Sequencing technologies have reshaped the study of the subgingival microbiome, but selecting the appropriate method remains challenging because of differences in resolution, cost, host DNA contamination, and computational complexity. This review compares 16S rRNA sequencing, full-length 16S, shotgun metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics with respect to taxonomic resolution, functional output, sample requirements, and analytical limitations. Key practical issues, including low microbial biomass, contamination control, and the choice of appropriate bioinformatic tools, are emphasized to help researchers avoid common pitfalls. A decision-making framework is provided to link study goals to suitable sequencing methods while outlining rea

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease with episodes of exacerbation. Variable factors including infectious pathogen can predispose for this exacerbation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of intestinal protozoa in COPD exacerbation. A total of 56 patients with COPD were included in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the frequency of exacerbation during the last 6 months: those with ≤1 exacerbation (32 patients) and those with ≥2 exacerbations (24 patients). Stool specimens from each patient were collected two times (one week interval) examined for intestinal parasite. In univariate analysis, rural residence and parasitic infection were more common among patie

Objectives: To identify the impact of Pap smear upon physical and psychological and social aspects of women's
health.
Methodology: A purposive sample of (71) women. The data were collected through the utilization of the
developed questionnaire which consists of four major parts: 1. demographic 2.Physical domain 3. Psychological
domain 4. social domain and by means of interview technique with the women who were individually interviewed
in the Baghdad Teaching Hospital/ the Consultant Clinic, Teaching Laboratories/ Medical City, AL-Elwyiah
Maternity Hospital . The data collection process has been performed from April 17th, 2011 until the August 10th,
2011. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures wer

Objectives: The study aims to assess the female adolescents’ risk-health behaviors, to identify their
determinants, to determine the association between the risk health behaviors and the stage of
adolescence for these females' demographic variable.
Methodology: A purposive sample of (268) female adolescents is selected from intermediate and
secondary schools in Baghdad City. These adolescents have presented the age of (14-19) year old and
divided into two groups of (14-16) year and (17-19) year. A questionnaire is constructed for the purpose
of the study, it is composed of (10) major parts, and the overall items, which are included in the
questionnaire, are (106) item. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire

Background: The altered status of some essential trace elements observed in diabetes could have deleterious influences on the health of the diabetics. Objectives: To estimate and study the potential role of serum Selenium in type 1, type 2 diabetics and healthy subjects; and its relation with lipid profile and glycemic index. Methods: A case control designed study was carried out at the National Diabetes Center (NDC) / Al-Mustansiria University; on a total of 94 participants formed of 32 type 1 diabetics, 32 type 2 diabetics and 30 healthy control participants. Data collected about age, sex and BMI; also, blood samples examined for FPG, HbA1C, serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, serum triglyceride and sera were