bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remdesivir Effects on COVID-19 Infection in Adult Patients
Authors: Sahib Zena Hasan , Al-Zurfi Hasan R. , Al-Masoodi Ali Talib M. , Baay Ali , Al-Muhktar Entisar
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious pandemic affecting the global world since 2019 with heavy impacts on the social, economy, and normal daily life; one of the promising antiviral treatment used frequently all over the world is the remdesivir.

Aim:

The aim was to study the effect of 3–5 days remdesivir treatment course, regarding its starting time on clinical status and the fate of patients with COVID-19, with monitoring of the side effects.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective observational study involved 90 patients with COVID-19 who received remdesivir 5 days course; all were hospitalized, diagnosed by computerised tomography (CT) chest and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at Merjan Teaching Hospital from August 2020 to October 2020. Those 90 patients’ age ranged from 25 to 88 years. Sixty-two patients received convalescent plasma with remdesivir against 13 patients who not received it. Tocilizumab was added for 18 patients, whereas 57 were not treated with it. Clinical state (SpO2, subjective dyspnea, respiratory rate (RR), fever, and the type of O2 supplements) of the patients was assessed three times. Regarding the time of starting remdesivir treatment during the course of disease, patients were assessed in three groups: patients received remdesivir within <10 days, patients received it between 10 and 15 days, and patients received it >15 days. Mean of the duration of patients discharge was recorded.

Results:

It showed an extremely significant difference (P < 0.001) between the discharged and both referred to respiratory care unit (RCU) and death patients. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the clinical state (SpO2, subjective dyspnea, RR, fever, and the type of O2 supplements) of the patients in all three times of assessments with significant correlation (P < 0.01) between means of the clinical state (SpO2 and subjective dyspnea score) and the fate (discharge, admission to RCU, and death) of patient who received it. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between means of time of starting therapy and the fate of patients. At the same time, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were seen in the mean of liver function test. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the fate of patients who received convalescent plasma with remdesivir, but a significant disadvantage (P < 0.001) was seen in the fate of patient who received tocilizumab.

Conclusion:

We can conclude that remdesivir improves the clinical state of patients with COVID-19 regardless of the time of its starting during the course of disease.
The Positive Role of Antioxidants on Body Immunity
Authors: Shareef Rawaa Hadi , Sharba Zahraa Fathi , Hameed Evan Noori
Published: May 2024

The immune system is a complicated system; it is consisted from network of specialized organs, tissues, cells, proteins, and chemicals which it has the function to protect the host from various types of pathogens such as bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasite in addition to cancer cells. Antioxidants are defined as agents that can prevent the damage that is caused by free radicals through scavenging of them. They decrease the damage by neutralizing to the free radicals before they attack any of the cells and can prevent lipids, enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA damage.
Study the Profile of Some Antioxidant Markers in Diabetic Mellitus and Non-Diabetic Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Zainal Israa Ghassan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim the lives of millions worldwide.

Objective:

Evaluate the levels of some antioxidant biomarkers in sera of patients with CVDs with and without diabetes mellitus type 2.

Materials and Methods:

Includes 100 samples in 68 patients (40 with CVDs and 28 CVDs with diabetic), and 32 healthy subjects.

Results:

Serum (Albumin, thiol, thiol/T.protein, amine, free amine/ T.protein, carbonyl, carbonyl/ T.protein, and Ischemia modified albumin (IMA)) showed a stronger response, a significant rise in carbonyl and carbonyl/TP, and a significant reduction in thiol and thiol/TP in the patients with CVDs with T2D compared to CVDs may be a good factor to differentiate them or predict more serious complications.

Conclusions:

Oxidation markers may be useful in monitoring CVDs with and without diabetes.
Mycological Profile of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis during COVID-19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Chauhan Jyoti , Kaur Narinder , Kumar Harit , Bala Rosy , Chauhan Shubham
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

During the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, a surge in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) cases with high mortality was reported in India.

Objective:

The objective was to study the spectrum of fungus associated with AIFRS during the pandemic of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 51 patients who were clinically diagnosed as cases of acute invasive rhinosinusitis in the department of ear, nose and throat (ENT) were included in the study. The clinical data along with demographic details were noted, and fungal identification was done using a conventional method.

Results:

Out of 51 patients, 66.6% were males and 33.4% females. Predominantly affected age group was 41–50 years. Out of 51 patients, 92.15% (47/51) had suffered from COVID-19 and 7.8% (4/51) did not have COVID-19 infection previously. Thirty-seven patients out of 51 (72.54%) were diabetics. Out of 51 samples collected from patients, 94.11% (48/51) were fungal culture-positive and only 5.8% (3/51) were culture-negative. A total of 52 fungi were isolated from the 48 culture-positive samples. Mucormycetes were predominantly isolated from the samples followed by Aspergillus species and Candida species. Among mucormycetes, Rhizopus species was the predominantly isolated.

Conclusion:

Patients with COVID-19, especially those at high risk, need to undergo an ENT examination once they recover because an early identification of AIFRS and a strong clinical suspicion of the disease are crucial for a successful course of treatment and to improve patient prognosis.
Angiokeratoma of the Tongue
Authors: Abbasi Ahmed Al , Tawfeeq Firas , Alali Mustafa Haseeb , Sultan Safaa Sahib Naji
Published: May 2024

Angiokeratomas are vascular abnormalities that usually appear as multiple or solitary cutaneous plaques. Several clinical variants have been designated, with the same principal histopathological lesion. Mucosal affections, including the oral cavity, are infrequently found either as a component of the systemic variety, called angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, or are associated with cutaneous lesions in more locations. Isolated oral involvement seems to be rather infrequent. Here, we report a case of this rare entity affecting a 6-year-old boy in the dorsum of the tongue.
Relationship between Vitamin D3 Level and Body Mass Index in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Al Obeidy Barrak F. , Zobair Alya A. , Jawher Nazar M. T. , Zheng Fang
Published: May 2024

Background:

Many studies have shown a relation between vitamin D3 deficiency and breast cancer, others estimated an inverse correlation between vitamin D3 and obesity.

Objectives:

This study aimed to verify the relation between vitamin D3 level and obesity in postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study included seventy-six postmenopausal patients with breast cancers who were diagnosed in the period from January 2020 to February 2022 who were divided into two groups: patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 and those patients with BMI <30. Vitamin D3 level was estimated and compared between the two groups. We studied the correlation between vitamin D3 level with the age of the patients and the parity.

Results:

the mean age of the included patients was 61 ± 7.7 years and the mean BMI was 32.3 ± 4.3g/m2. The mean value of vitamin D3 was 15. 0 ± 5. 4 for the patients with BMI ≥ 30 while it was 18.2 ± 4.3 for those patients with BMI <30 and there was a significant difference between the two groups with P = 0.007. Furthermore, patients’ vitamin D3 levels showed significant inverse correlations with their age (P = 0.008) and BMI (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

There is consistent evidence that deficiency of vitamin D3 is associated with obesity in breast cancer postmenopausal patient; also, vitamin D3 level has a negative correlation with the age and parity of the patients.
Retrospective Study about Fear from COVID-19 That Makes the Patients Reluctant to Present to Otolaryngology Outpatients Clinic in Medina of Basra Province in Iraq
Authors: Saeed Haider Kadhem , Tawfeek Firas , Abbasi Ahmed Al , Sultan Safaa Sahib Naji , Taq Majed Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the difference in numbers and nature of otolaryngology outpatient clinic presentation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective comparative study was performed in a single hospital (Medina General Hospital); all data were obtained by reviewing outpatient clinic data records for March, April, and May 2020. The corresponding period from 2019 was also collected for comparison.

Results:

A total of 551 patients were seen in the otolaryngology department of the outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 era of March, April, and May 2020, compared to 1837 patients who were seen in the same period of 2019 making around 70% drop in the total number of patients visiting ENT outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 era of 2020.

Conclusion:

Fear of getting COVID-19 infection along with enforcement of quarantine and social distancing resulted in a great drop in the quantity and quality of patients consulting outpatient clinic in Medina General Hospital during March, April, and May 2020.
Effect of Carbohydrate Intake on Glycemic Control Among Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attending Diabetes and Endocrine Diseases Center in Babel, 2022
Authors: Albadri Ali Mousa Essa , Al-Diwan Jawad K.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (BG) due to obsolete or relative insulin deficiency among other pathophysiological defects. Carbohydrates have the greatest effect on BG and restriction of carbohydrate, resulting in greater reductions in BG. Poor glycemic control was related to excessive eating of refined grains.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to assess sociodemographic characteristics and some anthropometric measures among the study group and to estimate the effect of carbohydrates intake on glycemic control.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellites (T2DM) were included in a cross-sectional study. The level of HbA1c was taken as an index to study the glycemic control of patients. Glycemic control was examined, among patients, on the basis of their glycemic index (GI) of foods eaten. A 24-h dietary recall technique was used to analyze the diet of the patients.

Results:

The study revealed 87% poorly controlled vs. 13% with good control. It was found that starch and refined grains intake was highly associated with glycemic control (P = 0.000). Glycemic control was highly significant in association with the intake of high GI (P = 0.000) foods. In contrast, there was no association with vegetables, fruits, and milk. Added sugar and other sweetened beverages were statistically associated with HbA1c (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

There was a statistically significant association between foods of high GI and poor glycemic control. Starch, refined grains, and added sugar showed a significant association with poor glycemic control.
Gene Expression and Plasma Level of CuZn and Mn Superoxide Dismutase in Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Nawar Aghras Sabah , Alwan Zeena H. O. , Sheikh Qaiser I.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy disorder that affects women worldwide and is linked to an etiological factor as well as pathophysiology.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene expressions and SOD enzyme activity in PCOS patients. In this study, 75 women were diagnosed with PCOS by Rotterdam criteria, and control healthy women with normal menstrual cycles and no signs of hyperandrogenism were included. Patients were separated into two subgroups according to their administration of metformin drug.

Materials and Methods:

CuZn SOD and MnSOD enzymes activity was determined based on the ability of the enzyme to inhibit the autoxidation of pyrogallol, and total oxidant status (TOS) was examined in the plasma using Erel method. mRNA level of SOD1 and SOD2 was evaluated in the blood sample via qPCR.

Results:

SOD enzyme activity was significantly higher in the patients’ group than in the controls (P < 0.0001), along with a significant increase in SOD2 gene expression (P < 0.01). In patients treated with metformin, gene expression of SOD2 was significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) comparing with patients without treatment, with increased enzyme activity (not significant). However, the SOD1 activity was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) with increased SOD1 expression in patients treated with metformin. In addition, TOS was increased in the patients’ group than in the controls and decreased in patients treated with metformin than in untreated patients with metformin.

Conclusion:

The results revealed a significant association between PCOS and a higher level of enzyme activity and expression. Treatment with metformin drug was related to a higher level of activity and expression of SOD2, while lowering the expression of SOD1, which suggests that oxidative stress might be involved in the development of this syndrome.
Separation, Purification, and Phylogenetic Characterization of Detergent-Compatible Protease Produced by Penicillium Species
Authors: Shalal Omar Sadik
Published: May 2024

Background:

Filamentous fungal forms are said to secrete multiple peptidases with portent detergent capabilities in addition to their usage in food, beverages, and pharmaceutical industries.

Objective:

The current study isolated and purified fungal isolates from clinical samples and studied their capability as caseinolytic and in removing blood stains from fabrics.

Materials and Methods:

The present work isolated nine isolates, which are protease-positive and out of them eight belong to Penicillium sp. From the IS2 region, amplification of the isolates concluded their match using Blastn as Penicillium citrinum in majority.

Results:

The enzyme extract (P18), which was found effective in removing blood stains with good caseinolytic activity, was found to belong to P. citrinum as from Blastn studies. In addition, these proteases extracted were highly compatible with commercially available detergents. P4 was found to remove blood stains from fabrics in less than 30 min (P<0.02) when compared with other extracts (P1 and P4).

Conclusion:

The ability to secrete protease in promising amounts along with its potential usage as detergent makes these enzymes useful in industries, especially for the laundry industry.
The Prognostic Value of Serum Uric Acid in St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Mohammed Sulaiman Yaseen , Rasool Mohammed Tahir
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective:

Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity across the world. Acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation has been considered a common cardiac emergency and has considerable morbidity and mortality. The role of uric acid (UA) in the mortality rate of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was examined in the present study.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, 107 patients diagnosed with STEMI aged 18 years and older in the coronary care unit at Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok, Iraq from April 20, 2017 to December 20, 2017 were followed up for 1 month to determine the 30-day mortality in relation to serum UA level.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 55.27±13.59 years. The inferior type of STEMI was the most prevalent one among the patients (45.1%). Serum UA was not significantly different in both the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The study did not show UA as a risk factor for mortality in patients with STEMI.
Circulating Cell Adhesion Molecules Level in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Correlation with Glycemic Control and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Abdullah Reber Ali , Abdulrahman Ibtesam Salih
Published: May 2024

Background:

Early detection of high levels of endothelial biomarkers may help in the design of new strategies to prevent many disease complications, as these biomarkers could enable early prediction of endothelial dysfunction and activation.

Objectives:

This study aimed to detect the level of circulating cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) in diabetic patients and to investigate its relation to glycemic control, duration of diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

Age and sex-matched case-control study design was adopted, the case group involved (type 2 diabetes mellitus on oral hypoglycemic agent only and free from other medical problems), and the control group was (the healthy people without a family history of diabetes mellitus). The samples were collected between November 2021 and May 2022. Both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were measured in both groups.

Results:

A total of 160 individuals were involved (80 cases and 80 controls). The level of both ICAM-1/VCAM-1 was higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with a value of P <0.0001. There was a strong association between ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and HbA1c. As the duration of the disease increases, the level of these molecules increases. The level of VCAM-1 in patients with metabolic syndrome was very high, whereas for ICAM-1 a slight increase was observed.

Conclusion:

Circulating cell adhesion molecules can be considered as a marker for detecting the risk of occurrence of diabetes mellitus and the level of these markers can be helpful in follow-up of cases with diabetes and giving a guide for risk of occurrences of metabolic syndrome.
Relationship of Serum Ghrelin, Amylase and Lipase with Insulin Level in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Abdulhakeem Zahraa Raad , Odda Atheer Hameid , Abdulsattar Sura Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder known as hyperglycemia, which is brought on by impaired insulin secretion, inefficient insulin utilization, or both.

Objectives:

This study’s aim was to assess the lipase and amylase amylase pancreatic enzymes levels in sera of (T2DM) patients and healthy control subjects.

Materials and Methods:

A case-control research was conducted from December 2021 to March 2022 at the Hilla District Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Babylon, Iraq. It included a group of 39 patients with type 2 DM and 39 healthy people between the ages of 35 to 60 years.

Results:

Results were indicating a significant difference in FBS among groups, The mean levels of FBS for DM was (203.7 ± 72.3) mg/dL which was significantly greater than it was for the control group (88.6 ± 7.64) mg/dL,(P ≤ 0.001). The mean of HbA1c for DM (9.5 ± 2.35) was significantly higher than for control (4.9 ± 0.48), P ≤ 0.001. The mean levels of the Amylase and Lipase activity in the DM patients group were (71.4 ± 29.11) and (49.7 ± 14.69) (U/L). When compared to the control group’s mean values, which were (72.7 ± 27.19) and (42.0 ± 7.35) (U/L). The mean levels of Lipase activity were shown a significant difference in T2DM patients compared to the healthy control group, (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Increased serum level of lipase without any symptoms of pancreatitis was indicated in type II diabetes mellitus patients.
Hepcidin Level in Sera of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus in Babylon Province
Authors: Salman Amjed Hameed , Ali Zinah Abbass , Selman Nihad Abdallah
Published: May 2024

Background:

The most prevalent disease in the world, is chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB). It has several causes like, drugs, alcohol consumption, toxicity and auto-immune disease, but in most cases it is caused by hepatitis viruses (viral hepatitis). Hepcidin regulates the body iron negatively by binding to the cellular iron exporter ferroportin in target cells, like macrophages, enterocytes and making its internalization and deprivation, thus reducing iron efflux into plasma causing decrease serum iron level and an elevated in intracellular iron.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred subjects; 50 diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus and 50 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Age ranged between (20–60) years (for patients and control). Hepcidin and ferritin level in serum were estimated by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, while serum iron concentration was calculated by the Siemens Dimension by Direct method (Ferene).

Results:

In chronic hepatitis B virus group serum hepcidin, ferritin and iron levels significantly elevated compared with control group (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the current study observed significant (p value <0.05) positive correlation for hepcidin with ferritin and iron in (CHB) patients.

Conclusion:

Among chronic hepatitis B patients in Babylon province, increase the level of some iron regulatory parameters; indicate the significant linked with the progression of chronic hepatitis B virus.
Follicular Fluid Thyroid Hormones (T4 and T3) Levels and ICSI Outcomes
Authors: Swadi Noor Nadhom , Edan Ban Jabir , Rahim Ali Ibrahim , Ali Rihab Abbas
Published: May 2024

Background:

Whether through spontaneous conception or through the use of assisted reproductive technologies, thyroid dysfunction is prevalent in women of childbearing age and may negatively impact fertility and pregnancy. As follicular fluid (FF) more accurately depicts the milieu surrounding the developing oocyte, it most likely offers a better assessment of exposures that might have an impact on reproductive outcomes.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation of FF thyroid hormone (TH) (T4 and T3) levels with the intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

The study was designed as an analytic cross-sectional study. Fifty subfertile couples from the in-vitro fertilization center attenders were involved in the study in whom ICSI was done for them and then compared between outcomes in relation to FF-T4 and FF-T3.

Results:

FF-T4 correlates positively with metaphase II (MII) and 2-PN with a P-value=0.04 and 0.03, respectively, in a statistically significant way, whereas FF-T3 correlates positively with oocyte number: MII in a statistically significant way (P-value=0.01) for both and with 2-PN in a statistically significant way (P-value=0.0). Additionally, there was a significant positive association between FF-T4 and anti-mullerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone with a P-value of 0.05 and between FF-T3 and E2 with a P-value of 0.02.

Conclusion:

Folliculogenesis and oogenesis may be significantly influenced by THs. The FF also contains T3 and T4, which could have an immediate impact on the oocyte.
An Epidemiological Study of Intestinal Parasites in Children Attending the Pediatric Teaching Hospital in the Holy City Of Karbala, Iraq
Authors: Al-Sultany Aseel Kariem , Al-Morshidy Kassim Abdulla
Published: May 2024

Background:

Intestinal parasitosis remains an important public health concern worldwide because of its high incidence reached in several countries as well as its nutritional consequences. The role of intestinal parasites in causing morbidity and mortality, as well as the pathogenesis of other infectious diseases, is determined. Intestinal parasitic infection is most common among school-age children and tends to cause high-intensity infection in this age group. Intestinal parasites are divided into two major types: helminths and protozoa. Protozoa are unicellular organisms and belong to the Protista kingdom and can reproduce in the human body which can allow the formation of serious infections.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to detect the incidence of intestinal parasites in children attending and hospitalized at Karbala Teaching Hospital in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:

Between February 2021 and January 2022, 3748 feces samples from children between the age of 1 and 15 years were tested using both direct smear and acid fast stain test in addition to rapid test techniques.

Results:

The result showed that the total percentage of infection with intestinal parasites was 13% and recorded five types of intestinal parasites: Entamoeba histolytica (10.54%), Giardia lamblia (2.46%), Cryptosporidium parvum 0.4%, Hymenolepis nana (0.24%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.13%), and Trichomonas hominis (0.03%). Males were more likely to get infected than females, and the incidence of intestinal parasite infection (IPI) changed over the month of the study. Also, the infection with one species has more incidence than two and three species. The age groups of the infected children were likewise impacted by the infection rate. The statistical analysis revealed differences in the percentage of IPI by age and gender of children (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

We conclude from the result of the present study that the incidence of infection with E. histolytica is more than that of other intestinal parasites, and intestinal parasites were affected by most epidemiological criteria such as gender, the duration of the study, and age of infected patients.
Immunological Impact of Ricinus communis Leaves Extract on Isolated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Naji Reem Akram , AL-Daher Russell Issam , Abood Doaa Adil , Madlum Kaiser N.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Plants are the source of many important drugs. Ricinus communis is utilized as a traditional folkloric remedy for the treatment of a wide extend of diseases around the world. Large number of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds that have an established anticancer, antimicrobial, and immunological impact presence in many plant families.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunological impact of R. communis leaves extract on human immune response using isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC).

Materials and Methods:

Cells were isolated using the gradient centrifugation method and treated with R. communis leaves extract at different concentrations, and then, the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the immunologic effect was estimated by measuring the cytokine levels via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results:

Plant extract showed a low cytotoxic effect on PBMNC at therapeutic doses and high doses (1000 µg/mL) used. Plant extract caused a significant reduction in the levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17 at higher doses and increased IFN-[Latin Small Letter Gamma] at both doses used.

Conclusion:

R. communis leaves extract appears to be safe for medical uses and has immunomodulatory effects.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day-case surgery in Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok
Authors: Khalid Arqam M M , Musa Dildar Haji , Mohammed Sabah Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Background:

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a routine surgery performed daily in surgical settings.

Objectives:

In this prospective study, we aimed to explore the rate of complications in patients who underwent LC as a day-case surgery and discharged at an early stage (8–12 h postoperatively). In addition, the degree of symptom resolution and safety, and feasibility of the LC were examined accordingly.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, 150 patients who underwent LC between October 2021 and October 2022 who attended surgery department of Azadi teaching hospital in Duhok were included. The general and medical characteristics of patients were obtained from their medical records. The surgical site infection was recorded through a standardized questionnaire.

Results:

The patients were predominately females (95, 63.3%) and had American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification I (110, 73.3%) aged between 18 and 65 years. The study found that 95% of patients were discharged within the first 8–10 h postoperatively. The rate of readmission was found among 5.3% (n = 8). The complication rate was 8% (n = 12. The surgical site infection rate was 6% (n = 6). The combined complication rate was 8% (n = 12). The complete resolution of symptoms was found among 80% of patients. Among 4% of the patients who had residual symptoms, 10% had abdominal discomfort, 4% had reflux symptoms, and 2% reported diarrhea. The satisfaction rate was 97.3%. There was a statistically significant difference between admitted and re-admitted patients regarding gall bladder perforation, conversion to open surgery and overnight hospital stay (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study shows that the LC is a safe surgical technique because the rate of complications were low and most of them were minor and managed appropriately, we also concluded that LC is a safe day-case surgery with low readmission rate and high patients satisfaction, overall it will decrease the hospital burden and bed occupancy rate.
Association Between Hepatitis C Virus Infections and Toll-Like Receptor 3 Gene Polymorphism, Erbil City
Authors: Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Bahaulddin , Mohammed Blnd Ibrahim , Amin Tariq Hammed
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected about 180 million people by 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 71 million people worldwide are infected with chronic HCV. HCV is considered as a main public health problem globally, and recently it has been observed that the prevalence of this virus is declining but still populations with asymptomatic chronic HCV exists. The main objective of the present study was to determine the effects of TLR3 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the susceptibility of HCV infections in Erbil city of Iraq.

Materials and Methods:

For this purpose, samples were collected from many private hospitals, which included 50 samples from patients with HCV and 10 samples as controls from healthy people. The sample followed molecular techniques for determining toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) SNP. Finally, the results were analyzed using Chromas-Pro software.

Results:

The results of the present study showed that both age and gender have a crucial role in HCV infection. About 66% of the HCV patients were males and 64% of patients were above 40 years.

Conclusion:

The results concluded that there was a significant relation between TLR 3 SNP (rs78726532 polymorphism) and the risk of HCV infection in population of Erbil city.
The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Dexamethasone-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats Testes
Authors: Alahmar Ahmed T. , Al Jothery Aqeel Handil Tarish , Al-Daami Qasim Jawad , Abbas Ahmed , Al-Hassnawi Alaa Tariq Shakir
Published: May 2024

Background:

Oxidative stress is a contributing factor in 30%–80% of infertile men.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coenzyme Q10 on dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress in rats testes.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of four: group 1 (control) received 1 mL of distilled water daily orally; group 2 received dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally; group 3 received coenzyme Q10 30 mg/kg/day orally; and group 4 received dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 via the same routes. Testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as testicular histopathological changes were compared among groups.

Results:

Although testicular SOD was lower in groups 3 and 4, dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 treatment did not significantly alter TAC, SOD, CAT, or histopathological features of rats testes.

Conclusion:

Dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (30 mg/kg/day) may have no impact on gonadal oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, or spermatogenesis in rats testes with these doses.
Chronic Orofacial Pain Management
Authors: Al-saadi Malath Azeez
Published: May 2024

Chronic orofacial pain is a multifactorial stressful condition. It devastates patients’ lives and depletes medical and dental services. Assertion of a particular effective pharmacological treatment is difficult due to psychological involvement and variation of pain etiology. Proper diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining the proper therapeutic agent. Pharmacological therapy is the first-line treatment of chronic orofacial pain with multiple drug classes to consider. This review aimed to focus on temporomandibular joint-related chronic orofacial pain as a common dental practice type of chronic pain and trigeminal neuralgia. Highlighting their effective and available pharmacological treatment and promising therapies. For mild-to-moderate pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are preferred; however, pain chronicity requires another class that tends to modulate neurology- and psychology-associated factors. Common in-practice drugs are antidepressants and anticonvulsants. In most instances, the combination of different pharmacological treatments with a diverse mechanism of action is required for better pain control and reduced monotherapy-related adverse reaction. Opioids should reserve to severe pain and as dual therapy. Palmitoylethanolamide is a promising nutritional therapy that needs further research to establish its effect and safety.
Prevalence and Epidemiological Characteristics Associated with Hookah Smoking and Alcohol Consumption among Medical Students in Najaf, Iraq
Authors: Abbood Sarah Kadhim , Abd Alridha Ali Mohammed , Al-Gburi Karrar Mohammed , Ali Mohsin Noorulhuda , Ismael Afnan Saud , Ali Ahmed Basim , Salih Ali Talib
Published: May 2024

Background:

Reporting patterns of hookah smoking (HS) and alcohol consumption (AC) in Iraq are limited.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of HS and AC among medical undergraduates in Najaf, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:

A pilot-tested online self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sampling followed the “snowball” technique. The associations of HS and AC with the participants’ characteristics, perceived risk of harm, motives, and consequences were tested.

Results:

The preceding month’s prevalence of HS and AC (at least once) was 13.8% and 2%, respectively. The age at initiation was mainly <15 years (59.3% of smokers and 92.3% of drinkers). The presence of a friend who drinks or smokes and skipping life problems were statistically significant motives for the habits (P-value < 0.05). Smoking mainly caused problems with parents (10.1%) and poor performance at school or work (7%), whereas AC mainly caused problems with teachers (8.5%) and fights (5.2%).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the prevalence of HS and AC among medical undergraduates in Najaf, Iraq, was reported, and several associated characteristics were discerned. The findings help develop targeted interventions to protect future generations of medical professionals from the hazards of HS and AC.
Investigation of the Salivary Antioxidants and Oxidative Damage among Smokers and Non-Smokers with Dental Caries
Authors: Oda Hadeel Adman , Hessan Hanan Selman , Al Helal Ahmed Ghanim
Published: May 2024

Background:

Salivary oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the progression of dental caries. However, evidence from previous studies provides equivocal results with some data supported the link between dental caries and salivary oxidative stress, while others did not find any relationship.

Objectives:

This study was designed to investigate the levels of salivary oxidative stress among smokers and non-smokers with dental caries.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred adult males, who visited the Conservative and Operative Clinics at the College of Dentistry, Babylon University, Iraq for the period from November 2021 until April 2022, were recruited in this study and were randomly subdivided into three groups; G1: smokers with dental caries, N = 35; G2: non-smokers with dental caries, N = 35; G3: non-smokers without dental caries (control), N = 30. Markers of salivary total antioxidants (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in all studied groups. The potential correlations between these markers and other factors such as smoking duration, number of smoked cigarettes per day, and subject’s age were also measured.

Result:

The levels of TAC were significantly (P = 0.01) greater in patients with dental caries compared to those levels in a control group, while the levels of salivary MDA were not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) differed among all studied groups. Smoking had no significant (P ≥ 0.05) effects on both markers of oxidative stress (TAC and MDA). All measured correlations between makers of oxidative stress and smoking duration, number of smoked cigarettes per day, and subject’s age were insignificant (P ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions:

Salivary antioxidants may be involved in the progression of dental caries. However, further studies are needed to establish whether markers of oxidative stress (TAC and MDA) are the causes or results of dental caries.
Facts and Fictions about Toxoplasma gondii in Women of Misan Province
Authors: Abduljalil Alsaad Rasha Khalil
Published: May 2024

Background:

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most common protozoa worldwide that infects human and animals. Because of lack of data about the facts and myths of T. gondii infection in human Iraq, this study was aimed to define and answered all the related questions in a scientific knowledge manner.

Materials and Methods:

A survey study was conducted among women to assess their knowledge about facts and myths of toxoplasmosis in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq, from November 1, 2018 to July 30, 2022. All women answered all the questions. A total of 6055 women, aged from 18 to 68 years, were enrolled, only comprising women who lived in Misan. A questionnaire was constructed upon the objectives and involved questions correlated to personal, demographic, social, economic, and educational information. The questionnaire investigated facts and myths concerning T. gondii.

Results:

All women completed the survey lists with a response rate of 100%. The mean age was 41.53 ± 20.74 years. Most individuals (3133, 51.74%) were grouped to 18–40 years of age. In terms of the knowledge of toxoplasmosis, women who knew a person with toxoplasmosis (23.15%), though it affects men (47.46%), thought that it is an infectious disease (86.16%), thought that it can be prevented (68.22%), thought that it can be treated or cured (82.84%), thought that it is a hereditary condition (59.64%), thought that cats are a causative agent of toxoplasmosis (74.15%) and thought that it transmits by intersexual course (34.32%). Concerning risk knowledge, women who thought the risk of toxoplasmosis transport by eating unhealthy food are 70.45%, women who thought the risk is raised when wearing tight underwear are 42.25%, women who thought the risk was raised with old age are 49.58%, women who thought the risk could be raised when they use contraceptives are 31.11%, women who thought the risk increased with pregnancy are 84.23%, and women who thought the risk could be raised with smoking and alcohol intake are 45.70%. Of 6055 women, a total of 5578 (92.12%) women said that toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease. About 96.10% of the sample said that it transmits by cats. Almost always, 99.45% of women thought that it is a cause of abortion, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies. In addition, only 16.99% of women in this survey know that there are over two million new cases of toxoplasmosis in the world annually. About 11.33% of women thought that toxoplasmosis cases are asymptomatic whereas others thought that they have a fever, gastro intestinal tract symptoms, genito urinary tract symptoms, and ophthalmologic symptoms.

Conclusions:

Many facts and myths can affect the knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis. In kinds of literature, there are no real modes for studying myths about infectious diseases in particular toxoplasmosis which may be of benefit in preventing and managing processes.
Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection and Treatment Outcome in Babylon Province of Iraq
Authors: Jasim Taif Saad , Khan Amer Hayat , Hindi Nada Khazal K.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) and also can impact other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB).

Objectives:

The main purpose of this study was to experience the prevalence of tuberculosis and the treatment outcome rate in Babylon, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:

A cohort retrospective study was carried out at the health center for asthma and allergies from January 2016 to March 2021 in the Babylon Province, Iraq. This study sighted on the characteristics of TB patients; age, sex, site of tuberculosis, and treatment outcome.

Results:

There were 1774 cases of TB registered in the medical records of the health center in Babylon, Iraq. As a result, we found that female patients represented 53.4% of patients, as compared with male patients who constituted 46.6% of patients. The age group between 61 years old and older recorded the highest percentage (n = 359; 20.2%) and the less percentage of those who are <10 years old (n =122; 6.9%). Site of infection, pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 992; 56.0%), and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (n = 782; 44.0%). Treatment outcomes include treatment complete (63.7%), cure (24.1%), death (3.1%), default (0.5%), fail (0.3%), transfer (0.1%), and other (8.1%). Which has a successful treatment percentage (87.8%) and an unsuccessful treatment (12.1%).

Conclusions:

This study concluded that females were more likely to be infected with tuberculosis than males. Additionally, the success rate of treatment was (87.8%), while the unsuccessful rate was (12.1%). While age group that the highest percentage was noted among those 61 years old and older (n = 359; 20.2%).
Psychiatric aspect of suicide in a sample of Iraqi people
Authors: Al-Masoodi Ali Talib Mansoor , Hussien Kareem Nasir , Yasir Amean A , Hassan Sahar , Jawad Mohammed Rasool
Published: May 2024

Background:

Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. To identify risk factors for prevent suicide, it is essential to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with suicidal ideation and behavior.

Objectives:

This study seeks to assess suicide symptoms in people of Babylon City and assesses the effect of factors that increase the suicide rate and to find sociodemographic and psychological factors that may influence the act of suicide and whether they differ from other suicide intensions prevailing in the world.

Materials and Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 57 patients with suicidal behavior who were admitted to at Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital in Babylon City, Iraq between 2021 and 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between suicide attempters and completers, and a correlation matrix was used to explore relationships between these characteristics.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 34.2 years, and the majority were women (63.2%) and single (56.1%). Previous suicide attempts were reported by 50 patients (87.7%). Hanging and poisoning were the most common methods of attempted suicide, whereas firearms were the most common method of completed suicide. Depression and anxiety were the most common co-morbid psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain was the most common co-morbid medical condition.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight the importance of screening for suicide risk factors and providing appropriate treatment for co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions. The results also suggest that suicide prevention efforts may benefit from targeting younger individuals, for those who are single or have lower education levels, and those with a history of suicide attempts.
Auditory Event-Related Potential (P300) in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Hasson Zahraa Tariq , Al-Hashimi Ali Fuad , Qaisy Uday Khalid Al
Published: May 2024

Background:

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by multiple symptoms such as positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Cognitive deficit can be detected with specific neurophysiological tests. Among these tests are the measurements of auditory P300 event-related potential which is a neurophysiological method that allows the examination of cognitive functioning of the human brain.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to assess cognitive deficits in chronic schizophrenia patients by studying the amplitude and latency of P300 potential and to compare findings with those from control subjects.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a case–control study extended from January 2020 to May 2020. Forty subjects were enrolled in this study: 20 patients aged 20–50 years comprising 11 males and 9 females diagnosed with schizophrenia and 20 apparently healthy volunteers comprising 11 males and 9 females were analyzed.

Results:

The results of the current study revealed that a highly significant difference was found in the years of education between patients and controls (P-value <0.001) with no significant difference to be noticed regarding age or gender. When analyzing the P300 component with an unpaired t-test, the patient group showed delayed latency and smaller P300 amplitude than the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

The present study concludes that P300 indices could be valuable biomarkers to assess changes in cognitive functioning of patients with schizophrenia.
Impact of erythropoietin on anemia in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Muhammad-Baqir Bashaer M , Hameed Evan Noori , Shareef Rawaa Hadi , Ahmed Mustafa H
Published: May 2024

Background:

End-stage kidney disease occurs when the estimated glomerular filtration rate is not more than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or when the patient requires long-term renal replacement therapy regardless of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Anemia is observed as a frequent comorbid complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency is the crucial cause of CKD-anemia development.

Objectives:

The aim of study was to determine the impact of EPO on anemia in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis (HD).

Materials and Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 80 patients (42 men and 38women) at end-stage renal disease planned for HD program at Al-Hakeem general hospital in Al-Najaf city/Iraq in period between November 2020 and February 2021. Many information and analyses were taken such as age, sex, cause of end stage, blood urea, serum creatinine and albumin, hemoglobin, dose of EPO, blood pressure, and body weight.

Results:

The results of study showed that, the level of hemoglobin (g/dL) significantly increased from (8.24 ± 1.77) to (9.57 ± 1.35) after treatment with EPO (P value < 0.05), whereas the levels of blood urea (mg/dL), albumin (g/L) significantly decreased from (218.51 ± 74.47) to (145.76 ± 42.47) and from (40.65 ± 6.35) to (36.56 ± 6.03) respectively, after treatment with EPO (P value < 0.05). additionally, there are no significant differences in serum creatinine (mg/dL) and blood pressure after treatment with EPO.

Conclusion:

EPO has a positive role on renal function and in treating anemia in end-stage renal disease patients on HD.