Iraqi Journal of Medical and Health Sciences

Background: Acrylic is currently the most popular material for dental prosthesis fabrication. Fluoridated denture base resins have shown more stable properties such as decreased water sorption, good stain resistance, and solubility when compared to conventional ones. Fluoride addition may improve their properties.
Objective of study: Analyze how adding potassium fluoride (2% and 5%) affects the heat-cured acrylic resin material's surface roughness and hardness.
Materials and Methods: Testing on sixty heat-cured acrylic resin samples revealed that the samples were divided into two main groups: thirty samples were tested for surface roughness and thirty samples for surface hardness. Each group was divided into three groups: the control group, which included ten heat acrylic resin specimens in any combination, and the other two groups, which included ten heat acrylic resin specimens plus 2% potassium fluoride, and ten heat acrylic resin specimens combined with 5% potassium fluoride. The surface roughness and hardness specimens were prepared with the following dimensions: 65 mm x 10 mm x 2.5 mm, respectively. Elcometer (shore D, Germany) and profilometer tester (Time 3200/TR200, China) were employed for the evaluated hardness and surface roughness tests, respectively.
Results: The surface hardness test findings showed no statistically significant differences between the study groups; however, surface roughness test results revealed differences that were statistically significant across all study groups at P< 0.05.
Conclusion: The addition of 2% and 5% potassium fluoride to heat-cured acrylic resin materials produced no effect on surface hardness but it influenced the roughness test.

Background: The excellent mechanical compatibility of polymer-infiltrated ceramic network materials (PICN) with human enamel has contributed to their exploration as a crown restoration material. PICNs were produced by polymerizing a resin monomer that has been soaked into porous ceramics.
Objective of study: Analyze effect PICN materials that have many characteristics with dentin and enamel. PICNs have properties that are transitional between those of resins and ceramics due to their unusual microstructure, which consists of a dual-network consisting of the ceramic framework and polymer phases.
Materials and Methods: The scientific literature on this topic was searched through both an electronic systematic review (using Science Direct, PubMed, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and a manual search. This review was a compilation, analysis, and selection of articles published between 2013 and 2023. Studies of ceramic networks infused with polymers for use in dentistry were described. This evaluation includes over 38 papers that were selected for their potential relevance to the topic at hand.
Results: The results demonstrate that the information at issue was adequate for characterising the microstructure and determining some mechanical features of the commercially available polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) material (Vita Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik). PICN may be a good option for in-office dental procedures because it does not need to be sintered or burned after milling. The manufacturer recommends PICN for use in both the anterior as well as posterior crowns (including implant-supported crowns), inlays, onlays, partial crowns and veneers for single teeth.
Conclusion: Researchers have shown that PICN materials have many characteristics with dentin and enamel; it reduces abrasion on opposing tooth surfaces more than other dental ceramics; and it is harder than composites, making it more wear-resistant.

Background: Thiazole and its derivatives have a wide positive effect in treating diabetes, but studies comparing the extent of the effect of these compounds on each organ are still limited.
Objective of study: The current research aimed to compare effectiveness and the mechanisms by which Thiazole and their derivatives compounds exert effects on pancreatic versus hepatic pathways, integrating mechanistic and clinical findings with translational observations to guide dual-pathway drug design.
Materials and Methods: Non-systematic qualitative review of in vitro, in vivo, clinical, and in silico research (2000–2024), evaluating strengths, weaknesses, safety outcomes, and knowledge gaps. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched.
Results: Pancreatic derivatives achieved satisfactory glycemic control (↑ insulin up to 4-fold; ↓ glucose up to 35.9%) and β-cell protection with greater variability. Hepatic drugs presented more enduring changes (↑ C-peptide to 48.6%; enhanced insulin sensitivity; lowered ALT, AST, MDA; raised SOD, CAT, GSH). Liver-targeted therapies have stronger clinical evidence, and pancreatic therapies have more conclusive mechanistic evidence but with smaller populations. Safety profiles, toxicity, and tolerability were less consistently reported and should be more standardized in their measurement.
Conclusion: Previous studies have recorded evidence of cross-effects caused by thiazole and its derivatives on humans, showing a rapid response in the pancreas manifested by a decrease in blood sugar levels, and a slow response in the liver to achieve metabolic stability. Therefore, it is recommended to follow a strategy that represents both pathways, measured by a set of biomarkers and subjected to strict evaluations, as well as long-term studies on the liver and pancreas. Future experiments can establish the fundamentals for utilizing drugs in which thiazole is a key component to improve treatment and reduce side effects and long-term outcomes.

Background: The Ginkgo biloba plant is the sole extant species of the Ginkgoaceae family and is among the oldest seed plants. The extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves can also augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including both enzymatic and nonenzymatic systems. Antioxidant enzymes comprise catalase, superoxide.
Objective of study: Thirty-six albino mice, sourced from Babylon University and weighing 30±5 grams, were utilized in this study. Water and processed dry food were provided. The animals were categorized into six groups, with six mice per group, and maintained under standardized circumstances (25°C, 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle).
Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 pregnant women—50 PCS sufferers and 50 stable controls—were assessed for functional polymorphisms of the TGFB1 gene [C-509 T]. Heterozygous CT accounted for 24% of PCS patients and 30% of controls, whereas homozygous CC accounted for 76% of PCS cases and 70% of normal, healthy pregnant women.
Results: Our phytochemical analysis of methanol-aqueous Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts revealed the presence of essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins, coumarins, and terpenes. In contrast, steroids and resin exhibited poor results.
Conclusion: This study showed that Taxol (6 mg/kg b.wt.) generated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in the liver and spleen; however, these adverse effects may be mitigated or even prevented in certain instances by the protective effect.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive joint condition characterized by cartilage degeneration, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially among older adults. Its prevalence is rising due to aging populations and obesity. Primary or secondary OA can develop, with risk factors such as age, gender, and joint injuries playing significant roles. Physical therapy is a cornerstone in managing OA, targeting symptom relief and improved joint function.
Objective of study: The aim of a study assessing how demographic variables affect the efficacy of physical therapy for patients with osteoarthritis in the knee is probably to investigate the ways in which age, gender, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI).
Materials and Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial, approved by the Ethics Committee and registered in the Iranian Systematic physical treatment program for knee OA was evaluated by the Clinical Trials Registry. Twenty individuals between the ages of 40 and 65 who had grade II or III OA verified by radiographic and clinical standards were included. The 12-session regimen included strengthening exercises for the Knee, hip and trunk as well as heat therapy. The WOMAC assess the results, with an emphasis on physical function, stiffness, and discomfort.
Results: Age, MI, and pain reduction were found to be significantly correlated negatively in the study, suggesting that older people and those with greater BMIs experienced less improvement. On the other hand, there were no noteworthy correlations between treatment outcomes and gender, height, or weight. The study emphasizes how age and body mass index (BMI) impact the effectiveness of physical treatment.
Conclusion: Shows that demographic factors, especially age and BMI, have a major impact on how well physical therapy works for osteoarthritis in the knee. Especially for older persons and those with higher BMIs. Future studies should focus on creating individualized rehabilitation plans to enhance care for a variety of individuals.