bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between anti-Proteus antibodies and isolation rates of Proteus mirabilis in rheumatoid arthritis Iraqi patients
Authors: Y. J. Suzan , AL-Badri Khudhair , AL-Muslih Rashid , AL-Khafaji Jasim T.
Published: April 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritic disease associated with remissions and exacerbations and characteristic genetic, clinical, pathological, and immunological features. The present study was designed to examine the evidence linking Proteus mirabilis to RA in some Iraqi patients. The study was carried out on 70 Iraqi RA patients, during the period from March 2010 to March 2011. For purposes of comparison, 10 of Systemic Lupus Erythematousus (SLE) patients and 10 of apparently healthy subjects were involved as a control groups. After bacterial isolation and identification, Enzyme linkedImmuno sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique has been applied for estimation of antibacterial antibodies.Results of this study revealed that out of 70 urine samples of RA patients, E.coli was present in 12.9%, followed by P. mirabilis which present in 7.1%. Regarding SLE and healthy control group, urine samples were negative from any bacterial strains except E. coli, which present in about 10% of each group. Frequency of Proteus mirabilis in RA group was highly significant when compared with that of other groups (p<0.01). All rheumatoid arthritis patients and control groups were tested by ELISA technique for detection of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies specific to Proteus mirabilis. Results demonstrated that the levels of theseantibodies were elevated in the sera of RA patients with a high significant degree, in comparison with control groups (p<0.01). The same sera were tested for anti- E. coli antibodies and the results showed that there was no significant difference in the IgM and IgG antibodies level to E. coli in RA patients when compared with control groups (p>0.05).In conclusion, these findings suggested a possible association between infection with Proteus mirabilis and rheumatoid arthritis. The elevated levels of Proteus mirabilis antibodies within RA sera could be helpful in the identification of those patients during early stages of the disease.
Evaluation of Catecholamine Levels in Iraqi Female Parkinson's Patients by Using HPLC Technique
Authors: JabbarAlhamd Alaa Kamal
Published: April 2022

High performance liquid chromatography Reversed–phase (Rp-HPLC) was used to estimate noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (AD) and dopamine (DA) in the female plasma blood samples of normal volunteer's and Parkinson's patients before and after treatment with levodopa drug. Optimal condition based on ion-pairing has been performed to measure NA, AD and DA on ODS-DB column using 50 mM phosphate buffer mixed with 0.5 mM of 1- octane sulphonic acid: acetonitrile (95:5) at pH = 4.5 and monitored by UV-Visible spectrophotometer at 280 nm.The chromatographic linearity appears to be linear in the range 0.5-10.0 ppm. The results show that the plasma concentration levels of NA, AD and DA in female normal volunteers were (236(64)), (265(84)) and (692(165)) ng/mL, respectively, whereas the plasma concentration levels of NA, AD and DA in female Parkinson's patients were (277(41)), (175(32)) and (127(42)) ng/mL before treatment with Levodopa drug using general dose of 100 mg/day. After treatment the plasma, the concentration levels become (277(37)), (214(45)) and 359(83)) ng/mL, respectively. Probably, this study has revealed that the non-enzymaticoxidation of NA in addition to DA, promotes a toxic effect by causing an inactivation of the vesicular H+-ATPase.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some New Ion-polymer Complexes as Topical Agents
Authors: Mohseen Raheem Jameel , Raheem Leaqaa Abd ul-radha , Abd-Al Rassol Khawla Silmaan
Published: April 2022

Complexes with some metal ions (Al3+, Cu2+, Ag+) with some polymers were prepared. The new complexes were studied by Ultraviolet Visible and (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The distinguish bands of synthetic complexes were characterized. The complexes use topically. They be divided into broad categories based on their usual action or use .The result shows they are protective, antimicrobial and a stringent compounds of silver complex is more than others. Some of the agents have uses extending beyond the limits of specific category. It also be noted that they are overlap between categories. The uses depend on the area of application, the concentration of the complex and the solubility.
Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture
Authors: Aldeen Sameer Mohi
Published: April 2022

To describe changes in the presentation, examination of the chest in patients with diaphragmatic rupture, was reviewed to identify the difficulty in the diagnosis and treatment of this injury. Between April 2006-and December 2012, 38-patients with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture were treated, and analyzed demographic data , cause of injury, extent and location of the diaphragmatic lesion with herniated organs, were described the clinical presentation.Retrospective study of 38-cases, 36-male, 2-female, 37 cases left side, one case right side. Main cause was penetrating injury 35-cases, blast injury (12), gunshot (16), stab (7).Blunt injury 3-cases, road traffic accident (2), post-operative damage and tear the diaphragm (1) case. Average age33-year, range (4-65years old).The diagnosis made by C-XR, C-T Scan, MRI, were grade of injury II-IV most common, associated injury stomach, spleen, bowel, kidney, retroperitoneal hematoma, liver. Repair through laparotomy and thoracotomy. Chestpain abdominal pain shock was the main presentation. The study showed the suspicion beside the radiological C-XR, C-T Scan are very useful in initial diagnostic approach to traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. The difficulty is that diaphragmatic injuries particularly after penetrating trauma may initially go unnoticed and without changes in the C-XR Images diagnosis is made difficult. Early diagnosed, treatment reduces intra and postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Identification the Effect of Some Antibiotics on the Activities of Brucella melitensis that Isolated from Patients in Baghdad
Authors: Ibraheem Sumayah Abdul-Hussein
Published: April 2022

Brucellosis constitutes a major health problem around the world, especially in developing countries. The sensitivity pattern of the Brucella isolates encountered in the most countries, numerous studies were indicated the sensitivity of Brucella melitensis to some antibiotics and resistance to another. The aim of this study to evaluated, in vitro, the effect of single and combination of some antibiotics on the activities of Brucella melitensis.

            This study included collection of (100) clinical sample of blood from different hospital in Baghdad. Six isolates of Brucella melitensis were identified and determine according to their biotypes. The susceptibility to different antibiotics was evaluated by disk diffusion method and MICs for some antibiotics used for brucellosis treatment were applied. Some antibiotics combination affect at concentrations of sub MIC on the growth of Brucella melitensis.

            Results showed that isolates of Brucella melitensi were sensitive completely to gentamycin, kanamycin and naldixic acid while it’s resistant to lincomycin, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin and doxycyline.

            The MIC to doxycycline and rifampicin were (40 and 5) μg/ml. respectively. There was an important effect on bacterial growth when the following antibiotics were mixed as (doxycyline+ rifampicin). The doxycycline changed the colonies from growth phase )pathogen phase( to intermediate phase while the rifampicin had no effect on colonies. The mixed of doxycycline with rifampicin have effect that change the pathogen phase to non pathogen phase (no growth phase).

            By this study, we can conclude a combination of antibiotics should be used to treat Brucellosis, tetracyclines, quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, rifampicin, and streptomycin are commonly used preparations for this treatment.
Comparing &Evaluating the Effect of Air-Powder Polishing System on the Hot Cure Acrylic Denture Base Material Cured by Different Methods
Authors: Al-Jorani Lateef E , Al–Azzawi Sundus Ismail , Yaseen Ihab Nafea
Published: April 2022

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of an air-powder polishing system on the hot cure acrylic denture base material, which was cured in the water bath and microwave method, and comparing it with a conventional dental lathe polishing specimens.

Thirty samples were made from the hot cure acrylic resin denture base after being cured in water bath and microwave oven; all samples are condition and then polished. The samples were numbered and divided into two groups (according to the types of curing method), each group consists of 15 specimens and sub divided into three subgroups: airflow polishing in (30 sec.), airflow polishing in (10 sec.) and conventional dental lathe polishing in (2 min.). The average surface roughnesses of the samples have been determined with using the profilometer (surface roughness tester) before and after polishing procedures.

All samples were weighted by using the precision electronic balance before and after polishing procedures to obtain the results. The statistical analysis of the results  before polishing procedures showed that there were no statistically significant difference in the surface roughness and weight loss of the hot cure acrylic denture base material for both curing  methods, while after polishing treatment by conventional dental lathe polishing (2 min.) and air-powder polishing (10 sec. and 30 sec.), the statistical analysis of the results showed that there were a decrease in the surface roughness and weight loss of the hot cure acrylic resin in the water bath method more than in the microwave method and the best result shown with 2 minutes pumice. The weight loss of the acrylic in the (10 seconds) group polished surfaces was best for the (30 seconds) group when using an air-powder polishing system. So, it is preferred when using this polishing technique especially on the microwave cure method and the air-powder, to be used effectively to polish the acrylic denture base materials using a short period time.
Anti-Neutrophil Antibodies (ANCA) Level in Psoriatic Patients with Different Degree of Severity
Authors: Abd-Ali Al-Hashemi Esra Hassan
Published: April 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease with cutaneous manifestations; association of several factors including environmental, genetics and immunological abnormalities with psoriasis is documented.

The acronym ANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies) is defined by an accumulation of autoantibodies with specificity against different granulocytic, monocyte and probably endothelial cytoplasmic antigens include (elastase, lactoferrin, lysozyme and Cathpsin G ), are most commonly found in systemic vasculitis, necrotizing vasculitis and in active generalized wegener's granulomatosis.

The objective of this study is to assess the anti-neutrophil antibody level (ANCA) as inflammatory markers in patients with psoriasis with different degree of severity, correlate the results with the degree of severity  and compare the level of these antibodies with those of control group.  

This study was conducted from Feb. 2014 to Feb. 2015, blood samples were collected from thirty two persons attending to Al-Karama Teaching Hospital, Baghdad Teaching Hospital and private clinics, sixteen of them having psoriasislabelled as study groups and the rest were free of the disease labelled as control group. The psoriatic patients were classified into three groups according to the degree of severity of the disease as mild (four patients), moderate (four patients) and sever (eight patients), the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) were used to assess the severity of the disease. Thepatient’sgroup distributed as male (31.2%) and female (62.8%), the serum level of ANCA antibody was measured in thepatient’s serum of different degree of severity and in control group by using EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay technique (ELISA) in laboratory of Al-karama Teaching Hospital.

The results proved that the serum levels of ANCA in psoriatic patients were significantly higher than that of control group in all degree of disease severity when  ANOVA test used to analyze the data, also the results reported that the level of anti- elastase and ant-lactoferrin were significantly higherin sever degree group of psoriatic patients than mild and moderate degree groups (p≤0.05)when tested by LSD test, no significant difference  was noted between mild and moderate degree groups (p >0.05).

From that we can conclude that autoantibodies against neutrophil antigens are generally associated with inflammatory psoriatic disorder; In addition, the autoantibodies levels were related to the degree of severity of the disease especially antielastase and antilactoferrin
Detection of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumonia using two Sensitivity Methods
Authors: Abdulhasan Ghusoon Ali , Jasim Suzan Yousif , Fadhil Hula Younis
Published: April 2022

Carbapenems, potent β-lactams antibiotics, were initially used as last-resort treatments for severe Gram-negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumonia. These bacteria were considered one of Enterbacteriaceae family associated with pneumonia and urinary tract infection. In the current research, Carbapenems were studied to identify the resistant K. pneumonia isolates and identifying the relation with some β-lactam resistance to avoid their abuse for treatment.

            A urine sample got from 80 infected female with chronic urinary tract infection, these samples tested for K. pneumonia and their carbapenemase production. The procedure was based on disc diffusion and Landman e,t al. methods.

The results pointed out that Klebsiella pneumonia is significantly present in patients with urinary tract infection, the carbapenem resistance in disc diffusion and Landman procedure was 100% and 88.5% for meropenem (MEM), while it was 57.2% and 65.4% for imipenem (IPE), respectively. Regarding the carbapenem resistance in same isolate for both (MEM and IPE), 69.23% (18/26) were coincidence and 30.77% (8/26) were mismatch in both methods. In addition, the Landman procedure more accurate than disc diffusion for carbapenem resistance and there is a strong association with Beta-lactam resistance.

 It can be conclude that there is a high incidence of carbapenem resistance in local isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia. We recommend to use the supercarba media in diagnoses of bacteria routine work because it is more specific along with disc diffusion method for patients with urinary tract infection and the use of other treatments to decrease the level of resistance.
Study of Hepcidin Level in Samples of Iraqi Patients With Iron Overload and Iron Deficiency Disorders
Authors: AL-Saidi Dahlia Nayeef , ZubairAlqasim Alauldeen Mudhafar
Published: April 2022

Hepcidin, a regulator of iron recycling and absorption, is a small peptide created by the hepatocytes when there is an increase in body iron and inflammation. It is regarded as a master regulator for the metabolism of iron. Hepcidin decreases iron absorption from food by decreasing the transportation of iron across the enterocytes in the gut mucosa. Hepcidin decreases iron escape from macrophages, which are considered as the main site for storage of iron and decreases iron escape from the liver.

            The aim of the study is to determine the properties of hepcidin as a diagnostic test of iron deficiency and to focus on its properties as a diagnostic test in iron overload.

            Thirty-four patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thirty patients with beta - thalassemia major were collected randomly from the National center of Hematology and from thalassemia center in Al-Karama Hospital respectively. Together with thirty age and sex matched healthy volunteers were collected as a control.History was taken and physical examination was done. Blood samples were taken; hematological parameters were estimated for all three groups.

            High hepcidin level was detected in 30 out of 34 patients with iron deficiency anemia with a mean range of (205.3 ng/ml). High hepcidin level is due to inflammatory conditions. In four patients with iron deficiency anemia, hepcidin levels were low and this is due to anemia and hypoxia. These stimulations decrease hepcidin production. In 30 patients with iron overload, hepcidin concentration was of low level with a mean range of (6.7 ng/ml) and this is due to stress erythropoiesis.

            These results suggest that serum hepcidin in iron deficiency anemia patients is high in spite of that the patients were not receiving iron supplement while in iron overload (IOL) patients serum hepcidin level is low mainly because of stress erythropoiesis due to their poor management.
Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts Bacillus Species Isolated From Baghdad Soil Against Some Human Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Ibraheem Khalida Jhalil
Published: April 2022

Bacillus species are the predominant soil bacteria because of their resistant endospore   formation and can produce many different antimicrobial substances.

            The main aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus species from soil and investigate their antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic bacteria and fungi isolated from human.

            48 soil samples were collected from different region of Baghdad city (Rashidiya, Mahmudiyah, Alkraat and Aldora) during December 2015 and analyzed for the presence of Bacillus species. Bacterial isolates were identified by using different microscopical examination, cultural characteristics, biochemical tests and confirmed by VITEK 2 bacterial identification system. The antimicrobial effects of Bacillus species extracts against some pathogenic bacteria (Gram-positive, Gram-negative) and fungi were examined. The identified Bacillus species included B.  polymyxa, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, B.  mycoides, B.  firmus and B.  subtilis.

            The results indicate that the bacterial isolates showed antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogenic bacteria and fungi. B. polymyxa showed best activity against most test organisms compare to other Bacillus isolates, follow by B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, B. firmus and B. mycoides.

           This study reveals that some Bacillus species have the ability to produce antimicrobial compounds that can be used to control microbial infections in future.
The proteomic expression of Neogene nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor 1(NAIF1) in Leukaemia cell lines
Authors: Qasim Ahmed H.
Published: April 2022

The process of molecular domestication which had been occured in some DNA transposons (2nd class of transposable elements) led to the formation of novel genes, which are called “Neogenes”. These neogenes may play an important role in the human genetic instability, human diseases and cancer. One of these Neogene is nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor 1(NAIF1) which inducing apoptosis in various human cancers.The aim of this work is to study the expression of NAIF1 Neogene in leukaemia cell lines.The protein expression of NAIF1gene has been studied by western blot method in seven leu-kaemia cell lines (HL60, NB4, KG1, KG1a, ML2, THP1 and U937) and in a healthy tissue of blood as a control.The result of this study showed that the protein expression of NAIF1 in leukaemia cell lines were found in variable degree of expression, which was highly expressed in healthy blood tis-sue.From the results of this work, it can be concluded that NAIF1 protein may have a role in inhi-bition of proliferation, migration and invasion of leukaemia by inducing apoptosis, which need further research and confirmation.
Effect of Vitamin D supplement on Gingivitis and Salivary Parameters in Patients with Vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Muhammed Hussain Owaid
Published: April 2022

Background : Vitamin D, play a role in maintain oral health through it is effect on bone and mineral metabolism as well as it is effect on innate immunity. In addition most recent studies confirmed it is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.Aims: To evaluate the effect of Vitamin D supplement on gingival index, salivary Immnoglobuline A ( SIgA) secretion rate,salivary flow rate( SFR) and salivary PH. As antimicrobial and anti-inflmmtory effect.Subjects and methods: Out of 132 patients, 28 with vit.D deficiency and gingivitis currently on initial supplement with vit.D was chosen to participate in this study. Patients who take the medication regularly throughout the study were considered as patients group and who did not take the medication due to any reason were assigned as control group. Gingival index ,Salivary Immunoglobuline A (SIgA),Salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary PH were assessed pre and post administration of vitamin D.Results:- The result of current study revealed that the gingival index was significantly reduced post supplement of vit.D in patients who were taken the medication regularly (pre=2.7, post 1.8, p=0.01) while nonsignificant difference was seen in control group (pre=2.9, post 2.6, p=0.6).The salivary IgA, SFR and salivary PH was significantly increased(p≤0.05) after supplement of vit.D with patients who were taken the medication regularly (pre=434.3, post=687.7)(pre=0.9, post=1.8)( pre=6.7, post=7.1) respectively while nonsignificant difference(p≥0.05) was reported with control group (pre=424.3, post=467.7)9pre=0.8, post=1.1)(pre=6.5, post=6.8) respectively.Conclusion :- According to results inthis study, we conclude that, the using of Vitamin D supplement lead to asignificant anti-inflammatory effect and also and also patient with gingivitis to be screened for Vit. D deficiency.
Leptin Level in Newly Diagnosed Iraqi Acromegaly Patients
Authors: Tahir Noor Thair
Published: April 2022

Acromegaly is a serious endocrine disease resulting from an increase of growth hormone in the blood. Excessive growth hormone secretion may be caused by an adenoma of the pituitary. This study was designed to assess the effect of serum leptin concentration on acromegaly patients with both gender and its relation with some biochemical analysis. The study conducted 96 subjects   (48 acromegaly patients and 48 controls) aged between (30-70) years who were attending the National Diabetic Center/ Al-Mustansirya University and AlYarmuk Teaching Hospital. Fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, growth hormone, insulin like growth factor-1, and serum leptin concentrations were measured for each individual. The results explained a significant increased in body mass index, triacylglycerol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, (P<0.05) in acromegaly patients when compared with control group. Fasting blood sugar, serum growth hormone and serum insulin like growth factor-1 concentrations explained a highly significant increased, (P<0.01). While serum leptin concentration was significantly decreased. Fasting blood sugar, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein, serum growth hormone, serum  insulin like growth factor-1, and serum leptin concentrations showed                   a significant increased in female patients when compared with male acromegaly patients, (P<0.05). This study showed that higher serum leptin levels with higher concentrations of triacylglycerol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol might play a vital function in the progress of acromegaly disease. Also, high serum leptin levels observed in female acromegaly patients when compared with male acromegaly patients, the present study suggested the role of leptin hormone as one of the biomarkers affecting in acromegaly patients..
Cadmium , nickel and lead in chocolates and candies from Baghdad markets in Iraq.
Authors: Shkhaier Samir Laybi
Published: April 2022

Background:Foods and food  related products are imported  or  entered  to the country  by illegal ways , these foods may contain potential contaminants such as heavy metals . Among the most imported foods are chocolates and candieswhich consumed  frequently by children. Objective:In this study, selected heavy metals; Cadmium (Cd) , Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb)  were evaluated in commercial candies and chocolates products  that are commonly consumed by children in Iraq. The chocolates which studied were Twix (Germany) , Mars and Galaxy (Emirates)and the candies were Melody Pops (Iraq),  Caretos and Lip-Top (India) . Methods:Prospective study was done in Baghdad from January  to April 2017. 60 samples  of  three brands of chocolates and  threebrands of  candies (10 samples for each brand)  were analyzed  for their content of Cd , Ni and  Pb. Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) was used  for determination of metals under study . Results:Mean  levels of  Cd in three types of chocolates were  0.3282± 0.0203 µg/g in Twix chocolate , 0.323± 0.03199 µg/g  in Mars chocolate and  0.329± 0.01912µg/g in Galaxy chocolate  whereas  mean  levels of  Cd in three types of candies were  0.0947± 0.00386 µg/g  in Lip-Top candy , 0.093± 0.00368  µg/g in Melody – Pops candy and  0.0935± 0.003837 µg/g in Caretose candy,  while mean levels of  Ni in same  types of  chocolates were  4.38 ± 0.1109 µg/g , 4.23± 0.2111µg/g and  4.24± 0.2675µg/g    respectively  whereas  mean  levels of  Ni in same types of candies  were  1.417± 0.1µg/g  , 1.376± 0.05461 µg/g and  1.422 ±0.0968µg/g  respectively , in addition , mean levels of Pb in three types of chocolates were 2.212 ± 0.1398µg/g ,  2.185± 0.200 µg/g and  2.305± 0.2166 µg/g  respectively , whereas  mean  levels of Pb  in three types of candies were  1.17 ± 0.1149 µg/g  , 1.138± 0.08626µg/g  and 1.159±0.07156 µg/g  respectivelyConclusion:Contamination of chocolates and candies with these elements leads to health problems for citizens, especially children, and may lead to cancerous tumors. Therefore, children should be reduced to eating these foods. The government must strictly control the importation and entry of these foods
Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, Attitude and Practice of Elevated Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients (Iraqi population)
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Mahmood
Published: April 2022

Background: the patient’s perceptions about hypertension play an important role to reach the best control of this chronic disease. However, many hypertensive patients particularly the elderly present with uncontrolled blood pressure, which is a leading factor for mortality. Patient's knowledge and modifications of life style can contributes in the controlling of hypertension and preventing their long-term complications. Methods: Cross-sectional study, data from 212 hypertensive patients was collected from medical outpatient clinics in Baghdad along period of more than one year. Level of knowledge, attitude, perceptions and practice about hypertension were assessed using questionnaire sheet prepared for this purpose. Results: There were 212 hypertensive patients, 138 (65.1%) were women and 47 (34.9%) were men. Mean ± standard deviation age of patients was 56.56 ± 9.58 years. Most of the patients had completed high school (n = 179, 84.43%), and nearly half of them were have a job as average (n = 114, 53.8%).  In general, more than half of participants revealed good knowledge, attitude and perception about elevated blood pressure, but unfortunately there are still a cogent percent of Iraqi patients present with poor knowledge and practice regarding to risk factors of hypertension, benefits of life style modifications mainly exercise, and taking healthy diet. Patient's knowledge, attitude, perception & practice were positively related to the educational level of hypertensive patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a non-convincing knowledge, attitude and perception and poor practice about hypertension in patients with elevated blood pressure in the study population. More efforts should be made to educate patients about the acquaintance of hypertension and the suitable individual way of treatment.   Keywords: Hypertension, Patient’s knowledge, perception, attitude, practice.
newly modified HPLC method for estimation of dutasteride in prepared niosomes
Authors: Maraie Nidhal K. , Neamah Mohammed J.
Published: April 2022

A modify, fast, accurate and precise HPLC conditions were developed and validated for the determination of dutasteride (DT) in niosomes derived from proniosomal gel. The work has shown enough isolation for DT from other contents of the niosomes. The isolation of DT was achieved on C18 column (3μm, 125 × 4.6 mm). The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile: water in a ratio of (50:50) and the flow rate was 1.5 mL per minute. The wave length used to detect dutasteride was 210 nm and the ejection volume was 100 μL. The calibration curve of concentrations range from 50 to 0.3 μg/mL obeys Beer-Lambert's law (R² = 1) for DT. The limits of detection were 0.3 µg/mL for DT with high accuracy and precision which approved that no interaction between the drug and other niosomal content unlike the ordinary UV-spectroscopy and the reported HPLC procedure for DT.
Attitude of Consumers Towards Community Pharmacists and Their Interest in Expanding Community Pharmacist Services in Basra, Iraq: A pilot study
Authors: Sharrad Adheed Khalid
Published: April 2022

The public only views a few pharmacists as the foremost health care professionals who are responsible for the utilisation of medicines to prevent or treat disease. The study aims to explore the attitude of patients towards the practice and roles of community pharmacists and to evaluate the services offered by community pharmacists working in Basra city. A total of 150 cross sectional surveys were given to patients who were visiting the community pharmacies. SPSS version 17 was used to conduct the descriptive analysis. There was a 71.3% response rate, and 71% were males. 58% of the participants believed that the pharmacists were businessmen. Furthermore, 64.49% stated they first communicate with the physician to obtain answers to a drug-related problem or question. A majority of the respondents (66%) stated that they consulted their pharmacist in the case of minor health problems. Positive view regarding the expanded role of the community pharmacists.Thus, to improve the practice of community pharmacy and to implement pharmaceutical care successfully in community pharmacies in Iraq, efforts should be concentrated towards addressing and identifying issues and promoting the roles that community pharmacists have in monitoring drug therapy and in working as a public drug information resource
Preparation and characterization of taste masked valsartan by ion-exchange resin approach
Authors: Mohammed Safaa Halool , Ali Wedad Kamal
Published: April 2022

The bitter taste is one of the most important drug formulation problems. The unpleasant taste leads to noncompliance, which consequently decreases the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Therefore, masking of bitter taste is very important in drug formulation. In this study an antihypertensive drug, valsartan, which is a weak acid with bitter taste, was used as a model drug to mask its taste with dowex2 (weak base anion exchange resin). The taste masking of a drug using ion exchange resin basically depends on the complex formation between the drug and a specific type of resin. Complex formation under various preparation conditions including; the ratio of drug to resin, mixing time, the pH of the processing medium and the concentration of valsartan was investigated in this study. Optimum conditions for complex formation and maximum drug load were obtained at a drug-resin ratio 1:8, mixing time 4 hours, pH 6.8, temperature 50º C and drug concentration 0.02% w/v. The drug resinate complex was evaluated for the drug content, taste, drug release and molecular properties. The resinate formation was confirmed using different analytical techniques like thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), spectroscopic method like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and by X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD).
Some Heavy metals elements in milk powder samples collected from Baghdad markets
Authors: Jassim Khalid Nassif , Alsaree Omar Jaffar
Published: April 2022

powder milk is an important foodstuff and beneficial to human health.

Thirty random milk powder samples of different trade marks (Rawan® limit full milk powder), (Dielac® milk powder) and ( Fresh instant milk powder) were collected from different outlets in Baghdad capital of a IRAQ, They were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer  for the concentrations of following heavy metals , lead (Pb), iron (Fe), aluminium (Al),  Cadmium (Cd),  and manganese (Mn)].  This study appeared  that the concentrations of heavy metal Fe samples is above the allowed limit in ( Rawan® limit  milk powder). However the concentrations of about thirty percent of the samples of Fe in ( Dielac full cream milk powder ) is above the allowed limits.  The concentration of Pb in ( Fresh instant full cream milk powder)   is above  the permissible limit . All the examined samples found  free of  Cd. Air, water and plants considered as a main contamination of the milk powder by heavy metals. So it is necessary for warning from the toxic effects for these heavy metals for children and adults.
Histopathological Study on The Effect of Neuregulin-1 Against Cardiotoxicity Induced By Trastuzumab in Adult Mice
Authors: Majeed Yousuf gays , Al-abbassi Mustafa ghazi , Jasim al-zubaidy Ghaith ali
Published: April 2022

Objective: This work carried out to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of

Neuregulin-1 against cardiotoxicity induced by trastuzumab in male mice.

Materials and Methods:  Forty five adult male and female mice (weighing 35-50 gm) were divided into 3 groups randomly, each group contains 15 animals, group A which received distilled water as control by using intraperitoneal injection (IP) route for 10 days group B, received Trastuzumab as 6 mg/kg/day by using intraperitoneal injection route for 10 days while group C, received Neuregulin-1 (2.5 mg/day/animal) just before the administration of Trastuzumab (6mg/kg/day) given by IP route for 10 days. The significance of difference were tested by using ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Statistical significance depends on the P<0.05.

Results: The histological score of cardiac tissue changes showed that a highly increase in mice administrated with trastuzumab when compared to control group while pretreatment with Neuregulin-1 , made a decrease in histological changing score when compared with trastuzumab group. The percentage of immunohistochemical score of stain uptake for TNF-α and IL-1β expression in cardiac tissue shows a highly increase in mice administrated when compared with control group, furthermore, pretreated with neuregulin-1 showed a decrease in the percentage of staining when compared with trastuzumab group.

Conclusion: Neuregulin-1 can be used as a cardioprotective in cardiac complications of cancer treatment by its ability to attenuate the cardiotoxic effect of trastuzumab by decreasing in histological changing score and decrease in the percentage of staining when compared with trastuzumab group.
In vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Using Different Gelling agents on the Release of Erythromycin from a Nanocubosomal gel
Authors: Al-Sakini Sadeq Jaafar , Maraie Nidhal K.
Published: April 2022

Preparation of a topical gel for erythromycin using optimized nano-sized cubosome dispersion, which is changed into a gel to get nanocubosomal gel using different  gelling agents. The optimum nanocubosomal dispersion

 containing 4.4% glyceryl mono oleate (GMO) (as an oil phase) and 0.6% poloxamer 407 (as an emulsifying agent) was converted into a gel using different gelling agents including carbopol 974, carbopol 940, carbopol 934 and hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at different ratios of (1:1 and 1:2). Each prepared gel was then evaluated in vitro to determine the homogenisity, consistency, spreadability, viscosity and drug release. The selected formula (FG6) showed best homogenisity, consistency and spreadability as well as it produced initial burst release of 60.3% (within 1 hour) followed by prolonged release of 96.3% continued for 4 hours. In addition, the optimum gel formula (FG6) has shown remarkable antibacterial activity, which was significantly higher than the marketed gel (ERYTHROMYCIN GEL ® 2%) against four different strains of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Effect of Educational Program on Prophylactic Antiemetics Prescribing Practice
Authors: Yousif Zaid M.A , Hussein Ayad Ali
Published: April 2022

Background: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) continues to be among the main concerns after general anesthesia, impacting approximately 30% of all postoperative patients. PONV is still reported by patients as their most distressing post-surgical outcome even  

 surpassing that of pain. In spite of the presence of PONV prophylaxis guidelines and the availability of multimodal and novel anti-emetics, it is clear that these guidelines are poorly applied with insufficient prescription of pre-emptive anti-emetics. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of educational intervention with general surgeons and anesthesiologists on prophylactic antiemetic prescribing practice.

Methods: An interventional study was carried out at Al-Sader Medical City/ Al-Najaf province/ Iraq. In the observational phase of the study, patients were selected from the general surgery ward to observe the baseline prescribing pattern of the prophylactic anti-emetics and PONV incidence among them. After implementing the educational program, another group (interventional group) of patients was taken to see if there was any alteration in the practice of pre-emptive anti-emetics prescription and the incidence of PONV.

Results: Two groups each of 50 patients were enrolled, namely, observational group and interventional group. In the observational group, only 7 patients (14%) received preoperative prophylactic anti-emetics compared to 24 patients (48%) in the interventional group, (P<0.001). No statistically relevant difference was observed in the use of post-operative anti-emetics. The incidence of PONV within the first 24 hours was significantly lower among the interventional patients’ group, (28%) versus (54%) before the educational intervention, (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that the educational program done by the researcher has a positive impact on the prescription of pre-operative prophylactic anti-emetics with subsequent reduction in PONV incidence.
Pharmacist Role in Enhancement of Medication Adherence and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Coronary Syndrome Paitents
Authors: Jabri Amina M. , Assad Hayder Ch.
Published: April 2022

Background: Patients who experience acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk of having further events in the future. One month after the attack, the average readmission rate was estimated to be approximately 20%. As a result, patients must receive secondary preven-tion medications to avoid reoccurrence

 

of these cardiovascular events. To get the entire benefit, patients must adhere to the prescribed regimen. However, many studies demonstrated that patients do not adhere to the prescribed medications upon the long term, and this leads to substantial deterioration of disease and consequently death, as well as significant financial burden. This study has the objective of assessing the impact of pharmacist intervention on increasing patients' adherence to ACS medications.

Method: a prospective interventional study was performed from January to October 2018. A total of 70 patients were selected randomly and were divided into those who received the usual care processes offered by pharmacists at discharge, and those who received well-structured clinical pharmacist intervention about the discharge medications and disease. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Also, patients' level of adherence to the discharge medications was assessed after 3 months. Furthermore, 30 day hospital readmission rate was evaluated.

Results: Regarding patients' medication adherence, 63.3% of the patients in intervention group had high level of adherence compared to only 21.1% of controls. After 3 months of follow up significant reduction in mean scores of outcomes were noticed in intervention group compared to control, where HR (73.6 vs. 80), SBP (129.5 vs. 141), DBP (81.2 vs. 87.5). Also serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were reduced and HDL increased significantly in the intervention group (P <0.05), while no such changes seen in controls. Moreover, no considerable difference was observed in hospital readmission between the intervention and control group.

Conclusion: This study showed that pharmacist intervention caused notable enhancement in patient' medication adherence with subsequent improvement of heart rate, blood pressure, and lipid profile, but with no improvement in hospital readmission.
Comparative study of different meloxicam generic products with the brand product
Authors: Al-kotaji Myasar
Published: April 2022

This study aims to evaluate different products of meloxicam Table; Five meloxicam immediate-release generic products (15 mg Tables) were compared with the innovator, reference product, (Mobic®, Boehringer) to find the interchangeable product with the innovator product.

Different physical tests were conducted including weight uniformity, thickness, diameter, hardness, friability and disintegration test. In addition, prediction of in-vivo behavior was assessed by measuring the dissolution profile of meloxicam for all the products. Similarity factor (f2) was calculated to compare between the dissolution profile of the generic products with the dissolution profile of innovator product.

The results revealed that all the studied products are complied with the British Pharmacopoeia requirements. However, not all of them showed similar in-vitro profile to the brand product.  Four out of five generic products, included in this study, showed similarity in dissolution profile to the brand one, which indicates possible bio-equivalency, with the advantages of money saving of using such generic products. One generic product showed similarity factor less than 50, which might give an indication that this generic product is not capable to be bioequivalent with the brand (innovator) product.

Overall, this study can be considered an important applicable study that gives an indication about the in-vivo performance of different products. In addition, the study demonstrates the applicability of a simple in-vitro dissolution study as a surrogate way of assessing product bioavailability instead of an expensive and complicated in-vivo bioequivalent study.
The Complementary Role of ToF-SIMS in the Assessment of Imiquimod Permeated into the Skin from a Microemulsion Dosage Form
Authors: Al-Mayahy Mohammed Hussain , Marlow Maria , Scurr David J.
Published: April 2022

The assessment of drug permeation into/across the skin is traditionally accomplished using Franz diffusion cells with subsequent analysis by conventional chromatographic methods such as HPLC and more recently using advanced imaging techniques. In this context, time

 

of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) offers distinctive advantages in mapping drugs within skin with high sensitivity and chemical specificity without the need for fluorescent tags or radiolabels. The work in this paper uses the combination of conventional and advanced methods to evaluate imiquimod permeation into the skin. This approach provides complementary and detailed information regarding the permeated mass, the permeation depth and the spatial distribution and localisation of drugs within skin.

Imiquimod is an immune modulator drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but not the nodular lesions. As other studies have reported that Aldara™ cream (imiquimod 5% w/w) has some limitations in the treatment of nodular BCC lesions due to the cream’s inability to deliver imiquimod into the deeper more invasive nodular lesions, an enhancement of imiquimod permeation is thought to be useful to overcome these limitations. Therefore, an attempt to improve delivery of imiquimod into the deeper skin layers using microemulsions was investigated.

Imiquimod microemulsions were formulated and characterised in our previous work are now tested for skin permeation enhancement. However, the assessment of imiquimod permeation from the formulated microemulsions using HPLC and ToF-SIMS demonstrated a limited ability of the microemulsions to improve delivery of imiquimod over Aldara™ cream. This was attributed to the poor release of imiquimod from the microemulsion formulas due to the high affinity of imiquimod for the oil phase and the encapsulation of the oil droplets by the S/Co-S mixture. This is thought to be, the first time that ToF-SIMS has been used to assess permeation of imiquimod from a microemulsion dosage form.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of New Derivatives of Imidazolidine having Sulfamethoxazole Moiety
Authors: Abd alazez Enas k. , Raauf Ayad M.R. , Ali Karima F.
Published: April 2022

This work includes Synthesis of new series of sulfa drugs derived from sulfamethoxazole containing substituted Imidazolidine moiety.  These compounds expected to have antibacterial activity, due to their Imidazolidine moiety This work includes synthesis of some new

Schiff bases (II1-5) by condensation of sulfamethoxazole drug(I) with some aldehydes (1-5) (benzaldehyde, p-chloro benzaldehyde, p-nitro benzaldehyde, p-hyroxy benzaldehyde and p-N, N-dimethyl amino benzaldehyde). These Schiff bases were found to react with glycine, to prepared new imidazolidine derivatives (III1-5). The prepared compounds were characterized by physical properties, FT-IR and of the 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The preliminary study of antibacterial activity of final compounds has considered by well diffusion method. The tested compounds displayed effect against gram negative bacteria:( Acinetobacter species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pyougenes and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), which compared to DMSO as control, and good activity compared to sulfamethoxazole as standard.
Detection of terpenes of Iraqi Artemisia abrotanum L. by GC/MS in hexane extract
Authors: Aruba Omar Salim , Jasim Gaith Ali , Nasser Abdulmutalib A.
Published: April 2022

Artemisia abrotanum L. is recently introduced plant in Iraq, in this study we conducted GS/MS for detection of terpene that are group of constituents abundant in this species qualitatively and quantatively. We used hexane extract for the detection depending on the like dissolve like proce-

 dure of extraction since they are mostly nonpolar compounds, they dissolve in nonpolar solvent like hexane thus the extraction procedure is conducted with this solvent. New compound was detected with hexane extract that wasn't present in previous studies.