bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diseño y validación de un registro de observación sobre la evolución del individuo en una intervención psicomotriz (Design and validation of an observation record on the evolution of the individual in a psychomotor intervention)
Authors: Porta Martínez Francesc , Martínez-Mínguez Lurdes
Published: October 2024

La observación en psicomotricidad tiene por objetivo poder descubrir las intenciones y el significado de la propia acción del niño. La falta de registros existentes que encajaran con las necesidades de la investigación desarrollada a lo largo de la tesis doctoral motivó la elaboración y posterior validación y utilización de un nuevo registro de observación. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un instrumento de observación psicomotriz usando las dimensiones de la Psicomotricidad de Integración (PMI) (Muniáin & Serrabona, 2006) para determinar la evolución de un individuo a través de este. Método: estudio de caso con dos niños, hermanos menores de dos niños con una discapacidad y que están escolarizados en una a una escuela pública de Barcelona. Resultados: la versión inicial del registro se sometió a juicio por 13 expertos en el ámbito de la psicomotricidad. La versión definitiva está compuesta por un total de cinco subdimensiones que se dividen en un total de 77 ítems para su observación. Conclusión: los porcentajes obtenidos en la utilización del registro de observación con cada uno de los sujetos estudiados en sus respectivas intervenciones psicomotrices determinan la viabilidad del registro para ser utilizado.
Palabras clave: Instrumento; Discapacidad; Dimensiones; Psicomotricidad; Desarrollo infantil
 
Abstract. Observation in psychomotor skills aims to discover the intentions and meaning of the child's own action. The lack of existing records that fit the needs of the research developed throughout the doctoral thesis motivated the elaboration and subsequent validation and use of a new observation record. Objective: to design and validate a psychomotor observation instrument using the dimensions of Psychomotor Integration (PMI) (Muniáin & Serrabona, 2006) to determine the evolution of an individual through it. Method: case study with two children, younger siblings of two children with a disability who are attending a public school in Barcelona. Results: the initial version of the registry was submitted to the judgement of 13 experts in the field of psychomotor skills. The final version is composed of a total of five sub-dimensions that are divided into a total of 77 items to be observed. Conclusion: the percentages obtained in the use of the observation register with each of the subjects studied in their respective psychomotor interventions determine the viability of the register to be used.
Keywords: Instrument; Disability; Dimensions; Psychomotricity; Child Development
Correlation between hydration status and VO2max in Pencak Silat athletes
Authors: Umar Fadilah , Sari Nabela Dea , Widodo Slamet , Mahakeeta Ann , Misbah M
Published: October 2024

Maintaining proper hydration conditions is important to support athlete performance. The study aimed to determine the relationship between hydration status and the VO2max capacity of martial arts athletes. The research was conducted using a correlational method. The subjects of the study were 14 Pencak Silat Athletes Special Class for Sports at State Junior High School (JHS) 1 Surakarta. Self-Urine Check (SUC) test data collection to test hydration status and Bleep Test to measure athletes' VO2max capacity. Data analysis techniques with product-moment correlation tests. The results obtained the relationship coefficient between hydration status and VO2max capacity was r = -0.844; p = 0.001. Therefore, there was a significant negative relationship between these two variables. This study concludes that there was a negative correlation between hydration status and VO2max capacity in JHS Special Sports Class athletes. The novelty of this study lies in the observation of stable hydration levels among Pencak Silat athletes in the Special Sports Class of SMPN 1 Surakarta. The results of this study can be used as a reference for athletes to maintain adequate hydration during activities, and for coaches to ensure that all athletes are in a well-hydrated state to avoid dehydration.
Effects of yoga exercise on heart rate in post COVID-19 patients
Authors: Nontakhod Kritpech , Wandee Amorntheap , Sremsiri Chotika , Chansingha Pongpuk , Chaweeram Naruemon , Kamnanat Aitsariya
Published: October 2024

Objective: The research aimed to study the effect of yoga exercise on heart rate in post-infected patients COVID-19. Methods: The participant group consisted of female post-Covid-19 patients aged 18–22 years at a university. Sukjai (Pseudonym), 20 people, all voluntarily signed a letter of consent. Systematic Random Sampling was performed, with the experimental group (EXG) (n=10) exercising with yoga for eight weeks, three days per day, 90 minutes per session. The control group (CG) (n=10) did not undergo any training. Quantitative data were collected, including heart rate before training and after the fourth and eighth weeks of training. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed by checking their stability and trust using a triangular method. Results: It was found that (1) after exercising with yoga after week four and week eight, the experimental group had a mean heart rate that was significantly better than before training and better than the control group . (p<0.05). (2) yoga exercises for patients after COVID-19 infection improves heart rate. Conclusions: Yoga exercise improved the heart rate of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, maintaining the health of people of all ages is an alternative activity.
Keywords: Yoga, Exercise, Heart rate, COVID-19,
Produção de texto numa turma de cinco anos da educação infantil
Authors: Costa Monica
Published: October 2024

Este artigo investiga as práticas desenvolvidas nos eventos mediados pela linguagem escrita, as relações de ensino observadas durante as produções dos textos, enfatizando as condições e os processos ocorridos durante as produções e os textos que resultaram, especificamente, os que estavam dirigidos para um destinatário. A pesquisa ocorreu numa turma de crianças com cinco anos da educação infantil e utilizou a abordagem qualitativa de estudo de caso e, para a produção de dados, adotou a observação participante. Conclui que as análises efetuadas contribuíram para percepção das implicações do conceito de gênero textual para o processo de alfabetização, e que a escrita tem que ser incorporada como uma necessidade da criança de escrever, devendo a escola criar situações para que isso ocorra.
Alfabetização – para quê? Análises teórico-críticas sobre o sentindo de educar na Política Nacional de Alfabetização
Authors: Silveira Bianca , Ripa Roselaine
Published: October 2024

Este artigo objetiva analisar as contradições que permeiam o conceito de alfabetização na Política Nacional de Alfabetização (PNA). Na condição de uma pesquisa documental, utiliza-se a dialética negativa como metodologia de análise crítica do objeto. A partir do referencial teórico-metodológico da Teoria Crítica da Sociedade, é possível considerar que o sentido de educar, sob a perspectiva da PNA, reproduz a estrutura ideológica que prevê a racionalização da educação como mecanismo de subjugação dos indivíduos à lógica do sistema de vida estabelecido na sociedade administrada – nesse contexto, reside o predomínio da razão instrumental, da educação danificada e, enfim, a substituição da experiência formativa autêntica pela semiformação institucionalizada.
SITAGLIPTIN AMELIORATES ATORVASTATIN INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS
Authors: Hazem Adnan A. , Ali Khaled  S. , Mahmood Samira A.
Published: October 2024

Atorvastatin (ATOR) is the most widely used statin for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, which is the most common cause of severe liver injury. Sitagliptin is a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4-I) used clinically as oral anti-diabetic agent. This study aimed to identify the effect of sitagliptin (SITA) pretreatment against Atorvastatin (ATOR) induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups (5 rats in each); normal control, ATOR, SITA and two sitagliptin groups, which pretreated with sitagliptin 10 and 20 mg/kg/day in combination with ATOR 20mg /kg / day for eight consecutive days prior to ATOR. The results revealed that ATOR induced noticeable hepatic injury in the form of moderate Hepatoportal + sinusoidal congestion, all Zonal changes, moderate Cloudy swelling + hydropic degeneration, moderate Fatty change and mild Apoptosis. Biochemical analysis exposed a significant rise in the serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in ATOR group. Increased Proinflammatory TNF-alpha, Oxidative stress MDA and depressed antioxidant system of GSH were evident in ATOR group. On the other hand, sitagliptin pretreatment significantly ameliorated all of the above mentioned biochemical, histopathological changes induced by ATOR. In conclusion, sitagliptin ameliorated the hepatotoxicity induced by atorvastatin. This effect was probably based through suppression of inflammatory, oxidative stress and apoptotic processes. Sitagliptin might exert beneficial effect on diabetic hepatic disorders which mandate further clinical research.
Biochemical versus radiological screening for osteoporosis in menopause; will Irisin help?
Authors: Wisam Akram  , Alaa Ibrahim Ali  , Hind Hadi Majeed
Published: October 2024

Objective: To verify the discriminative power of irisin in osteoporosis patients.
Method: The comparative case-control study was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq,from March 2020 to June 2021 after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, and comprised post-menopausal women. After being scanned by dual-energyX-ray absorptiometer, the subjects were divided into groups based on T-scores; healthy controls with T-score >-1in group 1, and osteoporosis patients with T-score Less than -2.5 in group 2. Participants' sera were tested for Irisin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and carboxyl-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen levels. T-score and bone mineral densitywere recorded as radiological markers. Correlation of irisin was determined with T-score and bone mineral density,cut-off value for serum irisin was worked out for osteoporosis prediction. Data was analysed using Medcalic 17.
Result: Of the 142 women, 71(50%) were in group 1 with mean age 58.4±3.5 years, and 71(50%) were in group 2with mean age 58.7±3.4 years (p=0.87). Levels of irisin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, carboxyl-terminal telopeptides of typeI collagen, bone mineral density and T-scores were significant between the groups (p<0.001). Serum irisin correlateddirectly with bone mineral density (r=0.97, p<0.001) and inversely with T-score (r= -0.95, p<0.001). The cut-off valueof serum irisin was 31.4ng/ml with 84% sensitivity and 100% specificity (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Strong serum irisin correlation to osteoporosis radiological markers and its good discrimination ofosteoporosis implied its utility as a good serological marker of osteoporosis.
Key Words: Bone Density, Fibronectins, Collagen, Post menopause, X-Rays, Osteoporosis, Vitamin D
The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Iraqi health workers
Authors: Riyadh Khudhair Lafta  , Nagham A Mawlood
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore the psychological impact of coronavirus disease-2019 on frontline healthcare workers in Iraq.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to September 2021 after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised doctors and nurses from 4 teaching hospitals and 8 primary healthcare centres in Baghdad. Psychological sequels, like anxiety, depression, fear and insomnia, were assessed along with exposure to coronavirus disease-2019. The study questionnaire was based on the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Results: Of the 400 participants, 288(72%) were doctors and 112(28%) were nurses. Overall, 215(53.7%) subjects had had a coronavirus disease-2019 infection, 192(48%) reported having anxiety, 148(37%) fear, 100(25%) depressive symptoms, and 51(12.8%) complained of insomnia. Doctors were more likely to have anxiety than nurses (p<0.05), but the difference in terms of depression was not significant (p>0.05).
Conclusions: The mental health of the frontline healthcare workers was found to have been affected by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, with anxiety and fear being the main symptoms.
Key Words: Depression, Mental Health, Pandemics, Sleep Initiation, Disorders, Anxiety, Fear, Coronavirus
Acute renal injury among seriously ill Iraqi children: risk factors, management, and outcome
Authors: Matheel Mohammed Jaafer  , Nabeeha Najatee Akram  , Sahar Basil Hussain  , Qasim Rahi Issa
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To determine the frequency of acute kidney injury in seriously ill young patients, and to find out the risk factors linked to renal impairment.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to December 1, 2019, at the Central Child Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised patients of either gender aged from >28 days to <18 years who presented to the emergency department with any critical acute illness who had to undergo hospitalisation. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criterion was used to identify patients having acute kidney injury. Such patients were followed up during their hospitalisation and their follow-up data was collected daily till discharge... Data was analysed using SPSS 25.
Results: of the 485 critically ill paediatric patients, 113(23.3%) had acute kidney injury; 57(50.9%) females and 56(49.1%) males. The overall mean age was 18.68±25.8 months (range: 1.5-120 months). There were 46(40.7%) patients with stage 3 disease. The incidence of acute kidney disease was not significantly associated with either age or gender (p>0.05). Diarrhoea and vomiting were the only complaints that had a significant association with acute kidney injury (p=0.001). Sagwa was consumed by 40(8.2%) cases, and 35(87.5%) of them developed acute kidney injury (p=0.001). Ventilator was used in 12(10.6%) cases, Of the total 65(13.4) cases of mortality, 21(18.6%) had acute kidney injury compared to 44(11.8%) of the rest (p=0.014).
Conclusion: Acute renal impairment was found to be prevalent in seriously ill paediatric patients and was linked to increased mortality. Sagwa poisoning, diarrhoea and vomiting as presenting complaints had a significant association with acute kidney disease in such patients.
Key Words: Critical Illness, Acute Disease, Incidence, Kidney Injury, Ventilators, Diarrhea, Vomiting
Investigating the correlation of the second derivative of digital pulse wave (DPW) with QT variability index in women
Authors: Husain Ali Al-Byatee  , Amal Yousif Al-Yasiri  , Bassam Talib Al-Gailani
Published: October 2024

Objective: To determine the correlation between the second derivative of digital pulse wave and the QT variability index.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Mustansiriyah, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised healthy women. Samples were raised by simple random technique. Digital pulse waves were captured using a fingertip pulse wave transducer. Lab Chart Pro version 7.2 was used to automatically detect and quantify the amplitude of A, B, C, D and E waves expressed by the second derivative. QT interval of each beat was recorded by electrocardiogram, and was calculated automatically via Lab chart Pro version 7.2 without averaging. Data was spread out on Microsoft Office Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 26.
Results: There were 55 women with mean age 37.4±9.9 years and mean body mass index 31.2±7.2kg/m2. Age was positively associated with QT variability index and normalised wave amplitude values of B/A and (B-C-D-E)/A (p<0.05).QT variability index was positively associated with the normalised values of  the second derivative of digital pulse wave B/A and (B-C-D-E)/A (p<0.05).
Conclusion: QT variability index I was significantly correlated with second derivative of photoplethysmogram, and both were affected by age and arterial stiffness.
Key Words: Photoplethysmography, Vascular Stiffness, Electrocardiography, Transducers
Association of nuclear factor-kappa B1 (NF-kB1) Ins/Del gene polymorphism with Hepatitis C virus outcomes
Authors: Shaimaa Rahem Al-Salihy  , Refif Sabeeh Al-Shawk  , Safaa Abdul-Karim Al-Waysi  , Maarib Nazih Rasheed
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore the association of nuclear factor-kappa B1 polymorphism in the promotor area of the genewith hepatitis C virus infection outcomes.Method: The case-control study was conducted at the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Teaching Hospital,Baghdad, Iraq, from Dec 1, 2020, to Aug 30, 2021, and comprised individuals ages 20-68 years. Group 1 had patientswith persistent hepatitis C virus infection, group 2 had subjects with spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance, group 3 had subjects treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs, and group 4 had healthy controls. Venous blood was collected for polymorphism genetic analysis of nuclear factor-kappa B1 insertion/deletion ATTG (Adenine-Thymine- Thymine-Guanine) at rs28362491 using a high-resolution melting technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 27.Results: Of the 88 subjects, there were 22(25%) in each of the 4 groups. Overall, there were 55(62.5%) females and33(37.5%) males, and 40(45.45%) were aged 20-39 years while 48(54.54%) were aged 40-68 years (p>0.05). The Insallele of rs28362491 was significantly more frequent in the patients than in controls (p=0.0053). The carriage of rs28362491 insertion/insertion and insertion/deletion genotypes, compared to wild-type homozygousdeletion/deletion, had a significantly higher risk of developing hepatitis C virus infection (p=0.0013). No association was found between rs28362491 and spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance (p>0.05).Conclusion: The insertion allele of rs28362491 was found to be associated with increased susceptibility todeveloping hepatitis C virus infection.Key Words: Antiviral, Gastroenterology, Hepaciviral, Thymine, Alleles, Homozygote, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Adenine, Guanine.
Pulse transmission time and amplitude of digital pulse wave determined by fingertip plethysmography as a surrogate marker of brachial artery flowmediated dilatation
Authors: Nada Abdul Salam  , Amal Yousif Al-Yasiri  , Bassam Talib Al-Gailani
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To assess the changes in blood vessel stiffness and digital pulse wave amplitude because of flowmediateddilatation, and to explore how these two variables change when endothelial dysfunction isexperimentally induced.Method: The experimental study was conducted at the departments of physiology at the College of Medicine,Mustansiriyah University, and the College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq, from October 14, 2021, toMay 31, 2022, and comprised healthy young males who were subjected to the flow-mediated dilatation techniqueon the left brachial artery. Pulse transit time and the amplitude of the digital pulse wave were measured duringreactive hyperaemia for 2.5 minutes from the left middle finger using a piezoelectric pressure sensor and asimultaneous Lead I electrocardiogram. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was induced by oscillatory and retrogradeshear rates. The correlation between variables was calculated in Excel running on the Windows operating system.Results: There were 10 second-year medical students with mean age 22±0 years and mean body mass index25.7±4.8kg/m2. During reactive hyperaemia, pulse transit time was significantly increased by 3-5% in both normalendothelium and experimentally induced endothelial dysfunction relative to the pre-occluded artery, and thedifference was not significant (p>0.05). Digital pulse wave amplitude increased significantly in normal endotheliumrelative to the pre-occluded artery (p<0.05), but not in experimentally-induced endothelial dysfunction (p>0.05).Conclusion: The pulse transit time and digital pulse wave amplitudes of the photo plethysmography signal may beused to detect changes in vessel wall diameter and tone throughout the reactive hyperaemia process. Digital pulsewave amplitude was better able to detect experimentally-induced endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by the flowmediateddilatation protocol, than pulse transit time.Key Words: Hyperemia, Brachial Artery, Dilatation, Plethysmography, Electrocardiography, Pulse Wave,Endothelium, Running
Evaluation of serum level of MicroRNA323-3p, MicroRNA517a and MicroRNA519d in Ectopic pregnancy: a comparative study
Authors: Farah Ahmed Dera'a  , Fadia Jassim Alizzi
Published: October 2024

Aim: To assess the role of serum micro ribonucleic acids 323-3p, 517a and 519d in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Method: The case-control study was conducted at the Gynaecology Department of Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from June 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021, and comprised women with ectopic pregnancy in group A, and those with a viable intrauterine pregnancy in group B. Serum samples were taken for beta human chorionic gonadotropin measurement and for micro ribonucleic acids 323-3p, 517a and 519d testing using polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.
Results: Of the 100 women with mean age 26.8±5.29 years, 50(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gravida, parity, abortion, and gestational age (p>0.05). The mean beta human chorionic gonadotropin in group B was significantly greater than group A (p=0.001). In group A, micro ribonucleic acid 323-3p expression was significantly higher, mean micro ribonucleic acid 517a expression was significantly lower and mean micro ribonucleic acid 519d expression was significantly lower compared to group B (p<0.05). At micro ribonucleic acid 323-3p cut-off point 2.415, the test accurately distinguished between ectopic and viable pregnancy with 92% sensitivity, 100% specificity and total area under the curve 0.994 (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Serum micro ribonucleic acid 323-3p, 517a and 519d might be helpful biomarkers in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with ectopic pregnancy.
Key Words: Pregnancy, Gestational, Gynecology, Ectopic, Chorionic Gonadotropin, Polymerase Chain Reaction, MicroRNAs
Pre and postnatal effect of maternal environmental tobacco smoke exposure on infant's growth parameters
Authors: Nada Ziyad Salim  , Ban Sahib Diab
Published: October 2024

Objective: To determine the association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and growth parameters of infants.
Method: The observational, comparative study was done in rural areas of the Al-Karkh sector of Baghdad, Iraq, from December 2021 to March 2022 after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, and comprised mothers aged 20-35 years having infants aged up to one year. Those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke were in group A, while non-exposed mothers were in group B. Along with socio-demographic data, a second-hand smoke exposure scale was used. Weight-for-height, height-for-age and weight-for-age indices, as well as head circumference values, were used to measure growth parameters. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
Result: Of the 150 mothers, 67(44.7%) were in group A with mean age 27.8±4.7 years and 83(55.3%) were in group B with mean age 26,1±4.6 years. The mean age of the children was 9.4±3.1 years in group A and 9.2±2.3 years in group B. Husband was the primary source of smoking at home 55(82.08%). When it came to exposure duration, 58(86.57%) had been exposed for years and 9(13.43 %) for months. The mean Z-score for all growth measurements was higher in group B infants compared to group A (p<0.05) except weight-for-height (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Mothers’ exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was found to have a significant harmful effect on the growth parameters of infants.
Key Words: Pollution, Demography, Dentistry, Smoking,
Use the external radiotherapy StarTrack detector to study the electron beam profile
Authors: Safa Sami Hassan
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess the electron beam dose verification, and to investigate the dependability and stability of the Startrack two-dimensional array.
Method: The is a cross-secional study was conducted from January to April 2021 at the Baghdad Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. quality assurance measurements were made using a StarTrack two-dimensional detector on an electron beam with an energy of 12MeV at 1.5cm depth for field sizes 6cm×6cm and 14cm×14cm. The detector was positioned 100cm from the source to the surface of the linear accelerator infinity. Testing was done using the International Electrotechnical Commissioning protocol.
Results: There was a significant difference between field sizes 6cmx6cm and 14cmx14cm (-4.97±0.83, -2.01±0.68, respectively) (p<0.05). The beam profile measurements of penumbra, flatness and symmetry were within limits ±2 cm, and ±2 cm, 2%, respectively. The percentage of output dose curve against distance showed instability in crossline for 6cm x 6cm and 14cm x 14cm field size.
Conclusion: The output dose was found to be above the tolerance level, and should be corrected before patient treatment for 12MeV energy electron beam therapy.
Key Words: Electrons, Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy,
Factors affecting symptom duration and recovery among home-treated COVID-19 patients in Baghdad-Iraq: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mazin Ghazi Al-Rubaey  , Ahmed Abdul-Sattar Salman
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Long COVID among home-treated coronavirus disease-2019 cases, and the factors that may influence the duration of symptoms.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021 at 20 primary healthcare centres in 10 health districts of Baghdad, Iraq, after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad. Those included were adults of both genders who previously had coronavirus disease-2019 infection as diagnosed through on polymerase chain reaction test, and received supportive treatment during isolation at home. Data was collected through direct interview using a questionnaire which consisted of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, smoking history and symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019 along with their duration. Measurement of weight and height was also done for each subject. Data was analysed using SPSS 27.
Results: Of the 400 participants, 248(62%) were males and 152(38%) were females. The overall mean age was 40.8±12.8 years (range: 18-71 years). Of the total, 121(30.25%) subjects had persistent symptoms for >4 weeks. The mean duration of illness was 4.2±3.6 weeks (range: 1-16 weeks). The symptoms that lasted for >4 weeks were fatigue 94(23.5%), loss of smell or taste 59(14.75%), and cough 8(2%). Age, smoking status, comorbidities and the total number of initial symptoms showed a significant association with the duration of illness (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A substantial number of mild to moderate coronavirus disease-2019 cases suffered from persistent symptoms. The duration of illness could have been influenced by age, comorbidities, smoking status and total number of initial symptoms.
Key Words: COVID-19, Anosmia, Taste, Smoking, Cough, Polymerase, Fatigue,
Prevalence of bullying among pupils in Baghdad
Authors: Waleed Arif Tawfeeq Al-Ani  , Ahmed Khalaf Al-Delaimy  , Yossra Hanoon Al-Robaiaay  , Reem Falah Kadhim
Published: October 2024

Objective: To find out the prevalence of bullying among primary school students in an urban centre, and tocategorise its types.Method: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, in Baghdad,Iraq, and comprised primary school children of either gender aged 9-15 years studying in schools in all the 3directorates of the Al-Karkh side of the city. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the subjects,from school data, and through interaction with social-guide teachers of the respective classes. Data was analysedusing SPSS 28.Results: Of the 1,000 subjects from 50 schools, 537(53.7) were girls, 322(32.2%) were aged 11 years and 409(40.9%)were in the fifth grade. Overall, 146(14.6%) students reported having been bullied, 29(2.9%) were bulliesthemselves, while 59(5.9%) were both bullies and the bullied. It was found that almost quarter of pupils take part inbullying other pupils and almost 20% of pupils were kicked, pushed or hit by other Pupils during the last month.Conclusion: Bullying was found to be prevalent in the study's sample. No clear legislation is present to prevent orcontrol the social problem that has a significant effect on the mental and behavioural burden on students.Key Words: Bullying, Students, Schools, Social Problems.
Genetic identification of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from diabetic foot ulcers and evaluating the inhibition activity of reuterin against this bacteria
Authors: Khulood Abdulkareem Hussein  , Abdulmutalib Abdulla Mohammed  , Sundus Baqer Dawood  , Sajjad Salim Issa
Published: October 2024

Objective: To genetically diagnose the isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus taken from patients with severe diabetic foot infections, and to test the inhibitory effect of reuterin on the growth of these bacteria.
Method: The experimental study was conducted from June to November 2021 at the Diabetes Unit of Al-Faihaa  General Hospital, Basrah, Iraq, and comprised foot ulcer swabs from the necrotic lesions of patients with type 2 diabetes. The swabs were cultivated first in brain heart infusion broth media, and then streaked on Mannitol salt agar and staphylococcus chromogeneic agar media  for phenotypic and genetic analysis. The genetic identification of bacteria was confirmed by deoxyribonucleic acid extraction, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was confirmed by the presence of plasmid mecA gene. The inhibition activity of reuterin towards methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration test. All data was analyzed with SPSS version 23.
Results: There were 62 patients 6 (66.7%) males and  5(33.3%) females  with a mean age of 46±3 years. Of the total isolates, 9(14.5%) gave mauve to purple colour on staphylococcus chromogeneic agar, which was then genetically confirmed as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of these bacteria was 10µl/ml at 16mm inhibition zone diameter. There was no cytotoxicity of reuterin to human red blood cells.
Conclusion: Reuterin was found to be a natural antimicrobial substance suitable for use to disinfect diabetic foot wounds from bacterial contamination and infection, especially those casued by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.
Key Words: Methicillin, Staphylococcus aureus, Agar, Diabetic, hydroxypropionaldehyde, Microbial Sensitivity, Mannitol, DNA, Erythrocytes, Plasmids, Brain
Assessment of neonatal glycaemic status and comorbidities in infants of diabetic mothers admitted to the neonatal care unit of Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for maternity and childhood, Iraq
Authors: Wasnaa Hadi Abdullah  , Mohammed Atallah  , Basma Adel Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess neonatal and maternal characteristics, glycaemic status and comorbidities in the neonates ofdiabetic mothers.
Method: The prospective, descriptive study was conducted from March 2021 to December 2021at the neonatal careunit of Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Childhood, Iraq, and comprised neonates of diabetic mothersadmitted to the maternity ward or the neonatal care unit. Maternal and neonatal data was collected using aproforma. Blood glucose levels were measured using heel-stick sampling by glucometer in the first 1-3 hours of life. Mild neonatal hypoglycaemia was defined as glucose level less than or equal to 47mg/dL, and severe hypoglycaemia as less than or equal to 36mg/dL.Data was analysed using SPSS 24.
Results: Among the 70 mothers, aged between 18 to 44 years, gestational diabetes was the commonest type52(74.3%), and, among the 70 neonates, 52(74.3%) developed mild hypoglycaemia, 12(17.1%) hypocalcaemia, 26(37.1%) congenital heart disease, 50(71.4%) respiratory distress syndrome, 24(34.3%) hyperbilirubinaemia, 2(2.9%) congenital anomalies, 6(8.6%) prematurity, and 4(5.7%) developed birth asphyxia. Prematurity, femalegender and low birthweight were significantly associated with hypoglycaemia (p<0.05). No significant differenceswere detected in terms of neonatal complications between pregestational and gestational diabetic mothers(p>0.05).
Conclusions: Diabetic pregnancies were linked to a higher risk of neonatal complications.
Key Words: Diabetes, Gestational, Hypocalcemia, Asphyxia, Heel, Jaundice, Chronic Idiopathic, Respiratory Distress,Heart Defects, Congenital.
Parameters for safe dissection at Calot's Triangle in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Anmar Hamid Hamad  , Ghassan Ali Al-Kizwini
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore the parameters critical to safe laparoscopic cholecystectomies.Method: The prospective study was conducted at Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, from May 1, 2020, toDecember 31, 2021, and comprised patients with gall-stone disease who were admitted for laparoscopiccholecystectomy. Consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used for collecting the data which wasanalysed using SPSS (version 25).Results: Of the 93 patients, 68(73.12%) were females, and 25(26.88) were males. The overall mean age was 40.7±8.1years, and 52(55.91%) patients were aged >40 years. Calot triangle was seen in 72(77.4%) cases, while the sulcus ofRouviere, duodenum and right hepatic artery were spotted in 50(53.8%), 49(52.7%) and 19(20.4%) cases,respectively. There was a significant association of late presentation, lateral traction, 4-port option, good setting anddifficult anatomy with anatomical landmark visualisation (p<0.05).Conclusions: There is a need for a national guideline to ensure safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Key Words: Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic, Hepatic Artery, Traction, Duodenum
The role of vagal nerve stimulation on psychosocial associated disorders in refractory epilepsy patients
Authors: Mohamed Abdul Jalil Al-Tamimi
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To determine the effects of vagal nerve stimulation on cognition and epilepsy-associated psychosocial problems in patients with intractable epilepsy, and to assess their relation to seizure decline.
Method: The longitudinal study was conducted at Saad Al-Witry Neurosciences Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from December 2015 to December 2020, and comprised refractory epilepsy cases with implanted vagal nerve stimulation devices. They were subjected to pre- and post-implantation epilepsy protocol assessment with added neuropsychological evaluation using the Mini-Mental State Examination system. Each case was followed up for 2 years post-implantation. Descriptive data regarding patient records of age, seizure nature, mental functioning level, and vagal nerve stimulation insertion was noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.
Results: Of the 150 patients, 75(50%) each were males and females, with 70(46.7%) aged <10 years at the time of surgery. Overall, 80(53.3%) patients had partial seizures with secondary generalisation, 70(46.7%) had refractory seizure attacks for <5 years, 78(52%) had attack frequency of 2-5 per day. All 150(100%) patients had had vagal nerve stimulation for >2 years. Post-intervention, 80(53.3%) patients had <2 attacks per day. Mini-Mental State Examination score was >25 in 35(23.3%) patients which post-intervention rose to 64(42.7%).
Conclusion: There was evidence of improvement with respect to patient characteristics predictive of vagal nerve stimulation-related cognition and neuropsychological responsiveness in refractory epilepsy.
Key Words: Vagus Nerve, Cognition, Seizures
A comparison study of 589 and 650 nm on improving stored whole blood stability by irradiation with a low-power diode pumping solid-state laser
Authors: Safa Hassan Mohammed  , Mustafa Salih Al Musawi  , Bassam Talib Al-Gailani
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess the effects of diode-pumped solid-state laser irradiation with 589nm and 650nm wavelengthson the stability of stored red blood cells in vitro.Method: This is an intervention study that was conducted from April to July 2021 at the Physiology and MedicalPhysics Laboratory, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised samples ofhealthy, adult human blood that were put in tubes with citrate-phosphate dextrose-adenine as an anticoagulant.The blood sample was divided into eight equal aliquots and stored for 21 days at 4ºC. The stability test was done ondays 0, 7, 14 and 21 of storage time for non-irradiated and radiated aliquots. For 15 minutes, the irradiated aliquotswere subjected to a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a wavelength of 589nm or a laser with a wavelength of650nm at frequencies of 30, 50 and 70 J/cm². Data was analysed using SPSS 24.Results: Exposure of the whole blood to 589nm and a radiation dose of 70J/cm², 50J/cm² and 30J/cm² wasassociated with a significant reduction in the percentage of haemolysis that ranged 23-42% throughout the wholestorage time. Exposure of the whole blood to 650nm wavelength low-level laser therapy and a radiation dose of70J/cm², 50J/cm² and 30J/cm² was associated with much less reduction in the percentage of haemolysis that ranged5-9% throughout the whole storage time.Conclusions: Both 589nm and to some extent 650nm low-level laser irradiation generally reduced haemolysis. Thewavelength of 589nm lasers had a more effective influence than the 650nm counterpart in improving the stored redblood cells.Key Words: Lasers, Solid-State, Hemolysis, Light Therapy, Erythrocytes, Anticoagulants, Radiation, Phosphates,Citrates, Glucose, Adenine
Association of periodontitis with serum osteoprotegerin level in type 2 diabetic postmenopausal women
Authors: Dalia Kudier Abbas  , Abdulkareem Hamady Issa
Published: October 2024

Objective: To evaluate the association of periodontitis with serum osteoprotegerin level according to glycaemic state in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic women.
Method: The case-control study was conducted from June 2019 to May 2020 at the National Diabetes Centre, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised postmenopausal diabetic women with good glycaemic control in group A, diabetic women with poor glycaemic control in group B, and non-diabetic healthy controls in group C. Participants were inducted by using the consecutive sampling technique. Assessment of periodontitis was done by measuring probing pocket depth, gingival recession and clinical attachment level. The ratio between serum osteoprotegerin level and glycated haemoglobin was calculated for all the subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.
Results: Of the 150 subjects, 57(38%) were in group A with mean age 57.39±5.89 years, 43(28.7%) were in group B with mean age 58.91±4.95 years, and 50(33.3%) 57(%) were in group C with mean age 54.92±4.62 years. Probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and serum osteoprotegerin exhibited higher values in groups A and B compared to group C, and in group B compared to group A (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between Probing pocket depth and serum osteoprotegerin in all groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Periodontal parameters and serum osteoprotegerin level were significantly higher in diabetic women, especially in those with poor glycaemic control, than in healthy controls, and serum osteoprotegerin level showed a significant positive correlation with probing pocket depth in all the studied groups.
Key Words: Glycated Haemoglobin, Osteoprotegerin, Gingival Recession, Glycaemic, Postmenopausal, Diabetes
The influence of Ag2O/NbO2 nanocomposites on the optical properties of PVA/PVP lend in biomedical applications
Authors: Sroor Fadhil Obaid  , Raheem Kadhim
Published: October 2024

Objective: To study the optical properties of nanocomposites as well as antibacterial activity.Method: The experimental study was conducted at the University of Babylon, College of Science and College ofEducation for Pure Sciences, Babylon, Iraq, from September 2021 to February 2022. Impregnation of transparentmatrix polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanocomposites was done by silver oxide and niobium oxidenanoparticles. The nanostructures were created using different ratios of polymer matrix, silver oxide nanoparticlesand niobium oxide nanoparticles. The optical features of these nanocomposites were examined, whereby the lattertype of properties was tested within the wavelength range of 220-820nm. The determination of the anti-microbialactivity was done by disc diffusion method. The anti-bacterial activity involved gram-positive and gram-negativeorganisms. Different bacteria were cultured with Muller-Hinton medium.Results: Absorbance, absorption coefficients and optical conductivity of the nanocomposites increased with theincrease in nanocomposite concentrations. The energy gap for silver oxide and niobium oxide nanoparticlesdecreased when the concentrations of the nanoparticles increased.Conclusion: Promising outcomes may be achieved for the nanocomposites in anti-bacterial applications as theinhibition zones increased along with increased ratio of silver oxide and niobium oxide nanoparticles.Key Words: Dissolver oxide, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Niobium, Polyvinyl, Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Pyrrolidinones
The accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technique as an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) technique
Authors: Muthanna Ghadban Jwair  , Haydar Hamza Obaid Alabedi  , Siham Sabah. Abdullah  , Mohammed Khalid AlHussien  , Mohammed Khalid AlHussien  , Nabaa Mohammed Aliu Alazawy
Published: October 2024

Objective: To measure the setup error of the patient's positioning using cone-beam computed tomography during radiation therapy treatment fractions by finding systematic, random errors and the planned target volume errors.
Method: The observational, longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the Al-Warith International Cancer Institute, Karbala, Iraq, from January to May 2022, and comprised patients with head and neck cancer who underwent radiation therapy.
The oncologist delineated and the medical physicist planned. Then the medical physicist modified the positioning system using the cone beam computed tomography option workstation. The vertical value was taken in anteroposterior site, longitudinal in superoinferior, and lateral in e mediolateral. The SPSS 25 were used to analyse data.
Results: Of the 31 patients, 17(54.8%) were females and 14(45.2%) were males. The overall mean age was 48.3 ± 10.22 (range: 4-77 years), and 22(70.96%) patients had been treated previously with chemotherapy. The lateral shifting inaccuracy 2.501mm was above the limit, whereas the vertical shifting 1.164mm was within acceptable limits (±2mm). The longitudinal shifting had the smallest displacement 0.436mm. Random error displayed longitudinal moving 1.965mm, lateral shifting 0.623mm and vertical shifting 0.276mm. The planned target volume margins were too wide in longitudinal shifting 3.333mm. Vertical shifting 0.481mm was greater than lateral 1.092mm, but both were within limits (±2mm).
Conclusion: Radiation-induced errors in normal tissues must be reduced by reducing planned target volume margins, especially for longitudinal and lateral directions.
Key Words: Cone-beam, Oncologists, Radiotherapy, Neoplasms.
A comparative study of 589 and 532 nm low level laser irradiation effects on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells viability
Authors: Fatimah Saeed Awad  , Mustafa Salih Al Musawi  , Saba Fawzi Salih
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess how laser light affects blood lymphocyte viability in vitro.
Method: The comparative study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at the Department of Medical Physics, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised blood samples collected from healthy adults with no medical history of major illnesses or history of taking medications for major diseases.Low-level laser 589nm and 532nm was used at  30 J/cm², 50 J/cm² and 70J/cm² energy intensitiesand three different post-exposure  time; immediately, 1h and 2h after radiation exposure. The viability of normal human lymphocytic cells of the blood was noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.
Result: The blood samples were drawn from 6 adult male voluteers. The percentage of cells that showed apoptosis post-exposure to 589nm laser was significantly lower than that following exposure to 532nm laser (p<0.05). However, the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly higher following irradiation with 532nm at varying doses than after irradiation with 589nm (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A low-level laser could promote and prevent apoptosis in human peripheral blood cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Key Words: Lasers, Apoptosis, Lymphocytes, Radiation
Serum ferritin and C- reactive protein levels as indicators of severity of preeclampsia
Authors: Hanan Asaad Ismael  , Abdulkareem Hamady Issa  , Ban Hadi Hameed
Published: October 2024

Objective: To assess the role of inflammatory markers ferritin and C- reactive protein as indicators of preeclampsia severity.
Method: The case-control study was conducted at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2021 to May 2022, and comprised pregnant women from the obstetrics ward and outpatient clinics aged 16-40 years having a viable singleton pregnancy and gestational age >32 weeks. They were divided into severe preeclampsia group A, non-severe preeclampsia group B and control group C. Serum ferritin and C-reactive protein levels were measured for all the subjects, and compared. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Results: Of the 87 pregnant women, 27(31%) were in group A with mean age 29.76±7.53 years and mean gestational age 35.63±1.92 weeks, 29(33.33%) were in group B with mean age 26.83±6.30 years and mean gestational age 36.24±1.72 weeks, and 31(35.63%) were in group C with mean age 26.00±5.73 years and mean gestational age 36.52±1.61 weeks. Ferritin levels in patient groups were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05), but it was not significantly different between the patient groups (p>0.05). C-reactive protein levels in the patient groups were significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05), and they were also significantly higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). At a cut-off value >101.8 ferritin had sensitivity 92.59% but specificity 20.69%, whereas C- reactive protein at a cut-off value >17.1 had sensitivity 66.67% but specificity 75.86%.  
Conclusion: Serum C- reactive protein level was significantly associated with severity of preeclampsia with an acceptable grade of discriminative ability between severe preeclampsia and non-severe preeclampsia patients.
Key Words: Eclampsia, Protein, Gestational, Ambulatory, Ferritins