Background: Environmental chemicals are thought to
adversely affect human reproductive function.
Objective : To estimate the concentration of cadmium(Cd)
, lead ( Pb ) and Zinc ( Zn ) in serum and seminal plasma
among infertile men .
Methods: A sample of 70 infertile men was investigated.
The relationship of trace elements concentration in serum and
seminal plasma was studied in relation to sperm density,
motility and sperm count.
Results: Except for Zinc the concentration of (Pb) and (Cd)
were generally higher in serum than in seminal plasma. The
mean concentration of (Zn) in seminal plasma was more than
25 times higher than in serum There were no statistical
significant differences observed in the

The researchers have discovered weaknesses in the rotational phase of the 100-meter freestyle event, including a lack of proper movement direction and control of biomechanical variables necessary for swimmers to achieve high rotational accuracy, which leads to outperforming competitors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of using a laser device on improving the performance of the rotational phase among swimmers on the Iraqi national team. The experimental approach was conducted on a sample of 6 swimmers, representing 100% of the target population. The researchers concluded that the utilization of a proposed laser device in the rotational phase resulted in positive differences in biomechanical variables, contri

This study specifically contributes to the urgent need for novel methods in Training of Trainers (ToT) programs which can be more effective and efficient through incorporation of AI tools. By exploring scenarios in which AI could be used to dramatically advance trainer preparation, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building across sectors, the research aims to understand the possibility. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, it surveys 500 trainers and conducts in-depth interviews with a further 50 ToT program directors across diverse industries to evaluate the impact of AI-enhanced ToT programs. The results showcase that the use of AI has a substantial positive effect on trainer performance and program outcomes. AI-enhanced ToT programs, fo

Permanent deformation (rutting) of asphalt mixtures is one of the major forms of distress. Aggregate gradation is one of the most important factors affecting the permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures. Other variables are also important to understand their effects on the mixture such as temperature, binder content and compaction level. For this purpose 6 different aggregate gradations have been chosen and each one of them has been manufactured / tested with different variables. The results showed that at relatively low temperature there is little effect of aggregate packing on the permanent deformation. However, as the temperature increases the effect of gradation becomes apparent, in that the better the packing the better the resistance

The aim of the present investigation was to develop a microsponge delivery system of acyclovir to control its release when applied topically thereby reducing dosing frequency and enhancement patient compliance. The microsponges were produced by the oil in oil emulsion solvent diffusion method. The effect of different formulation and process variables such as internal phase volume, polymer type, drug-polymer ratio, stirring speed and stirring duration on microsponge production yield, loading efficiency, particle size and in-vitro drug release was evaluated. The result showed that the microsponge F2 prepared from Eudrajet RS polymer had optimum physical properties regarding the loading efficiency of 99.71_+ 0.7% and product

Recently, it has been revealed that Toxoplasmosis may be associated with some factors related to type 2 diabetes, such as glucose, insulin, the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistant (HOMA-IR), and Fatty acid binding protein (FABP). Therefore, the current study aimed to specify how Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) infection affects glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and FABP among adolescents. From October to December 2022, this study was carried out at Al Madain Hospital in Baghdad. For a group of adolescents visiting the hospital, an ELISA test was performed to check their anti-T.gondii antibodies. Ninety adolescents were selected to participate in the study on the basis of this examination. They were divided into two groups: those who te

Background: Birth weight is a powerful predictor of infant growth and survival. Evidence now shows that children born with low birth weight face an increased risk of chronic diseases and have many health problems including oral health. The aims of this study were to assess the salivary flow rate, viscosity, and salivary cortisol among low birth weight kindergarten children aged 5 years old in Hilla centre, in relation to dental caries and compares them with the normal birth weight children of the same age and gender. Materials and methods: The total sample involved 80 children (40 low birth weights and 40 normal birth weights) aged 5 years old. The diagnosis and recording of severity of dental caries was recorded through the application of