bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A SYNTHETIC CELL-PENETRATING PEPTIDE (CPP) WITH PROTAMINE CONJUGATE UTILIZED FOR GENE DELIVERY
Authors: Nore Beston 
Published: July 2017

Background
There are two main gene transfer techniques, a non-biological method such as liposome/polycations (lipofection), electroporation and gene gun. A biological method like transduction, synthetic biomolecules and virus mediated transfer.
Objective
The objective of this study is to utilize Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) as a novel tool for transferring and delivery of therapeutically active macromolecules and drugs in vitro and in vivo.
Materials and Methods
In this study, we utilized two synthetic CPPs, based on HIV-TAT protein, a minimal sequence of 11 amino acids with transducing domain activity. TAT is a subclass of CPPs, which often been used for intracellular targeting of proteins, but has not explored their application for DNA expression vectors.
Results and Conclusion
Here, we conjugated TAT to a DNA/RNA condensation moiety of Protamine, so called TAT-Protamine (TAT-P) and a branched dual TAT-Protamine (dTAT-P). Our results show that dTAT-P has both transduction capacity and DNA-condensation ability to deliver oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA into living cells. Experiments on living cells shows that there are many advantages in using dTAT-P for genetic delivery, expression plasmids of human proteins actin and Btk fusion with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP, in addition to FITC-labelled synthetic oligonucleotides.
DELIVERY CRITERION–BASED AUDITING SYSTEM AT TWO HEALTH FACILITIES IN ERBIL CITY-IRAQ
Authors: Raof Awring , AL-Hadithi Tariq , Al-Tawil Namir 
Published: July 2017

Background
Criterion based audits of medical care and services have developed over the last 15 years. Criterion based audit is a well- known approach or tool for improving the quality of care in maternal units.
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the quality of care provided for normal deliveries in Erbil city, Iraq.
Methods
The study extended from 1st of April to the 30th of June 2009. A total of 1299 normal and 120 complicated birth records from the Maternity Teaching Hospital and Mala-Afandy Health Center were reviewed. The WHO questionnaire on Safe Motherhood Needs Assessment was adapted for this study. An initial assessment of the current practice was made by collecting information on five monitoring procedures or criteria (vaginal examin ation, fetal heart monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, birth weight measurement, and assessment of the condition of the newborn) then it was compared to the standard (norm).
Results
Vaginal examination, fetal heart monitoring, blood pressure measurement and birth weight were recorded in 92.8%, 98.8%, 97.1% and 96.7% of total records, respectively. Substandard practices for vaginal examination, fetal heart monitoring, and blood pressure measurement were 69.6%, 45.4%, and 68.7% respectively. Partograph forms were available in labour rooms, but they were not in use. Assessment of the condition of newborn was not recorded.
Conclusion
The overall quality of care was poor with no use of partography. There is a need for development of clinical guidelines and protocols.
THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ABLATIVE FRACTIONAL CARBON DIOXIDE LASER FOR TREATMENT OF ACNE SCARS
Authors: Saeed Mohammad 
Published: July 2017

Background
Acne is a prevalent condition in every society and often results in scarring. Prevention is the optimal method to avoid these scars; however; even with the best efforts, scars will certainly arise. Ablative Fractional Carbon –dioxide laser have recently introduced a good option by using principles of Fractional Photothermolysis which produces a tiny microscopic wound surrounded by undamaged tissue.
Objective
To determine efficacy and safety of ablative fractional CO2 laser for treatment of acne scars.
Methods
Fifteen patients with skin type III, IV, with moderate to severe facial acne scars (according to Goodman and Baron grading system of acne scarring), enrolled in this study were all treated with Ablative Fractional Carbon-dioxide Laser every 4-8 weeks for three consecutive sessions. All subjects were assessed by photographs before treatment and one month after the last session. Post treatment side effects were assessed after each session and one month after the last session.
Results
Post treatment side effects were mild to moderate and transient. Post treatment hyperpigmentation was not permanent. All patients who had moderate and severe scars before treatment changed to mild and moderate scars after completing the last session with decrease in the number and the size of the scars and these changes were statistically significant (P value = 0.002).
Conclusion
Ablative Fractional Carbon-dioxide Laser shown to be safe and effective treatment modality for moderate and severe acne scars.
DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ANTI-CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODIES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; COMPARED WITH IGM AND IGA RHEUMATOID FACTORS
Authors: Tofiq Dana , Mousawy Khalida , Mirza Raouf 
Published: July 2017

Background
As modern treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is shifting toward aggressive anti-rheumatic therapy in an early phase of the disease to prevent the progression of joint damage (which is irreversible), diagnostic tests with high specificity are desirable.
Objective
To compare the diagnostic value (sensitivity and specificity) of the three tests (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, rheumatoid factors IgM and IgA) in rheumatoid arthritis; to determine the test which gives the best combination of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
Patients and Methods
There were 47 rheumatoid patients, 16 scleroderma patients and 26 apparently healthy peoples, which were enrolled voluntarily in the study. Blood samples were taken from the three groups and analyzed to measure the serum levels of the three diagnostic tests.
Results
The sensitivities of the three tests were as the following: anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies 68.1%, rheumatoid factor IgM 78.7% and rheumatoid factor IgA 72.3%. There were no significant differences in sensitivities of the three tests and nearly all had the same sensitivity. The specificities of the three tests were as the following: anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies 97.6%, rheumatoid factor IgM 83.3% and rheumatoid factor IgA 90.5%. The specificity of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies was significantly higher than rheumatoid factor IgM. There were no significant differences between the specificities of anti- cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor IgA, rheumatoid factor IgM and rheumatoid factor IgA. Therefore, the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies give the best specificity among the three diagnostic tests; and they were positive in 40% of seronegative (rheumatoid factor IgM negative) rheumatoid patients.
Conclusion
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are useful tools in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, as they are comparably sensitive as the rheumatoid factors but they have the advantage of possessing excellent specificity. Also they have an additional diagnostic value, as they are positive in 40% of seronegative rheumatoid patients.
KNOWLEDGE OF PATIENTS ATTENDING ALI KAMAL HEALTH CENTER IN SULAIMANI CITY ABOUT CORONARY HEART DISEASE
Authors: Ali Bushra , Khaznadar Amanj , Rasmzy Zhian , Mustafa Saya 
Published: July 2017

Background
Coronary heart disease (CHD), the principal manifestation of cardiovascular diseases, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that, by 2020, coronary heart disease will become the world’s most important cause of death and disability and, further, the most important cause of premature death.
Objective
To assess the degree of knowledge of coronary heart disease among adults attending Ali Kamal Health Center in Sulaimani city and to identify factors associated with the knowledge.
Patients and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 923 patients attending Ali Kamal Health Center in Sulaimani city, from 2nd April to 2nd July 2011. Close-ended questionnaires were used to evaluate participants' knowledge. SPSS version 17.0 was used for data analysis.
Results
Among 923 studied participants; 50.1% were female, the mean age was 33±12 years. About 34.9% of all participants were housewives or out of work, 56.6% were married, 85.04% had moderate economic status. Higher knowledge scores were found among older age, retired individuals, widows, (p-value < 0.05). TV was the main source of coronary heart disease's information among 32.9% of the patients.
Conclusion
Overall there is a significant relation between CHD knowledge level of the patients and level of education, occupation and marital status. There is low knowledge of warning signs and symptoms of CHD. The main source of patients' CHD information was TV.
EARLY AND LATE OUTCOMES IN REPAIRED TETRALLOGY OF FALLOT
Authors: Ahmed Rana , Salih Aso , Mohammed Najeeb , Mahmoud Suhair 
Published: July 2017

Background
Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease which needs surgical repair usually during 1st year of life. Numerous early and late complications arise postoperatively such as right ventricular failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary valve and branch stenosis and regurgitation and VSD patch residual leak and dehiscence. The 2D, wave and color Doppler-echocardiography reveal an important tool not only in the diagnosis of children with such disease and its complications, but also in their follow up post operatively in whom further therapy can be provided.
Objective
This study aims to detect an early (within the 1st year) and late (after the 1st year) post surgical repair complications using 2D echo, wave and color Doppler-echocardiography and ventricular performance index. Correlate between type of operation performed and the type, time and severity of the complications that might appear. Find out the percentage, type, onset of post-surgical repair complications.
Patients and Methods
Children and adolescent of either sex suffered with TOF operated upon, or waiting for operation had been subjected to medical history, clinical examination, oxygen saturation, ECG, chest x-ray and Doppler- echocardiography. However, these tests had been done in Sulaimani Pediatric Teaching Hospital/ Pediatric Cardiology Department.
Results
This study shows that there is a significant increase in SpO2 after operation (P-value= 0.0001), RBBB show high incidence in group 2 (P-value = 0.0001), Pulmonary valve regurgitation shows high incidence in group 2 (P-value of (0.0001)), tricuspid regurgitation was also significant (P-value = 0.029), EF shows significant correlation with BSA (P-value = 0.0001) and Z-score of -2.62. MPI of the right ventricle of the two groups show the RVESD show significant finding (P-value = 0.042).
Conclusion
Patients with TOF operated upon are suspected to have several complications that need to be evaluated serially to illustrate their progression and if they need further intervention. The echocardiography is a non invasive, bedside, available and relatively cheap investigation of benefit in assessing these patients and their follow up.
VARIATION IN THE PALMARIS LONGUS TENDON IN SULAIMANI POPULATION
Authors: Karim Shilan , Al-Taee Ihsan 
Published: July 2017

Background
Ethnic variations in the prevalence of the absence of the palmaris longus (PL) tendon are well known. However, most studies have been done in Caucasian populations. The present study was done to know the occurrence of absence of palmaris longus tendon in Sulamani population.
Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of unilateral and bilateral absence of palmaris longus for the Sulaimani population of Kurdistan Region.
Subjects and Methods
The presence of the PL tendon was clinically determined in 300 (600 limbs) in normal male and female subjects bilaterally using the standard techniques. From the 300 subjects were; 150 male and 150 female, of (18-40) years old, 8 subjects were left hand dominant, i.e. 3%. In subjects with an absent PL tendon, three other tests were performed to confirm its absence.
Results
The 22 subjects (7.3%) were found to have bilateral absence of the palmaris longus tendon. From these 13 subjects were male (59%) and 9 subjects were female (40.9%). 33 subjects (11%) had unilateral absence of the tendon, of this 21 subjects absence of the right side (63.63%) and 12 subjects had absence in the left hand (36.36%). Of those with unilateral absence 20 were male (60.6%) and 13 were female subjects (39.3%).
Conclusion
Unilateral absence of PL percentage (11%) is more than the bilateral absence (7.3%) and both unilateral and bilateral absence is more in male compared to female. However this was not statistically significant. In those subjects with unilateral absence, the right side was found to be more commonly affected however no statistical significance was evident..
A MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE LUMBAR SPINE IN ASYMPTOMATIC SUBJECTS IN SULAIMANI CITY BY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: Shukri Shukri , Mahmood Kawa , Abdulrahman Shakhawan 
Published: July 2017

Background
There are no available local data regarding normal dimensions of the lumbar spine. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a useful imaging method for the evaluation of spinal anatomy.
Objective
To evaluate normal dimensions of spinal canal, vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
Methods
This study was carried out on a total of 106 asymptomatic healthy Kurdish volunteers using a 1.5 Tesla MRI system in the imaging centre of Sulaimani Teaching Hospital.
Results
The mean midsagittal diameters of the lumbar bony spinal canal were 16.59 mm, 15.53 mm, 14.88 mm, 15.04 mm and 15.95 mm respectively. The mean intervertebral disc heights were 8.37 mm, 9.64 mm, 10.71 mm, 11.44 mm and 10.56 mm respectively.
Conclusion
The midsagittal spinal canal diameter is larger than that reported by other researchers in the neighboring countries.
ANATOMICAL VARIATION OF FRONTAL SINUSES EVALUATED BY CT SCAN IN RELATION TO AGE AND SEX IN SULAIMANI CITY
Authors: Raoof Twana , Saeed Kamal , Mahmood Kawa 
Published: July 2017

Background
There are considerable variations in the shape, capacity, and symmetry of the frontal sinuses. Hence, knowledge of frontal sinus anatomy and its variations is important for the diagnosis of sinus pathologies and prior to relevant surgical procedures.
Objectives
This study was undertaken to determine the presence of the anatomical variations and morphological characteristics of the frontal sinuses in a population aged between (20-85) years in Sulaimani city.
Methods
A review the CT scans of paranasal sinuses, which were taken in axial and coronal sections, of 100 individuals (58 males and 42 females), in the radiology department Sulaimani Teaching Hospital between April 1st 2009 to June 30th 2009.
Results
All measurements tended to be larger on the left side and were significantly larger in males than females. There was a significant difference in the anteroposterior dimensions of right and left sides in both sexes.
Conclusion
Morphometric features differed significantly in the two sexes at different ages and comparison with previous studies presented great regional variability.
VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY: INDICATIONS, DIAGNOSTIC YIELD AND SAFETY IN SULAIMANI GOVERNORATE
Authors: Al-Karbuli Taha , Hussein Hiwa , Ramadhan Ali , Ameen Sabir 
Published: July 2017

Background
The small intestine is the most difficult part of the intestine to examine. Video capsule endoscopy has revolutionized the study of the small intestine. Since its availability, no local data are available to optimize the use of this valuable diagnostic procedure.
Objectives
To review the indications, diagnostic yield and safety of video capsule endoscopy in a tertiary referral center.
Patients and Methods
This retrospective descriptive study was done in Kurdistan Center for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sulaimani City from June 2009 to February 2012. A total of 43 patients underwent video capsule endoscopy during this period (18 females, 25 males) with their age ranging from 9 years to 87 years (mean=37 years).
Results
Indications of video capsule endoscopy were obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage (N.=20, diagnostic yield=70%), suspicion of Crohn's disease (N.=11, diagnostic yield=64%), chronic abdominal pain (N.=8, diagnostic yield=50%), small intestinal polyposis syndrome (N.=2, diagnostic yield = 100%) and chronic unexplained diarrhea (N.=2, diagnostic yield=0%). The most common finding was gastrointestinal erosions and/or ulcers (N. = 21, 48.9%). No capsule retention has been recorded.
Conclusion
Video capsule endoscopy is safe and has an acceptable diagnostic yield in obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Crohn's disease and small intestinal polyposis syndrome. However, more studies are warranted to establish the impact of these diagnostic yields on patient outcome rates.
ROLE OF INTRAVENOUS HUMAN ALBUMIN IN MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA
Authors: Ismael Awat , Alrabaty Abbas 
Published: July 2017

Background
Bilirubin is a known toxin to the newborn nervous system. Hyperbilirubinemia is treated by phototherapy and exchange blood transfusion; the intravenous infusion of human albumin can reduce the post-exchange serum bilirubin level and shorten duration of phototherpy and hence admission to hospital.
Objectives
To determine the role of intravenous administration of human albumin prior to exchange transfusion in term neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia for reduction of serum bilirubin.
Patients and Methods
In this Study, fifty out-born term neonates with gestational age of >37 weeks and birth weight of >2500 grams, but otherwise healthy with high serum bilirubin required blood exchange immediately or after intensive phototherapy failure; were admitted to the neonatal unit of Raparin Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Erbil. The intervention group (n=25) received intravenous human albumin 20% (1 g/kg) one hour before exchange while the control group (n=25) underwent a blood exchange without intravenous human albumin.
Results
The mean total serum bilirubin (TSB) level in the albumin treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 6, 12 and 24 hours post-exchange (P<0.001). Mean duration of phototherapy was significantly reduced in the albumin treated group, compared to that in the control group (22.7±2.4 vs. 36±8.2 hours) respectively, (P<0.001). None of the neonates in the albumin treated group needed second exchange transfusion and no complications were observed.
Conclusion
Infusion of 20% albumin (1 g/kg) one hour prior to blood exchange transfusion can significantly reduce the post-exchange TSB, duration of phototherapy and the total duration of hospital admission.
PREVALENCE OF HUMAN INTESTINAL PARASITES IN SELECTED VEGETABLES IN SULAIMANI CITY
Authors: Ali Shahnaz , Ameen Hersh 
Published: July 2017

Background
Fresh vegetables are considered as an important part of healthy diet. In recent years, there has been an increase in number of reported cases of food borne illness linked to consuming fresh vegetables. Several surveys in different parts of the world showed that the vegetables can be agents for transmissions of protozoan cysts, oocysts and helminthes ova and larvae.
Objectives
The aim of present study is to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites such as ova, larvae, cysts, and oocysts in vegetables sold commercially in greengrocers in Sulaimani city which are consumed raw.
Methods
A total of 239 samples of five different vegetable types such as leek, celery, cress, green onion, lettuce were obtained from different markets. The collected plants were then examined for helminthes stages, protozoan cysts, and oocysts of intestinal parasites using centrifugation method and Baermann technique.
Results
Out of 239 samples, 119(49.79%) were positive for parasitic stages, the highest percentage of contamination was detected in leek (64.17%) followed by celery (51.61%), cress (48.1%), lettuce 11 (33.33%), and Green onion (32%). The results show that vegetables were positive for different species of parasites; the most prevalent were the cysts of Entamoeba histolytica (14.66%), Rhabditiform larvae (12.44%), ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (12%), Entamoeba coli (12%), Taenia spp. (10%), while the lowest prevalent were ova of Ancylostoma spp. (0.88%), Oesophagostomum spp. (0.88%), and Protostrongylus spp. (0.44%). There was significant difference between prevalence of parasitic organisms among the vegetables.
Conclusion
The results show that vegetables could be a potential source of parasitic infection.
LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF DENTAL ARCH WIDTH, LENGTH AND PALATAL MEASUREMENT CHANGES OCCURRING IN THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FROM MIXED TO PERMANENT DENTITION IN SULAIMANI
Authors: Kareem Fadil , Mahmood Trefa , Rauf Aras 
Published: July 2017

Background
Knowledge of arch dimensions is useful in providing a smooth occurrence of transient malocclusion, in predicting future orthodontic problems, normal occlusal changes in mixed dentition, and proper sequential exchange of permanent teeth. Moreover, dental arch dimensions change systematically during the period of intensive growth, development and less so in adulthood. The findings of the present study exhibited the highly significant greater mean value for males than females in both mixed and permanent dentitions except dental arch length and total arch length measurements in the permanent dentition in which no significant differences were reported.
Objective
This longitudinal study was conducted to investigate dental arch width, length and depth changes that happen at two different stages of dentition in 40 (20 males and 20 females) normal occlusion Kurdish children.
Materials and Methods
Dental casts were obtained and measurements were analyzed twice with 5 years intervals using digital sliding calipers with 0.001 sensitivity. First measurement was in mixed and second one in permanent dentition. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 15) program.
Results
The results showed that width changes in maxilla and mandible were significantly more in the permanent dentition than mixed dentition. Additionally, the findings demonstrated a greater mean value of measurements for males than females in both mixed and permanent dentitions except dental arch length (DAL) and total arch length (TAL) in the permanent dentition. Thus, significant sexual dimorphism was observed in most dimensions measured.
Conclusion
The outcome of the present study demonstrates that changes in dental arch dimensions should be taken in consideration during orthodontic treatments rendering the upshot of the treatment more acceptable.