Objectives: Bone remodeling usually depends on complex molecular signaling, where receptor activator of NF-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) serve as key modulators that regulate osteoclastogenesis and overall bone metabolism process. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the influence of different graft materials on RANKL and OPG expression following alveolar ridge preservation. Methods: An electronic search of the literature was performed in Embase via Ovid, Medline via Ovid, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases, in addition to a manual search regarding all related articles. PRISMA guidelines and PICO framework were followed in this systematic review. The inclusion criteria were limited to English-published studies focusing on RANKL and/or OPG biomarkers’ outcomes in post-extraction dental sockets preserved with various types of bone grafts. The extracted data were synthesized in a standardized excel form including general study characteristics, graft interventional details, and RANKL/OPG expressions in addition to other outcomes regarding bone healing. Risk of bias, using ROBINS-I and RYRCLE tools, as well as certainty of evidence were assessed within included studies. Results: The initial search resulted in a total of 307 articles. After thorough screening and reviewing stages, 12 studies were finally selected to be included for comprehensive analysis. The findings revealed that socket preservation with different grafts demonstrated statistically significant differences in favor of RANKL downregulation and OPG upregulation compared to controls; the composite graft demonstrated superior outcomes to other types. The lowest RANKL/OPG ratio (0.11) was reported in the biologically enhanced autograft while synthetic graft alone showed the highest value (1.88). Conclusion: Bone substitutes that combine bioactive agents with scaffolds may offer potential benefits for socket preservation, possibly through modulation of the RANKL/OPG axis. However, their superiority over other grafts and the reliability of the RANKL/OPG ratio as a predictive biomarker remain uncertain, warranting further clinical investigation.
Neurogenic inflammation is pivotal in dental pulp repair, involving complex interactions between sensory nerves, immune cells, and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). This review aimed to identify the favorable pathways of neurogenic inflammation and neurogenic differentiation of DPSCs in the pulpal healing process. Also, to identify the techniques used to evaluate these inflammatory and differentiation processes. Both PubMed and Google Scholar databases were employed in the search strategy using keyword combinations based on MeSH terms. The search was performed for published articles in English from January 2014 to November 2024, including studies with histological and molecular findings. 29 articles only met the inclusion criteria. Neurogenic
... Show MoreBackground: Orthodontic mini-implants are increasingly used in orthodontics and the bone density is a very important factor in stabilization and success of mini-implant. The aim of this study was to observe the relationship among maximum bite force (MBF); body mass index (BMI); face width, height and type; and bone density in an attempt to predict bone density from these variables to eliminate the need for CT scan which have a highly hazard on patient. Materials and Methods: Computed tomographic (CT) images were obtained for 70 patients (24 males and 46 females) with age range 18-30 years. The maxillary and mandibular buccal cortical and cancellous bone densities were measured between 2nd premolar and 1st molar at two levels from the alveol
... Show MoreBackground: Hair loss is a frequent and distressing manifestation among patients with hypothyroidism. In addition to thyroid hormone imbalance, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals may contribute to impaired hair follicle function. Objective: This study aimed to assess serum vitamin and mineral profiles in patients with hypothyroidism-associated hair loss and to explore their relationship with thyroid hormone status. Methods: the study was conducted on a total of 90 participants, including 65 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism-associated hair loss, 25 control - and sex-matched apparently healthy control subjects, groups aged 30 and over. Serum levels of vitamin D3, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, ferritin, calcium, magnesium, th
... Show MoreBackground: Obesity and dental caries are multifactorial diseases related to poor eating habits and show a close relationship with the sociodemographic characteristics of individuals presenting these diseases. This research aimed to investigate the severity of dental caries among group of obese boys aged 12 year in relation to salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) of unstimulated whole saliva in comparison with normal weighted boys of the same age. Materials and Methods: The study group included 40 obese boys, with an age of 12 year. The control group included 40 normal weighted boys of the same age. The total sample involved for nutritional status assessment using Body Mass Index specific for age and gender according t
... Show MoreMechanical degradation hampers the practical usage of polymers for turbulent drag reduction
application. Mechanical degradation refers to the chemical process in which the activation energy of
polymer chain scission is exceeded by mechanical action on the polymer chain, and bond rupture
occurs. When a water-soluble polymer and surfactant are mixed in water solution, the specific structures
(aggregates) are formed, in which polymer film is formed around micelle. In this work, Xanthan gum (XG) –
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SELS) complex formation and its effect on percentage viscosity reduction
(%VR) was studied. It was found that SELS surfactant reduced the mechanical degradation of XG much
more efficiently than th
The public budget is regarded a main tool for economic and social development. The preparation of the public budget constitute an important stream which enriches the developmental efforts and the definition of its priorities, therefore it is the focus point of many specializations. The public budget has numerous functions. It is a means to precise and to execute the political and economic goals of the executive authority, a mirror of the economic structure which reflects its strength and weakness points, specifies its revenues and others. Since the parliament is the voice of the society which expresses its interests, then, it must monitor the performance of the government so that the participation of the legislative authority in
... Show MoreBackground:Oriental sore occurs mostly in the
mediteranian region , North Africa ,and the Middle East .
Rodents are the main reservoir for the parasite . The wet
type caused by L. major is rural and the dry type caused by
L. tropica is urban and humans are presumably the only
reservoir. Sand fly vectors are involved in all forms.
Objectives: This study aimed to show the most
important bacterial infections concomitant with cutaneous
leishmaniasis .
Methods; The study was performed on 75 patients (ages
1-50 years ) from both sexes were attending Skin Diseases
Department of Ramadi General Hospital during the period
extended from January to June 2000. These patients were
clinically diagnosed as patients
Objective (s): To determine factors associated with the pregnancy complications (Maternal age, education,
obstetrical history, gravidity, birth space interval, and smoking).
Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted at Al- washash & Bab-almoadham primary health care
centers. The sample was (non probability convenient sample) which included (550) pregnant women. The
study started from 1st April 2014 to 1
st of April 2015. The data was collected by direct interview using
special questionnaire to obtain socio-demographic information.
Results: the result shows that mean age of the subjects was 26.5± 4.39 years, 57.8% were housewives, the
sample included 103 premature uterine contractions, 98 pregnancy induce
This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice towards breast cancer and breast self-examination [BSE] among 387 [302 females and 85 males] educated Iraqis affiliated to 2 Iraqi universities. The participants were categorized into 3 occupations: student [71.3%], teaching staff [10.3%] and administrative staff [18.3%]. About half of the participants had a low knowledge score [< 50%]; only 14.3% were graded as [Good] and above. Almost 75% of the participants believed that the best way to control breast cancer was through early detection and other possible preventive measures. Most participants [90.9%] had heard of BSE, the main source of informatio
... Show MoreBackground: 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
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