Original Article
Altered kidney structure and function is the most important evidence of diabetic nephropathy (DN), also known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and is an important cause of permanent renal impairment. Urinary albumin/creatinine proportion and glomerular filtration rate are utilised in ordinary work practise in the Republic of Iraq to detect DKD. These routine tests, on the other hand, do not always detect initial DN damage. In the current study, early kidney damage is detected by urine biomarker NGAL and Cystatin C, even if the patients do not show any symptoms. Research design and methods : This study used a cross-sectional design all 180 participant are female with type 2 diabetes mellitus the ages of 40 and 70. Were enrolled during the period between June 2021 to February in 2022. Those patients were attended to Diabetic center for admitted in the Teaching Hospitals of Wasit Governorate (Iraq). After taking informed consent from each. We chose n=67 NDKD and n=113 DKD (eGFR 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and uACR >30 mg/g) from the participants who were separated into two groups based on the ratio of eGFR to uACR. Results: The DKD group had significantly higher concentration of of NGAL and Cystatin C in urine than the NDKD group, according to the study's findings. In both groups with diabetes, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves where uNCR was known to be greater than uNCR for estimating eGFR/uACR were found to be better than uNCR for estimating eGFR/uACR, which gave the uNCR: AUC 0.973, (95%CI): (0.921, 1.000), Specificity 97%, Sensitivity 90 %, PPV 98%, NPV 93% with accuracy 93% and precision 98%, (log-rank test P=0.005). Conclusions: Urine markers such as NGAL and Cystatin C It may serve as a possible technique for detecting cases with a significant clinical suspicion of DKD, particularly if it is attributable to uACR.
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus, Diabetic Kidney Disease, NGAL Cystatin C
Quid, a form of betel nut, is one of the most addictive substances whose intake occurs by chewing. Quid chewing is affected by factors such as peer pressure, family influence and easy decision making. The practice of quid chewing is more predominant among younger children and possesses a high risk towards the occurrence of lung, liver and oral cancer. In contrast, it can be used as a remedy for schizophrenia. Aim: The present study aims at determining the awareness on the usage of quid among rural adolescents, its types and effects among dental students. Materials and method: A self assessable survey consisting of 10 questions were prepared and circulated among 100 dental students and the results were analysed to determine the effects of quid chewing. Results and discussion: On analysing the results, it was found that the practice of quid chewing affects the haemoglobin levels of he body and poses an increased risk to hepatocellular and oral carcinoma. The phenolic compounds and alkaloids in quid affect the CNS and can cause airway obstruction in children. In individuals exposed to smoking too, the functioning of the brain and mental capacity was lowered. More awareness on the positive effects of quid, its mechanism of action and its effect on the different population groups are essential. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the awareness among dental students on the usage, effects, advantages and disadvantages of quid usage was moderate.
Keywords: Quid, stimulant, cancer, betel nut, awareness, innovative technique, eco friendly.
Clinical successful use of resin-based composite restorations (RBCs) depends on knowledge of polymerisation related factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of polymerisation of resin based composite. Introduction: Resin-based composite (RBC) goes from a plastic phase to a semisolid phase through a process called polymerization. The start of this process involves reactions that produce free radicals. These free radicals can be the result of energy (heat or light) or chemical activation. Materials and methods: A questionnaire consisting of 10 multiple choice questions was prepared based on the methods of polymerisation using online software. This study was conducted online which included 103 participants who were the undergraduates doing dentistry. The data were collected and analyzed through SPSS software. Conclusion: The study suggests that undergraduates knowledge on polymerisation of resin base composite restorations is good
Keywords: polymerisation methods, LED, resin composite materials, monomers
The study focuses on treatment of textile wastewater using Electro-Fenton process using graphite electrodes. The maximum removal of chemical oxygen demand and colour was evaluated at various operating conditions namely pH, Fe2+ dosage, and applied current. The Central composite design was used to optimize the operating conditions for the maximum removal of chemical oxygen demand and colour. The derived model represents good agreement between predicted and experimental results. Maximum reduction of chemical oxygen demand (83.6 %) and color (95.1 %) was achieved at pH 3.5, Fe2+ dosage 0.6 mM, and applied current of 0.6 A with electrolysis time of 40 mins. The second order reaction kinetics fit well with experimental data along with values of rate constants 0.0001 and 0.4827 (L/mg min) and R2 values were 0.9577 and 0.9173 for chemical oxygen demand and color removal, respectively.
Keywords: Electro-Fenton process, Textile wastewater, Response surface methodology, Central composite design, Applied current
This paper proposes an impulse control technology for the steering mechanism to improve forest tracked vehicles' control. The steering control system for the tracked vehicle employs a "diagonal" steering control scheme in combination with the principle of low-frequency (5-15 Hz) pulse-width modulation of pressure in the hydraulic system. The study offers several modulator and control system designs. The main parameters of the steering control system were selected. Based on the results, an experimental control system was manufactured. The results of the experiment showed that the use of the proposed methodology allows creating conditions suitable for applying the impulse steering technology with minimal changes in the transmission design. Furthermore, the use of low-frequency modulation allowed direct control of disc slipping. This advantage may be useful in designing steering control systems for tracked vehicles. The future study can focus on developing and testing the control system for a modernized skidder chassis.
Keywords:tracked vehicles, steering mechanism, closed-loop control systems, pulse-width modulation
The increase in demand for aesthetic crowns in primary teeth necessitates the evaluation of various other factors contributing to the success of the crowns. One such factor, which is of utmost importance is the retention rate. Hence, The motive of the present study was to compare the retention rates of two pre-formed crowns - Stainless steel and Zirconia crowns for restoring deciduous molars. Materials and method: 20 children with 2 contra-lateral primary molars in the same arch requiring crowns were selected and re-stored with SSC and Zirconia crowns. The retention of the crowns were evaluated at 3,6,9 and 12 months follow-up. Descriptive statistics and chi square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 20 children with mean age of 4.25 + 0.7 years participated in the trial. None of the SSC got chipped till 12 months of follow up period, whereas 13 zirconia crowns showed chipping. Similarly there was no large loss of crown seen with SSC whereas 3 zirconia crowns showed large loss. Also there was no crown lost reported with SSC but 3 Zirconia crown lost was observed at 12 months follow up. Conclusion: The Retention of zirconia crowns in primary teeth is not as good as Stainless steel crowns in primary teeth.
Keywords:Primary teeth, Retention, Stainless steel crowns, Zirconia
The increase demand for a cost effective aesthetic replacement to stainless steel crowns invites various aesthetic alternatives to paediatric dental practice, one among it is the Figaro crowns. Identifying the marginal fit of the new alternate crown is equally important, for the crown to serve its purpose. Hence, The rationale of the present study was to assess the marginal adaptation and discrepancy of the Figaro crowns between the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual surfaces in the primary teeth. Materials and method: A typhodont tooth was prepared for placement of Figaro crowns and 15 duplicates of the prepared typhodont tooth was made. The Figaro crowns were then cemented on the 15 duplicates using Type 1 Glass Ionomer Cement. The duplicated teeth with Figaro crowns were then stored for 48 hours at room temperature and was assessed for the marginal adaptation and discrepancy using stereomicroscope at 100x magnification. The measurements were then recorded in milli metres around the circumference of each specimen. Results: The marginal adaptation of the Figaro crowns was found to be the best on the mesial surface of the primary teeth followed by distal, lingual and buccal surfaces and the difference was also found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Only the lingual margins of the Figaro crowns extended beyond the cemento-enamel -junction, whereas all other margins of the Figaro crowns relatively had supra Cemento-enamel junction level with statistical significance. Conclusion: Figaro crowns for primary teeth have a good marginal adaptation and minimal marginal discrepancy, thus serving as a reliable aesthetic replacement for Stainless steel crowns.
Keywords: Figaro crowns, marginal adaptation, Marginal discrepancy, Primary teeth
Samarium-cobalt alloys are used as materials for powerful magnets with relatively high Curie temperatures. Samarium is one of the rare earth elements and is a valuable and expensive element. Recovery, reuse, and recycling of rare earth elements are necessary to protect this rare earth resource. Recently, a new two-step precipitation method to recover samarium phosphate from transition metal mixtures has been reported. Since rare earth phosphates are the main component of rare earth ores, a new method has been proposed to recover rare earth elements as phosphates. In this study, we attempted to obtain samarium phosphate by this two-step precipitation method by dissolving the actual magnet used. This method can separate and recover samarium phosphate from mixed metal ion aqueous solutions without the use of high temperatures or special equipment. In this study, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid were examined as acids that dissolve the magnet. The dissolution of magnets with acid in amounts equal to, double, and triple the chemical equivalent was investigated.
Keywords: rare earth recovery; phosphoric acid; precipitation
The Bajakah tampala plant (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) is one of the plants that grows in Indonesia, precisely on the island of Borneo, which has antibacterial activity but its antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 has never been reported. The search for new antibiofilms against P. aeruginosa biofilms is important in preventing biofilm-associated infections. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) ethanol extract in inhibiting the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilm. The planktonic and biofilm inhibition tests were carried out using the microtiter broth method. Antibiofilm activity of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) ethanol extract against P. aeruginosa was analyzed by calculating the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC50) and biofilm eradication activity were analyzed by calculating the minimum biofilm eradiaction concentration (MBEC50). The ethanol extract of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) 1% gave P. aeruginosa antibacterial activity of 83.20% ± 0.01 and mid-phase antibiofilm activity of 79.30% ± 0.01, maturation phase 76.30 % ± 0.01 and eradication activity of 70.77 % ± 0.01. Scanning electron microscopy results also showed that the ethanol extract of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) could damage the matrix of extracellular polymeric substances biofilm P. aeruginosa. Therefore, the ethanol extract of Bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) has the potential to be developed as a candidate for new antibiofilm drugs against P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Keywords: Bajakah Tampala, Biofilms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Spatholobus littoralis Hassk
Antioxidants are substances within the cells that neutralize free radicals by providing them with an electron. Antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are important for preventing damage to oocytes and embryos caused by reactive oxygen species. Hormones such as thyroid hormones, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) all have a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Several hormones become out of whack during a case of infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects body systems and leads to reproductive and metabolic complications among women of reproductive age, is considered as one of the main cause of infertility. After 12 months of frequent coitus. The inability to conceive is known as infertility. Our study aimed to estimate hormonal concentration and antioxidant enzymes activities among women (with and without) PCOS in Basrah -Iraq during (2021-2022). A case control study that included 60 patients’ infertile women (30 with PCOS and 30 without PCOS), a control group of 30 entirely healthy participants aged (16 to 40) years. The results of the study showed a significant increase in each of (TSH and prolactin) levels in PCOS comparing to the control (8.228 ± 2.261 vs 2.914 ± 1.649; P value= 0.001) and (32.999 ± 9.789 vs 9.189 ± 5355; P value=0.001) respectively. While a significant decrease in each of (SOD and CAT) in patients without PCOS comparing control (1.877 ± 0.464 vs 2.300 ± 0.852; P value= 0.021) and (0.109 ± 0.186 vs 0.236± 0.241; P value =0.021) respectively.
Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertile women
In this paper, we analyse the mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with micro-cellulose extracted from the H. sabdariffa fibers. The extracted micro-fillers from the H. sabdariffa fibers are processed via chemical treatment and it is utilised in various applications. The experimental results are conducted to test the efficacy of the extraction via its tensile nature, flexural nature, impact of the material. The results show a superior behaviour with various filler loadings. Further the internal structure is investigated thoroughly and it shows an improved tensile nature and rigidity.
Keywords: Epoxy Composites, Micro-Cellulose, HS Fiber, Extraction
Old corrugated cardboards (OCCs) that is known as lignocellulosic waste are one of the large by-products of commercial and industrial activities. Thus, the alternative uses for such waste are currently being sought. The aim of this study was to extract cellulose from OCC by using chemical treatment. The method includes alkaline treatment, washing, bleaching treatment, and drying to produce final product of OCC cellulose (OCCC) powder. The yield of OCCC obtained was 39.28%. OCCC was then characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). FTIR exhibits the functional groups of cellulose in both IR spectrum of OCCC and CC, and no sign of hemicellulose and lignin. DSC results showed endothermic peaks were more profound in OCCC compared to CC. Endothermic peak corresponds to the removal of water. TGA results showed the highest degradation profile exhibited from CC TG curve with 80% weight loss, compared to OCCC which has 35% weight loss. The residue of CC was around 14% whereas OCCC was 41%. In conclusion, this study have isolated cellulose by removing most hemicellulose and lignin from OCCC. OCCC is a potential to be developed as a functional cellulosic molding in pharmaceutical field, which may eventually reduce the environmental problem that is caused by OCC waste.
Keywords: Old corrugated cardboard; cellulose extraction; alkaline treatment; bleaching treatment
The purpose of this research is to synthesize and characterize derivatives of the mono oxazolones B(1-8). These compounds were made in a single step. New oxazolone molecules were produced in a variety of ways. Method hippuric acid, Refluxed & Grinding in modest yields (53-92%). The structures of these mono oxazolones B(1-8) were determined using spectral data such as IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and Mass
Keywords: oxazolones, hippuric acid, fused sodium acetate, porcelain mortar, 1H-NMR 13C NMR & Mass
Obesity is a dangerous health concern; and nowadays it becomes epidemic. It is a target factor for many diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adepokines are factors secreted from adipose tissue that affect many organs' function. One of these adepokines is resistin. Resistin acts as a proinflammatory adepokine as it induces secretion of "tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlukin-6" and mediates insulin resistance. In this study the level of fasting serum resistin, insulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) has been estimated, and the insulin resistance has been calculated by HOMA-IR for three groups: group one “thirty obese patients who had T2DM”, group two “thirty obese healthy persons”, and group three “thirty healthy individuals with normal body weight”. Serum resistin was higher in diabetic obese individuals than other two groups, and was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance, and CRP . In conclusion serum resistin links between the T2DM and inflammation. Understanding the mechanism by which this link occurs, may help in clarification the role of resistin in the pathogenesis and treatment of T2DM.
Keywords: obesity, resistin, T2DM, inflammation, insulin resistance
Altered kidney structure and function is the most important evidence of diabetic nephropathy (DN), also known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and is an important cause of permanent renal impairment. Urinary albumin/creatinine proportion and glomerular filtration rate are utilised in ordinary work practise in the Republic of Iraq to detect DKD. These routine tests, on the other hand, do not always detect initial DN damage. In the current study, early kidney damage is detected by urine biomarker NGAL and Cystatin C, even if the patients do not show any symptoms. Research design and methods : This study used a cross-sectional design all 180 participant are female with type 2 diabetes mellitus the ages of 40 and 70. Were enrolled during the period between June 2021 to February in 2022. Those patients were attended to Diabetic center for admitted in the Teaching Hospitals of Wasit Governorate (Iraq). After taking informed consent from each. We chose n=67 NDKD and n=113 DKD (eGFR 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and uACR >30 mg/g) from the participants who were separated into two groups based on the ratio of eGFR to uACR. Results: The DKD group had significantly higher concentration of of NGAL and Cystatin C in urine than the NDKD group, according to the study's findings. In both groups with diabetes, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves where uNCR was known to be greater than uNCR for estimating eGFR/uACR were found to be better than uNCR for estimating eGFR/uACR, which gave the uNCR: AUC 0.973, (95%CI): (0.921, 1.000), Specificity 97%, Sensitivity 90 %, PPV 98%, NPV 93% with accuracy 93% and precision 98%, (log-rank test P=0.005). Conclusions: Urine markers such as NGAL and Cystatin C It may serve as a possible technique for detecting cases with a significant clinical suspicion of DKD, particularly if it is attributable to uACR.
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus, Diabetic Kidney Disease, NGAL Cystatin C