many disciplines, especially for therapeutic applications. Chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) and calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CaCO3-NP) are recognized as antimicrobial agents because of their antimicrobial features and minimal risk of toxicity to humans.

Objectives:
The goal of this investigation was to detect the antibacterial efficacy of CS-NPs and CaCO3-NP at various concentrations toward different bacteria.

Materials and Methods:
This investigation collected a total of 128 different clinical specimens. Every bacterial isolate was examined using the cultural, microscopic, and biochemical procedures. Antibiotic sensitivity was performed by using disk diffusion methods. The antibacterial activity of different CS-NP and CaCO3-NP concentrations (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/L) was estimated on medical bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, and by well diffusion method.

Results:
A total of 80 bacterial isolates were collected from various clinical samples. The majority of isolates were P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and K. pneumoniae. Most isolates exhibited resistance against tested antibiotics, in which P. aeruginosa exhibited relatively elevated resistance to mainly used antibiotics. Nanoparticle compounds exhibited antimicrobial activity at different concentrations against all bacteria, and it is affected in different degrees. As nanoparticle concentrations increase, antibacterial activity increase as well.

Conclusions:
CS-NPs and CaCO3-NP showed promising antimicrobial activity against medically relevant microorganisms. It is indicated as an option the manufacturing of antimicrobial medications utilized in medicine.