bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SPONTANEOUS CLOSURE OF ISOLATED VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT IN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF LIFE
Authors: Salam Tishk , Salih Aso , Rashid Jamal 
Published: July 2017

Background
Isolated VSD is the most common congenital heart defect. The defect can be in any portion in the septum and of different size that play an important role in the clinical outcomes of its spontaneous closure.
Objective
To correlate the size and location (excluding inlet type) of isolated VSD with spontaneous closure rate in the 1st 5 years of life.
Materials and Methods
This is a retrospective study for patient’s record with VSD that visited Sulaimani Pediatric Teaching Hospital during 1st of January 2006 to 30th of February 2011 in Echocardiography Unit observed and studied by the same operator. The data analysis of 87 children records with isolated VSD had been studied on frequent outpatient clinic visits and followed up for a maximum period of 5 years or until spontaneous closure had occurred. Results from two dimensional, and Doppler (spectral and color) echocardiography examinations were evaluated for each patient.
Results
The age range of patients at time of initial examination who received follow up was 5 days to 12 months old. Spontaneous closure occurred in 43 (49.4%) of the 87 cases that were followed up for 5 years. Thirty six (62.1%) cases of small, 7 (35%) cases of moderate and none of the patients with large VSDs had spontaneous closure. Spontaneous closure was noted in 34 (72.3%) of 47 cases of muscular defects and in 9 (22.5%) of 40 patients with perimembranous VSD. The time of spontaneous closure ranged from 1 to 60 months and it occurred most commonly during the first 24 months of age. By the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year cumulative spontaneous closure occurred in 28.7%, 43.6%, 47.1%, and 48.2% respectively and at the 5th year it was seen in all 43 cases.
Conclusion
More than half of the small and one third of moderate size VSD had spontaneous closure by 5 year of age. Two thirds of muscular and nearby one fourth of perimembraneous defects have closed spontaneously.The majority of spontaneous closures occurred in the first 2 years of life.
PROSTHODONTIC STATUS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING PERAMERD SPECIALIST DENTAL CENTRE IN SULAIMANI CITY
Authors: AL-Jmoor Cheman , Abdulkarim Jwan , Abdulaziz Jwan 
Published: July 2017

Background
Tooth loss is a significant problem related to general health and the quality of life. The prevalence of edentulism and number of remaining teeth per capita are commonly used as main indicators of dental health status in national surveys.
Objectives
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between socioeconomic and educational level of the patient, smoking, and the general health status with the tooth loss among a sample of Sulaimani city residents.
Patients and Methods
Two hundred fifty patients attending Peramerd Dental Centre / Prosthetic Clinic for treatment were included in the study. A formal case sheet was used to record the required information. The patients were informed that the recorded information was required for a research purpose and it will be used in a survey and their consents and agreements were taken verbally. The relationship between the variables were investigated then evaluated.
Results
The study results showed that; 158 of the patients were females (63.2%), 92 were male (36.8%). The age range of the patients was 30-60 years. Upper complete denture was (4.5) times more than lower complete denture, 222 (88.8%) of patients required removable partial denture in one or both arches. Insignificant difference was found in the construction of the complete denture in both arches when compared to one arch and related to age group. very highly significant difference were found in the number of patients wearing partial and or complete denture as related to socioeconomic/occupational status; (78.05%) of the complete denture patients were unemployed, (21.95%) were self employed and no one of the civil servant group required complete denture, while (44.14%) of the civil servant group demand removable partial denture. Patients with diabetes mellitus had the highest number of complete denture construction; 14 (34.1%), while the smokers had the highest number of missing teeth compared to the other health problems variables.
Conclusion
Socioeconomic level, smoking, and health problems as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, has a high influence upon the dental health and the number of the missing teeth in the mouth.
CONTINUOUS DARKNESS INDUCES STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THYROID GLAND OF ADULT MALE RATS
Authors: Eleiwe Samia , Khamees Nibras , Karim Shilan 
Published: July 2017

Background
The thyroid glands function and structure are influenced by several psychomotor stimulants like: temperature, drugs, chemicals and light. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous darkness on the thyroid glands of male rats. Despite so many previous works to explore the effect of exogenous or endogenous melatonin on thyroid, there are few studies dealing with the outcome of progressively increasing phases of darkness on thyroid architecture, according to the available literatures.
Objectives
This work is intended to study the effect of rising period of continuous darkness on thyroid tissues in adult male rats.
Methods
Adult Wister albino rats were kept in total 24 hours darkness for successive 4 phases. These rats were divided into 8 groups. Group II, III, IV and V were cited in continuous darkness for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks in that order. Group Iɑ, Group Ib, Group Ic , and Group Id were control groups of group II, III, IV and V likewise. After the last day of the dark phase dedicated for each group, the animals were sacrificed under effect of anesthesia. The thyroid gland was separated, weighed and right lobe was practiced to study its structural changes.
Results
The results illustrated no key structural effect by short and medium phases of darkness, while on long phases; there was detrimental effect on thyroid tissues.
Conclusion
The continuous darkness for a long time has undesirable histological and anatomical changes on the thyroid tissues of the adult male rats in a manner correlated with the length of publicity.
PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS ABOUT BIRTH INTERVAL IN A SAMPLE OF WOMEN ATTENDING OUTPATIENT CLINICS OF TEACHING HOSPITALS IN ERBIL CITY
Authors: Rasul Aziza , Al-Hadithi Tariq 
Published: July 2017

Background and Objectives
Adequate child-spacing is considered a positive factor for the health of mothers and their children. This study was done to assess perceptions of women about birth spacing and associated socio-demographic factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was done from April 2010 through April 2011 on 500 mothers aged 15–52 years attending outpatient clinics of teaching hospitals in Erbil city. All had given birth to at least 2 children within the last 10 years prior to the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire including socio-demographic information and perception about birth spacing.
Results
Only 25.6% preferred a birth interval of < 3 years, while the rest favored ≥ 3 years. Adequate birth spacing preference was significantly associated with younger age at marriage. Nearly half were not aware of the mortality and morbidity risks associated with short interval.
Conclusion
Women’s perception and awareness in Erbil city about birth interval is comparable to that of neighbouring countries. Nearly half of the women lacked awareness of importance of adequate birth spacing.
SEROPREVALENCE OF ANTI-RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS ANTIBODIES IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN SULAIMANI GOVERNORATE/ IRAQ
Authors: G. Aziz Tariq , Hussain Ali 
Published: July 2017

Background
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory pathogen among children, and it is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among hospitalized children.
Objectives
To measure the seroprevalence of anti-RSV antibodies among hospitalized children presenting with acute respiratory tract infections in Sulaimani Governorate, Kurdistan/Iraq.
Methods
ELISA technique was used to detect serum anti-RSV antibodies (IgM and IgG antibodies) from 300 hospitalized children less than 5 years old with a diagnosis of acute respiratory tract infections.
Results
IgM anti-RSV was positive in 61 (20.3%) out of 300 children. The highest seroprevalence was found in the age group 1 to < 2 years, while the lowest in the age group 2 to < 3 years. No significant gender difference was found among seropositive children. The IgM anti – RSV seropositive children were suffering from bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory tract infections in a frequency of 29 (47.5%), 15 (24.6%), and 17 (27.9%). The IgG anti-RSV antibodies were positive in 216 (72%) out of the 300 children, and there was a gradual increase in percentage of seropositivity with increasing age.
Conclusion
RSV is a common viral respiratory pathogen among hospitalized children in Sulaimani governorate/ Kurdistan/Iraq, and most of the children had experienced RSV infection by the age of five years.
A POTENTIAL FOR THE SHORTEST TREATMENT OF MODERATELY SEVERE ACNE VULGARIS WITH THE USE OF MINIMUM- AND LOW- DOSE OF ISOTRETINOIN
Authors: Kaftan Faraedon 
Published: July 2017

Background
Acne vulgaris is a common human skin disease. Isotretinoin is one of many pharmaceutical agents used in the treatment of patients with moderate and severe forms of acne.
Objectives
To use minimum- and low-dose of isotretinoin for the shortest period in the treatment of patients with moderate acne vulgaris.
Patients and Methods
We have carried out this study on 210 patients with moderate papulopustular acne. From the beginning to compare between the patients they were divided into two age groups: the first group between 12 and 20 years; the second group between 21 and 35 years. Both groups of patients were followed up for four years. All patients were treated for 4 months with isotroin capsules with a dosage of 40 mg/day in two divided doses for two months and then decreased to 20 mg/day for another two months. Before and after the two and four months treatment laboratory tests were carried out for complete blood cell counts, liver and lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides). Pregnancy tests were also carried out before treatment in female patients of child-bearing potential and interested in this regimen.
Results
The first group included 110 patients, with a female/male ratio of 2:1, mean age 17.2 years, and a mean body weight of 56.3 kg. 99.1% of the patients achieved complete remission, whilst 0.9% of the patients failed to respond to the treatment. The relapse rate was 3.6% and the mean total dosage of isotroin was 63.9 mg/kg, whereas and the daily dose of the drug was 0.5 mg/kg/day. The second group included 100 patients, with a female/male ratio of 2.6:1, mean age 25.3 years, and a mean body weight of 66.8 kg. 99% of the patients achieved complete remission, whilst 1% of the patients failed to respond to the treatment. The relapse rate was 4%, the mean total dosage of isotroin was 53.9 mg/kg and the daily dose of the drug was 0.45 mg/kg/day. In both groups, the most common side effects in all the patients were mild to severe cheilitis and dryness of the skin. Only one patient suffered of epistaxis. After the 4-month treatment only one of the patients had high serum triglycerides. None of the patient had elevation of liver enzymes.
Conclusion
In moderately severe acne vulgaris, excellent results can be obtained with minimum- and low-dose oral isotretinoin for only four months of treatment.
Pediococcus pentosaceus SEPTIC ARTHRITIS OF KNEE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed , Omer Sherko , Fathulla Taha , Nori Rebar , Delmany Abdulla 
Published: July 2017

A diabetic man with chronic liver disease developed septic arthritis of knee. The joint infection was caused by Gram positive cocci called Pediococcus pentosaceus.
OUTCOME OF CAPITONNAGE IN MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY HYDATIDOSIS
Authors: Baram Aram , Al Ali Saffa 
Published: July 2017

Background
Pulmonary hydatidosis is an endemic disease in Iraq. The treatment of choice for pulmonary hydatid disease (PHD) is surgical. The the aims of surgery are evacuation of cyst contents, closure of bronchial openings, and prevention of intra-operative soiling. The management of residual cyst cavity is controversial and the majority of surgeon recommend leaving the cavity open. However, others prefer to close it by capitonnage.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to assess the outcome and safety of capitonnage in surgery of pulmonary hydatid cyst and comparing our results with the relevant literature.
Patients and Methods
Seventy two patients with diagnosis of PHD (simple or complicated) admitted to our institution from November, 1st 2010 to July, 1st 2013. The demographic and clinical features were recorded. Diagnostic work-up was clinical, plain chest X-rays aided by CT scan of the chest and bronchoscopy in doubtful cases. Serological tests were not done routinely. In all patients the residual cavity of the cyst was closed by capitonnage using a series of purse-string Vicryl sutures from the bottom outwards.
Results
The cysts were intact in 38 patients (52.17%) and ruptured in the remaining 34 (47.83%). lung parenchyma preserving techniques were used in all patients except one (1.4%) who had lobectomy. All patients run a smooth postoperative course except five (6.9%) who developed prolonged air leak (n=1), empyema (n=2), empyema and pneumothorax (n=1) and one case of recurrence (1.4%). There was no mortality.
Conclusions
The results of capitonnage procedure in this series were superior to studies in which the cyst cavity was left open with lower complication and reoperation rates.
NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS IN SULAIMANIYAH, IRAQI KURDISTAN: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF 50 CASES
Authors: Hussain Nadhim Ari , Othman Nasih , Mustafa Nabaz 
Published: July 2017

Background
Very little is known about neural tube defects (NTDs) in Iraqi Kurdistan. This study was undertaken in Sulaymaniyah province in order to describe these defects in the area and report on the outcome of patients.
Methods
This descriptive study involved a case series of 50 patients admitted with NTD to the department of neurosurgery at Sulaimaniyah Teaching Hospital during 2006-2010.
Results
Ninety eight patients were admitted to the centre of whom 50 patients were included in the study. The estimated incidence at birth was 3.5 per 10,000, 56% of the patients were females and 44% were males with a female to male ratio of 1.27. The median age at first visit was 9 days (Interquartile range 1, 36). The maternal age ranged from 17-42 years with a mean age of 28 years (SD 6 years). Eight percent of the children had siblings with NTDs, 6% had other anomalies and 12% of their parents were relatives in blood. The majority of lesions (76%) were myelomeningocele, 14% were meningocele and 10% were myeloschisis. Only half of the patients were diagnosed during pregnancy and 30% of all patients had hydrocephalus at time of diagnosis. There was no significant association between sex and site of lesion (P=0.3) and between sex and type of the lesion (P=0.5).
Conclusion
Establishment of prenatal screening is essential in order to help parents to be prepared and make an informed decision about pregnancy. Antenatal care must be strengthened for all pregnant women and folic acid supplementation should be emphasized.
A REVIEW OF 27 PATIENTS TREATED WITH PAROTIDECTOMY AT AL-YARMOUK TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: Salem Al-Kawaz Hayder , Salem Ehsan , Karim Shilan 
Published: July 2017

Background
Parotid gland tumors are the majority of tumors which arise in the salivary glands. Recommended treatment for parotid pathologies is surgical excision. Injury of the facial nerve is the most common complication encountered after parotid surgery.
Objective
Analyzing the clinical presentations, histopathology and complications following parotid surgery.
Methods
Patient’s documents were reviewed for those underwent parotidectomy between September 2006 to June 2012. Diagnosis and surgical procedure were standardized in all cases. All patients were monitored thoroughly specially for facial nerve injury and they were followed up for six months.
Results
27 patients underwent Parotidectomy with a mean age of 51 years, with male to female ratio 2.8:1. There were two false negative (FN) and one false positive (FP) reported cases by ne needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with sensitivity of 50% and a speci city of 95.65%. Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign pathology (55.56%). Postoperative facial nerve injury encountered in (37.04 %). 80% of cases were completely recovered in 6 months.
Conclusion
FNAC should be performed in all patients but regarded only as a helpful investigation for management. And the risk of facial nerve palsy is related to the type, size and extend of the tumour and radicality of the resection done.
ANTIBACTERIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY IN URINARY TRACT INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN IN SULAIMANI
Authors: Hamawandi Adnan , Omer Sherko , Tayib Tara , Mustafa Mahammd 
Published: July 2017

Background
Urinary tract infection is a common infection among children with recognized pathogens that can have different susceptibility to antibacterial agents in different communities. It is recognized as a cause of acute morbidity and chronic medical conditions.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify the causative agents in pediatric urinary tract infection as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated microorganisms.
Patients and Methods
A prospective study involved 86 pediatric patients suspected to have urinary tract infection. Physical examination and ultrasonographic examination were carried out. Urine samples were cultured, examined, and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on bacterial isolates according to Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.
Results
Pyuria was found in 60 (70 %) of the urine samples. Twenty nine (39%) samples yielded a positive culture while 31 (61%) of pyuria samples yielded no growth. Seven (19%) urine samples showed no pyuria but yielded a positive culture. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli followed by Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin while 22 (95.6%) isolates out of 23 were susceptible to amikacin and 78% of E. coli were susceptible to ceftriaxone, cefixime and ciprofloxacin. E. coli isolates were highly resistant to cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin.
Conclusion
Pediatric urinary tract infections are more common in females than males in all age groups and affect more preschool age group. Common uropathogens were E. coli which were commonly resistant to many commonly used antibiotics such as cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin, but were highly sensitive to nitrofurantoin and amikacin.
SKIN NEEDLING THERAPY IS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR ATROPHIC FACIAL ACNE SCARS
Authors: Kaftan Faraedon 
Published: July 2017

Background
Acne is a common condition seen in up to 80% of people between 11 and 30 years of age. In some patients, the severe inflammatory response results in permanent scars. Atrophic facial scars are always a challenge to treat. Skin needling therapy is a new, simple and an effective treatment for such scars.
Objective
To assess the ef cacy of skin needling in the management of grade 2 and 3 atrophic facial acne scars.
Patients and Methods
Twenty five patients with facial acne scars were enrolled in the study (17 female and 8 male patients; age range 14–42 years). The severity of the lesions in each patient was scored on a 10-point scale (0 = no lesions; 10 = maximum severity) by the researcher involved in the study. Three groups of patients were identified and patients with Grade 2 and 3 atrophic facial acne scars were included. Patients were treated with skin needling procedure. Four photographs were taken for each patient by the researcher; one before, one immediately after the procedure done and another one after one month from the first session then one month after the second session of the treatment. At every follow-up, the same researcher evaluated the scars, scoring them using the same scale as previously, to assess any clinical improvement in the severity of the lesions. The last follow-up was conducted one month after the second treatment then the photographs were compared with the photographs taken before the first treatment and each patient was given a new severity score.
Results
One month after the rst session of skin needling; all patients had smoother facial skin and a slight reduction in lesion severity. One month after the second session of skin needling, the improvement in the acne rolling scars was evident as photographic comparison in each group of patients showed that the skin became thicker; and independent of the lesion grading the relative rolling scar depth was significantly reduced
Conclusion
Skin needling therapy is a simple, cheap, office method and an effective treatment for atrophic facial acne scars.
BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM PEDIATRIC BLOOD CULTURE AND THEIR RESPONSE TO ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
Authors: Omer Sherko 
Published: July 2017

Background
The blood stream can be invaded by many bacteria in the course of many infections resulting in bacteremia or septicemia.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and the types of bacteria isolated form pediatric blood cultures and identify their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
Patients and Methods
A retrospective study on the laboratory reports of blood cultures from pediatric patients attended Sulaimani Pediatric Teaching Hospital during 18 months period.
Results
From 6024 processed blood cultures, 512 cultures yielded positive for growth of bacteria (8.4%). Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest microorganism isolated from both Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and other hospital units. This was followed by Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli in NICU, while in other hospital units Staphylococcus aureus was followed by E. coli and Enterobacter spp.. Salmonella Typhi was isolated from 5.8% of blood cultures. The isolates mostly were resistant to many antimicrobial drugs. Certain antimicrobial agents showed to be more effective such as vancomycin, amikacin and cefaclor while more than 80% of the isolates were resistant to other agents such as ampicillin, oxacillin, carbincillin and ceftriaxone.
Conclusion
Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest bacteria isolated from blood cultures followed by Gram negative Enterobacteriaceae. The isolated bacteria were resistant to many antimicrobial agents while vancomycin andamikacin were found to be more effective than other agents.