Barriers Toward Better CBCT Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice

Objective: This study attempts to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice of Iraqi dentists toward CBCT use, referral patterns, observed challenges, and the impacts of previous training on its adoption. Material and Methods: A total of 202 Iraqi dentists participated in this study and self-administered questionnaires were distributed to them via Google Forms from 3/2/2025  to 1/4/2025. Participants included both general practitioners (GPs) and specialists regardless of their years of experience in different dental fields. Results: Dental specialists showed significantly higher referral frequency for CBCT compared with GPs (P = 0.002). However, there was no significant relationship between gender and referral frequency for CBCT (P = 0.068), also, there were no statistically significant differences were noticed in the specialists' responses in comparison to GPs about following guidelines for CBCT request (P = 0.167), having formal training on CBCT (P = 0.255), their adequacy of knowledge of CBCT (P = 0.293), and the need for CBCT training (P = 0.058). There was a significant difference in the specialist responses compared to GPs about the necessity of CBCT in daily practice (P = 0.014). While there were no significant differences between both genders and years of practice (P = 0.138, P = 0.091), respectively, regarding the necessity of CBCT. Also, no significant relationship was found between both specialties and age groups (P = 0.14, P = 0.839), respectively regarding the primary purpose of CBCT. A highly significant relationship has been found between being  aspecialist versus GP and CBCT radiation dose compared to CT (P = 0.001). While no significant relationship when CBCT dose compared to orthopantomography (OPG) (P = 0.084). Conclusion: The major barrier toward better CBCT KAP was the lack of undergraduate training to CBCT imaging. Initiating a new educational initiatives program and establishing clear referral guidelines are crucial to fostering the effectiveness and ensuring the appropriate use of CBCT in dental practice across Iraq

Effect of nano theobromine incorporated into a primer on enamel density (An Invitro study)

The current study aimed to evaluate the enamel density after applying an orthodontic primer containing nanotheobromine powder. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 24 lower premolar teeth distributed into three groups (eight teeth in each group). After demineralization, the specifically prepared enamel area was covered either with a 3MTM Transbond orthodontic primer for control and with the same primer incorporated with 10% or 15% nanotheobromine powder for the experimental groups. The crowns were sectioned horizontally and longitudinally, creating 48 right and left segments. The teeth were subjected to radiological densitometry analysis in horizontal and vertical directions to evaluate the enamel density and subsequent remineralization. Results: A significant change in enamel density values was recorded in teeth covered with a primer containing 15% nano-theobromine (p>0.05), with values higher than that of the baseline (105.00±22.59, 96±23.8 grayscale). Conclusion: Both incorporating groups, particularly 15% nanotheobromin, showed an increase in enamel density and subsequent remineralization. This modified orthodontic adhesive may be useful for preventing early enamel demineralization and supporting clinicians with minimally invasive procedures

D-Dimer post-COVID19 in Karbala governorate, Iraq

After the Coronavirus epidemic, there are indications that a significant number of COVID-19 survivors experience long-term respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological issues, necessitating the assessment of these complications for effective healthcare resource allocation. The test can help identify blood clotting problems. A positive result may suggest a blood clot has recently formed and broken down. In our study, the post-covid-19 d-dimer concentration was measured, and three groups were taken for each of males and females, with a total of 30 samples. The first group are those infected once with Covid-19 and then recovered included (5) males and (5) females, and the highest concentration found in the sample (10) was 211.2 μg FEU/ml in females, it within normal limits (500 μg FEU/ml). The second group are those hits twice with Covid-19 and then recovered, it consisted from 10 samples (5 males, 5 females). The highest concentration in sample (20) was 350.62 μg FEU/ml and it has short period between hits, also was the short period between hits higher concentration from long period between hits. In the last group, those hits three times with Covid-19, then recovered, included (10) samples (5 males, 5 females), maximum concentration in sample (30) was 386.7 μg FEU/ml, it has the short period between hits. In three group was d-dimer concentration higher in females from males, and in short period between hits higher long period. The factor can increase d-dimer age, Gender, diseases, treatment, pregnancy, trauma and the vaccine to covid-1

Determinants of financing among Malaysian technology startups and the role of Islamic finance

Technology startups (TSs) are critical to develop economic capacity, support innovation and stimulate entrepreneurial spirit In a nation. As TSs embark on innovative and disruptive journeys, they face their biggest challenge: financing. This study aims to examine the determinants of financing among TSs in Malaysia while critically examining the role of Islamic Finance. The study adopts a triangulation methodological approach, which consists of questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. It focuses on Malaysian technology startups, entrepreneurs and their financing needs mainly at two stages: the early stage and the later stage. The study examines the following dependent variables as financing determinants: Entrepreneurs' Profiles (EP), Ethnic Culture (EC), innovation (IN) and Government Interventions (GI). It also examines the role of Islamic Finance among TSs. Binary regression analysis was used to analyse the data collected from the questionnaire survey, respectively grounded theory was employed to analyse interview survey data ..

Radiographic Examination before Dental Extraction from Dentists’ Perspective

Background. It is generally agreed that radiographic examination is important before dental extraction. It provides information about the roots and the surrounding tissues. In terms of practice, it does not seem to be a universally implemented protocol regarding the use of dental radiology before dental extraction. Besides, the type of radiographic technique is not specified. Some references prefer periapical dental radiographs. Others prefer orthopantomography), or even cone beam computed tomography Delpachitra et al. (2021) [1]. In terms of the dental practice, it is not clear whether there is a universally adopted protocol regarding the use of dental radiographs before dental extraction. Aim of the study. To assess dental professionals’ perspective toward radiographic examination before conventional dental extraction. Materials and Methods. A Google form questionnaire was circulated to different dental professionals using mainly ResearchGate, in addition to different social media platforms. Results. One hundred and forty-five dentists participated in the questionnaire. The respondents were divided according to the country of current practice: national (Iraqi), regional (Middle Eastern), and international participants. Out of 144 respondents, 51.4% percent of the participants were international, while 40.3% were Iraqis, and 8.3% were from the Middle East. The need for dental radiography in all dental extraction procedures was reported in the majority of responses (n = 86). Only 11 dentists think there is no necessity for radiographic examination before conventional extraction. The chi-square test showed a highly significant relationship between the country of current practice and the need for X-ray examination for conventional dental extraction ( P  &lt; 0.01). Seventy-six dentists prefer periapical radiographs. Thirty-five preferred orthopantomography. A highly significant relationship was found between the country of practice and the X-ray technique ( P  &lt; 0.01). Conclusion. The study showed that there is no universally adopted protocol regarding the use of dental radiography before dental extraction. The country of practice appears to govern the dentists’ decisions regarding the need for an X-ray and the type of radiography prior to dental extraction. Periapical radiographs for posterior teeth seem to be the preferable choice before dental extraction.</jats:p

Radiographic Examination before Dental Extraction from Dentists’ Perspective

Background. It is generally agreed that radiographic examination is important before dental extraction. It provides information about the roots and the surrounding tissues. In terms of practice, it does not seem to be a universally implemented protocol regarding the use of dental radiology before dental extraction. Besides, the type of radiographic technique is not specified. Some references prefer periapical dental radiographs. Others prefer orthopantomography), or even cone beam computed tomography Delpachitra et al. (2021) [1]. In terms of the dental practice, it is not clear whether there is a universally adopted protocol regarding the use of dental radiographs before dental extraction. Aim of the study. To assess dental professionals’ perspective toward radiographic examination before conventional dental extraction. Materials and Methods. A Google form questionnaire was circulated to different dental professionals using mainly ResearchGate, in addition to different social media platforms. Results. One hundred and forty-five dentists participated in the questionnaire. The respondents were divided according to the country of current practice: national (Iraqi), regional (Middle Eastern), and international participants. Out of 144 respondents, 51.4% percent of the participants were international, while 40.3% were Iraqis, and 8.3% were from the Middle East. The need for dental radiography in all dental extraction procedures was reported in the majority of responses (n = 86). Only 11 dentists think there is no necessity for radiographic examination before conventional extraction. The chi-square test showed a highly significant relationship between the country of current practice and the need for X-ray examination for conventional dental extraction (P < 0.01). Seventy-six dentists prefer periapical radiographs. Thirty-five preferred orthopantomography. A highly significant relationship was found between the country of practice and the X-ray technique (P < 0.01). Conclusion. The study showed that there is no universally adopted protocol regarding the use of dental radiography before dental extraction. The country of practice appears to govern the dentists’ decisions regarding the need for an X-ray and the type of radiography prior to dental extraction. Periapical radiographs for posterior teeth seem to be the preferable choice before dental extraction