bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEROPREVALENCE OF CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIAE ANTIBODIES AMONG CHILDREN ADMITTED FOR RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN SULAIMANI PEDIATRIC TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: Abdulrahman Alan , Hussain Ali , Othman Nasih , Gubari Mohammed 
Published: July 2017

Background The incidence of severe acute respiratory tract infections in children caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae varies greatly from year to year and place to place around the world. Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes respiratory infections, is probably under-diagnosed, it’s of worldwide distribution. The seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae antibody is age dependent. Objectives This study examined the prevalence of C. pneumoniae infections, their clinical manifestations and demographic features in hospitalized children with respiratory tract infections. The study also tested two different immunological techniques for detection C. pneumoniae infections. Methods This cross sectional study was carried out in Sulaimani Pediatric teaching hospital. One hundred and twenty seven children aged less than 5 years, hospitalized for respiratory tract infections were enrolled in this study. Serum anti-C. pneumoniae specific IgM and IgG antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescent assay technique (IFA). The clinical and demographic data were compared between positive C. pneumoniae antibodies and negative C. pneumoniae antibodies. Results Acute C. pneumoniae infections were detected using IgM anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies which were positive in 5 (3.9%) children by ELISA technique and the same result was obtained by IFA technique. IgG anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies were positive in 32 (25.2%) and 33 (25.9%) by ELISA and IFA respectively, the results of the two tests were similar and the differences were statistically not significant. Clinical and demographic data of patients with C. pneumoniae infections were comparable to those of negative IgM anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies. Conclusion C. pneumoniae has a role in children hospitalization with respiratory tract infections in Sulaimani Governorate. ELISA technique is a good alternative for IFA in serological diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infections.
ROLE OF NEUTROPHIL/LYMPHOCYTE RATIO IN DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS
Authors: Faraj Faruk , Karim Sherko , Fattah Fattah 
Published: July 2017

Background
Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. Its accurate diagnosis and immediate surgery are important, because the disease itself and its operation carry a potential risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to detect the role of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in diagnosis of acuteappendicitis and detection of the severity of the inflammation.
Objectives
The relation between the values of NLR and positive appendectomy and normal appendectomy. The relation between Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and the degree of severity of inflammation in acute appendicitis.
Methods
This prospective study was performed in Emergency Hospital of Slemani from February, 25th, 2012 to November, 29th, 2012 on 200 patients who were admitted with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis. Data were collected regarding demographical aspects of patients, presentations, pre operative care, investigations including complete blood counts, histopathological examination of the all specimens after surgery.
Results
There were 78(39%) males and 122 females (61%). Male: female ratio was 1:1.25. The age ranges from 5 to 67 years. The mean age of acute appendicitis was 25.94±12.4. Histopathological examination revealed normal appendix in 74 patients. The normal appendectomy rate was (36.7%). The rate of normal appendectomy in females was (43.3%), while among males it was (26.9%). In (85%) of patients with acute appendicitis there were elevated Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) ≥ 3.5 with specificity of (72%), and accuracy of (80%), and Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio was increased with increasing the degree of inflammation.
Conclusion
The Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio is an easy and applicable investigation which can be helpful in diagnosis of acute appendicitis, and detecting the severity of the inflammation.
OUTCOME OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AT KURDISTAN CENTER FOR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY / IRAQ
Authors: Alnajjar Ali , Alkarboly Taha , Ramadhan Ali 
Published: July 2017

Background
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has an increasing role in the management of pancreatico-biliary diseases. Local data regarding the use of ERCP are limited.
Objective
To review the indications, interventions and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Patients and Methods
This retrospective case series was carried out in Kurdistan center for gastroenterology and hepatology in Sulaimani city – Iraq from January 2010 to December 2010. Records of 290 patients were retrospectively evaluated to collect demographic, clinical and procedure related data.
Results
The age range was 3-90 years (mean: 46.5 years), with a female to male ratio of 1.7:1. The most common indications for ERCP were choledocholithiasis (N=118, 40.7%) and pancreatico-biliary tumors (N=98, 33.8%). The mean duration of the ERCP procedure was 30 min (range: 15-45 min). Deep biliary cannulation was successful in 266 patients (91.7%). Endoscopic sphincterotomy was the most common intervention performed (N=224, 84.2%), followed by stenting (N=92, 34.6%). The most common complication was pancreatitis (N=9, 3.1%) followed by bleeding (N=7, 2.4%). No deaths were reported.
Conclusion
Despite its associated morbidity and risk of mortality, ERCP is an important method in managing pancreaticobiliary diseases. Our indications, interventions and complications rates are comparable to those reported in other countries.
URODYNAMIC STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER AND ITS CORRELATION WITH BLADDER WALL THICKNESS AND BLADDER TRABECULATIONS
Authors: Ameen Ismaeel , Tahir Sarmad , Saeed Saywan 
Published: July 2017

Background
Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition. Urodynamics have long been the only option, and still remain the gold standard, for examining people with OAB complaints and composing an appropriate treatment plan. Alternatives for this invasive, expensive, and time-consuming examination have been explored
Objectives
To review if bladder wall thickness (BWT) and bladder trabeculations could be a more objective and easier measurement that potentially could diagnose overactive bladder.
Patients and Methods
Twenty six patients with overactive bladder underwent an urodynamic study for assessing detrusor muscle activity in Department of Urology at Sulaimaniya Teaching Hospital, from July 2009 to October 2009. Further investigations were performed including ultrasonography of the bladder to determine mean bladder wall thickness and cystourethroscopy for detecting the grade of the bladder trabeculation.
Results
There is no significant correlation between mean bladder wall thickness and bladder trabculations with detrusor action analysis (in filling or voiding phase) of urodynamic study.
Conclusion
We cannot depend on increased mean bladder wall thickness or bladder trabeculations for diagnosis of overactive bladder without urodynamic study.
ASYMPTOMATIC BACTERIURIA IN WOMEN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Taha Aza , Al-Salihi Sabria 
Published: July 2017

Background
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a problem in women with diabetes mellitus and may lead to urinary tract infection. Escherichia coli remains the single most common bacteria isolated from asymptomatic bacteriuria in women.
Objectives
To determine the prevalence and antibiotics resistance profile of asymptomatic bacteriuria among women with diabetes mellitus, this is important for epidemiological study.
Methods
A total of 600 non-pregnant women with diabetes (type 1 and type 2), and 300 women without diabetes (control group) were screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria. All the women were free from any symptoms of urinary tract infection. Two separate clean catch midstream urine samples were collected, examined microscopically and cultured. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using standard disk-diffusion assays.
Results
Asymptomatic bacteriuria was detected in 15.67% of diabetic women (14.33% in type 1 and 17.00% in type 2), and 3.67% in non-diabetic women (P<0.001). Escherichia coli (58.51%) was the most prevalent pathogen isolated in diabetic subjects. Most of the bacteria were resistant to Ceftriaxone (85.11%), Cefixime (73.40%), and Trimethoprim (73.40%).
Conclusion
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is not uncommon among diabetic women and might be added to the list of diabetic complications in these women.
A STUDY OF LUMBAR SPINAL CANAL BY MRI TO EVALUATE THE RISK OF SPINAL CANAL STENOSIS IN CLINICALLY SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS
Authors: Abdulrahman Shakhawan , Mohammed Naser 
Published: July 2017

Background
The study of lumbar spinal canal becomes important in persons with low backache and other related complaints particularly for the diagnosis of spinal canal stenosis.
Objectives
This study aims to measure the mid sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal at the level of L3 and thus evaluating the risk of spinal canal stenosis.
Methods
The study was conducted on 106 kurdish patients complaining of lower backache using a 1.5 Tesla MRI scan in the imaging center of Sulaimani teaching hospital.
Results
The mean midsagittal diameter of bony spinal canal at the level of L3 was 12.32 ± 1.44 mm. About 52% of the patients had normal spinal canal diameter, while about 48% of the patients had a stenosed canal.
Conclusion
Midsagittal diameter of the spinal canal was smaller than what it was found in other populations and thus having a greater risk of spinal canal stenosis.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND BELIEFS AMONG ADULT DIABETICS ATTENDING DIABETIC CONSULTATION CLINIC IN SULAIMANIA
Authors: Khaznadar Amanj , Al–Banna Haitham , Saeed Niga 
Published: July 2017

Background
Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Providing patients with proper guidance and education would make significant improvement in their life-style.
Objectives
To determine the level and finding the correlation of diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, practice and belief.
Methods
Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 332 diabetic patients at Diabetes clinic in Sulaimania city, from the 15th April to the 15th March 2010. During the interviews a questionnaire was filled including demographic, patients’ medical background, diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, practice and belief specific questions. SPSS version 15 was used for data analysis.
Results
Higher knowledge score was associated with younger age, higher educational level, office workers, positive family history, longer duration of diabetes, having received information, insulin use and regular pattern of follow up (p<0.05). Significant association was found between attitude and younger age, regular pattern of follow up and no dyslipidemia. Better practice score was associated with illiterate educational level, longer duration of diabetes (p<0.001) and on both insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs (p<0.02). There was a significant association (p<0.001) between better belief scores and higher level of education, office workers and longer duration of diabetes. Weak correlations but significant found between knowledge and attitude, practice, and belief(p<0.001), while very weak and not significant correlation found between attitude, practice and belief (p>0.05).
Conclusions
The overall knowledge was good, while diabetes-related attitude, practice and belief were poor. A better educational program on diabetes should be conducted to improve patients’ attitude, practice and belief towards diabetes using mass media and strengthen health education in all health centers.
OUTCOME OF RHOMBOID FLAP AND Z-PLASTY IN PILONIDAL SINUS SURGERY
Authors: Salih AbdulWahid , Ghalib Hawar , Ismael Diary , Gubari Mohammed , Hassan Karzan , Aziz Masrur 
Published: July 2017

Background
There are controversies about the etiology and management of pilonidal sinus. The numbers of techniques are testament in treating pilonidal sinus (PNS) and no single procedure is superior in all aspects.
Objectives
The Purpose of this study was to evaluate two operative procedures regarding its complications including recurrences of the disease.
Methods
The medical records of 40 patients in whom the Rhomboid Flap and Z-Plasty techniques were applied for reconstruction after the excision were evaluated retrospectively.
Results
The incidence rates of postoperative hematoma 1 (2.5%), wound infection 3 (7.5%), seroma 1 (2.5%), sinus formation 1 (2.5%) and neurological symptoms 17 (42.5%) activities were achieved after a mean of 21.20 days. During the average follow-up of 24 months, three patients (7.5%) developed recurrent disease.
Conclusion
Rhomboid flap and Z-plasty technique are flattening of the natal cleft, thus reducing local recurrence rates. Hence, we recommend use of flap technique for pilonidal sinus patients; Z-plasty is cosmetically more accepted as it has less postoperative complication.
IDENTIFICATION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TECHNIQUE: PERFORMANCE STUDY AND COMPARISON WITH ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY
Authors: Salih Gaza , Ali Kameran 
Published: July 2017

Background
Diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is routinely based on the serological assay of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection. However, detection of HBV DNA has been documented from HBsAg negative samples. Occult hepatitis B virus infection is generally defined as the detection of HBV DNA in the serum or tissues of subjects who have negative test for HBsAg.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of occult HBV infection among HBsAg negative subjects and the introducing of PCR as a diagnostic tool for HBV.
Methods
Serum samples from thalassemic patients and blood donors, previously tested for HBsAg by ELISA technique, were examined for the presence of HBV DNA by PCR in Kurdistan Technology and Scientific Research Establishment Center. PCR has been used due to its high specificity and sensitivity.
Results
HBV DNA was detected in 11 (100%) thalassemic patients, who had detectable HBsAg while from 29 HBsAg negative blood samples, 7 samples (24.14%) were positive between PCR and ELISA tests in detecting HBV markers. Statistically, ELISA had showed (61%) sensitivity when compared to PCR technique in detecting PCR positive HBV DNA sera samples. However, it showed (100%) specificity in detecting PCR negative HBV-DNA samples. Furthermore, no significant association was observed according to sex effects on the incidence of HBV infection.
Conclusions
These results indicated that HBV DNA was observed in HBsAg negative patients. In addition, the present study showed that using of PCR in detection of the virus in patient’s samples is more sensitive than the ELISA assay.
A CASE OF BICKERSTAFF’S BRAINSTEM ENCEPHALITIS IN CHILDHOOD
Authors: Salih Khalid 
Published: July 2017

Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis is characterized by acute progressive ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and disturbance of consciousness. It is similar to Miller Fisher syndrome, a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome, because they have some features in common like; ophthalmoplegia and ataxia. The difference is that patients with Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis have impaired consciousness and hyperreflexia while patients with Miller Fisher syndrome have alert consciousness and areflexia.
Here, we present a case 4 year and 3 month old girl with abrupt onset ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and disturbed consciousness, her brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was normal, cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytological dissociation, and Nerve conduction study is suggestive of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating-axonal motor polyneuropathy (AIDP). She has been treated successfully with steroid with complete recovery within two months.
COMPLICATIONS AFTER SURGERY FOR INVASIVE BREAST CANCER: COHORT STUDY
Authors: Ghalib Hawar Hasan Ali Ghalib 
Published: July 2017

Background
Mastectomy or wide local excision, and axillary clearance remain standard management option for majority of patients with breast cancer.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and pattern of complications following breast cancer surgery in our practice with comparison to results of international publications.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective descriptive study included 90 patients who underwent Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM), Wide Local Excision (WLE), or Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy (SLN) at Sulaimani city by the author, which were eligible according to inclusion criteria. The interviews were conducted to collect data and record the information on the structured proforma questionnaire. Some information was extracted from patients’ medical records in the hospitals
Results
Out of 90 patients, 63 (70%) of patients had seroma formation, 21 (23.2%) of them had lymphoedema, 16 (17.8%) of them were suffered from early or delayed upper arm pain, and in 4 (4.4%) of them wound infection was noticed.
Conclusion
Seroma is the most common complication of surgery for breast cancer whereas, lymphoedema is the second most common, followed by upper arm pain, and then wound infection.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH MOBILE PHONES IN SULAIMANI CITY
Authors: Majid Bayan , Fathi Narmeen , Omer Sherko 
Published: July 2017

Background
Mobile phones are one of common inanimate objects that come in contact with human hands and hence host several types of bacteria.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify the types of bacteria present on the surfaces of mobile phones in a sample of people from Sulaimani city.
Materials and Methods
This is a cross sectional study on bacterial isolation from mobile phones surfaces. After collecting data concerning the phones and their users, swab samples were obtained from phone surfaces and immediately streaked on bacteriological media. Isolated microorganisms were identified based on culture and colony characteristics, biochemical activity and Vitek® 2 identification system.
Results
Out of 400 mobile phone samples, 272 (68%) swabs showed growth of one or more microorganisms. A total of 322 microorganisms were identified, the most common isolated bacteria was Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species followed by Bacillus and Micrococcus species. Few pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogens, Staphylococcus aureus and enteric microorganisms were also isolated.
Conclusion
Mobile phones are one of the frequently used gadgets that are contaminated by many types of bacteria from human contact. The types of the bacteria on their surface reflect those on human hand which can vary according to the hand hygiene.
CORRECTION OF WHISTLE DEFORMITY BY BILOBED MUCOSAL FLAP TECHNIQUE IN UNILATERAL CLEFT LIP
Authors: Qader Ari , Hassan Hawree , Abdulmajid Dana 
Published: July 2017

Background
The whistle deformity is one of the common sequelae of secondary cleft lip deformities. It is often accompanied by asymmetric upper lip thickness and insufficient vermilion tubercle. The bilobed mucosal flap was described by Song Tao. To correct these deformities in a single stage, we have used the same technique in our study and combined with other procedure to correct wider array of secondary cleft lip deformities.
Objectives
To evaluate the reliability and versatility of bilobed mucosal flap in reconstruction of whistle deformity, insufficient tubercle and lateral vermilion redundant.
Methods
Nine patients with whistling deformities were included in our study. Their ages ranged from 5-34 year. All cases were corrected by bilobed mucosal flap, which consist of two lobes The first lobe located at the oral mucosa of the lateral affected lip side, used to correct whistle deformity and augmenting the tubercle. The second lobe elevated from the lateral vermilion mucosa on the affected side and used to repair the oral mucosal defect, at the same time it decreases the excess on the lateral side.
Results
Minimum follows up was 6 month. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. In all of the patients, whistle deformity were corrected, tubercle augmented and more symmetric vermilion appearance were achieved. Major complications (necrosis of mucosal flap, infection and recurrence of whistling deformity) did not occur in any of the patient.
Conclusion
A bilobed mucosal flap is a safe and simple procedure, effectively performed to correct combined secondary deformities after primary cheleoplasty in unilateral cleft lip patient. It can be combined with other procedures to revise upper lip scar, repair muscular diastases, and correction of severe whistle deformity.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY IN SULAIMANI
Authors: Ameen Nian 
Published: July 2017

Background
Esophageal Atresia (AE) is a sporadic unpreventable birth defect, consisting of lack of continuity between the upper and lower esophageal pouches, with prevalence rate 1-5/10 000.
Objective
The aim of this study is to describe some epidemiologic data on esophageal atresia, estimating it’s prevalence in Sulaimani province, and characterizing the cases with regards to age at presentation, gender, gestational age, pathological classification, associated anomalies, postoperative complication, and mortality rate.
Methods
This study extended from June 2006 to December 2014, in which 100 patients with esophageal atresia were managed in Pediatric Surgical Unit of Sulaimani Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani province.
Results
The total number of cases was 100 patients (61 males and 39 females), the mean gestational age was (37) weeks, and 56% had birth weight > 2500 gm. The most common type was [EA] with [TEF] (92%), thirty two percent presented between 3-7 days of age. Sixty percent of the patients developed postoperative complications; the overall birth prevalence rate in Sulaimani was 4.7 cases per10 000 live birth. The mortality rate was (69%).
Conclusion
Esophageal Atresia is a rare disease in Sulaimani, with the most common type being Esophageal Atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula. Unlike other studies, in the age of presentation, those presented after the first week, had higher survival rate.