bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Negative association of apelin plasma levels with epicardial fat thickness in patients with stable angina and acute myocardial infarction: A case–control study
Authors: Babapour Behzad , Doustkami Hossein , Avesta Leli , Kiamehr Peyman , Aslani Mohammad Reza 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Apelin is one of the endogenous peptides that play a key role in the homeostasis of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between apelin levels and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in patients with stable angina and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Materials and Methods:
In a case–control study, 90 patients nominated for angiography were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups: healthy subjects without angiographic findings (Con), stable angina pectoris group (SAP), and acute AMI group. Data collected from all subjects included biochemical, echocardiographic, and angiographical parameters. The Gensini score analyzed the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Results:
A decrease in adjusted apelin levels was evident in the AMI and SAP groups compared with healthy individuals (for both P < 0.001), especially in the AMI group. In addition, a detectable negative association was identified between apelin and Gensini score (r = −0.288, P = 0.006), Ck-MB (r = −0.300, P = 0.004), EFT (r = −0.300, P = 0.004), and troponin-T (r = −0.288, P = 0.006).

Conclusion:
Myocardial injury in patients with CAD appears to play a significant role in apelin concentration independent of the role of adipose tissue, which requires further studies.
Correlation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency with Ferritin, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, and Other Biochemical Parameters of Women in Baghdad Province
Authors: Fadhel Alaa Abbas , Khaleel Khaleed J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
The importance of vitamin D in facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and maintaining appropriate levels of these minerals in the blood for normal bone mineralization is well-established.

Objectives:
Beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D has been shown to exert a significant influence on various biochemical processes and may impact the development of certain diseases, including infections, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers. This study aimed to investigate the differences in vitamin D levels among women from Baghdad province and its potential associations with ferritin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study involved 171 apparently healthy women, categorized into two age groups: the menstrual age group (group A, mean age 36.4 ± 9.2) and the menopausal age group (group B, mean age 57.7 ± 8.4). Vitamin D levels, serum ferritin levels, and hemoglobin levels were assessed to understand the interplay between these parameters.

Results:
The results revealed that both groups exhibited low levels of vitamin D (group A: 916.56 ± 8.33; group B: 16.86 ± 10.45), low serum ferritin (group A: 11.9 ± 10.66; group B: 28.2 ± 13.67), and low hemoglobin levels (group A: 10.97 ± 1.74; group B: 11.42 ± 1.68). Notably, the results observed no significant differences in all studied parameters between these groups, except for serum ferritin (P < 0.05). Additionally, the finding demonstrated a significant positive association between vitamin D and serum ferritin levels in both groups (group A, r = +0.569, P < 0.000; group B, r = +0.405, P < 0.01). Also, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between vitamin D and hemoglobin levels (group A, r = +0.43, P < 0.001; group B, r = +0.312, P < 0.04). However, no significant correlation was found between vitamin D and TSH, urea, and creatinine levels.

Conclusion:
The implications of this study suggest that vitamin D deficiency may serve as a useful predictor and have an adverse effect on anemia in women.
Estimation of IL-8, IL-38, Vitamin D, TPO Ab, and CRP Levels in Iraqi Hashimoto Thyroiditis Patients
Authors: Iqbal Mayada Noori , Samanje Jaleel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hashimoto’s disorder is an autoimmune disease affecting cells of the thyroid gland via the diffusion of the lymphocytes into thyroid cells. Calcitriol is the active form of Vit.D3; there were a strong correlation between low Vit-D levels and development of autoimmune diseases exists and calcitriol supplementation might play a protective role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases.

Objectives:
This study aimed to estimate the levels of interlukin-8 (IL-8), interlukin-38 (IL-38), Vitamin D, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) Ab, and c-reactive protein (CRP) in Iraqi patients suffering from Hashimoto disease.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, 90 individuals (males and females) were enrolled, and divided into two groups: Hashimoto’s disorder group (60) patients and the healthy control group (30) persons were checked by the physician with the aid of medical history. The levels of TSH, Vit.D3, anti-TPO Ab, T4, IL-8, and IL-38 were measured for all the study groups.

Results:
A highly significant reduction (P < 0.001) was shown in mean levels of Vit D, T4, and IL-38 among the patient’s group in comparison with the controls, whereas a significant reduction (P < 0.05) was revealed in mean levels of CRP among patients in comparison with the controls. Also, the results showed a highly significant elevation (P < 0.001) in mean levels of TSH, IL-8, and anti-TPO antibodies among the Hashimoto disease group in comparison with the controls.

Conclusion:
Hashimoto disease caused highly significant decreases in mean levels of Vit. D, T4, IL-38, and CRP, whereas there was a highly significant increase in the levels of TSH, IL-8, and anti-TPO antibodies.
Molecular Detection of Van A and bap Genes in Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Hemodialysis Patients with Blood Stream Infections
Authors: Hawi Shahad Ali , Abdulrahman Thanaa Rasheed , Mahdi Hasanain Tuama 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground:Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a frequent consequence of hemodialysis caused by bacterial pathogens associated withStaphylococcusspp. especiallyStaphylococcus aureusfollowed by coagulase-negative Staphylococci, which can produce biofilms, and also show its ability to increase resistance to vancomycin.Objectives:Estimate the percentage ofStaphylococcusspp. associated with BSIs in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Study the antibiogram pattern of isolates and detection of the resistance genevan Aand virulencebapgene.Materials and Methods:A total of 120 blood samples, 60 from patients on hemodialysis and 60 patients suspected of bacteremia, were collected. The isolation of bacteria was performed by blood samples inoculated in BacT/ALERT bottles and then subcultured on blood agar. Identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing detection were performed by the Vitek-2 system; then a conventional polymerase chain reaction forvan Aandbapgenes was done.Results:The percentage ofS. aureuswas 64.7% within the group of HD patients followed byStaphylococcus lentus11.8%,Staphylococcus hemolyticus8.8%, andStaphylococcus hominis5.9%, whereas in non-HD patients’ group,S. aureuswas 50.0% andS. lentus25.0%. AllStaphylococcusspp. was completely resistant to vancomycin in HD and non-HD patients. The percentage ofvan Agene was 91.2% and 83.3% within HD and non-HD patients, respectively. The percentage ofbapgene was 55.9% and 58.3% within HD and non-HD patients, respectively.Conclusion:Staphylococcus aureusis the most common bacterium that causes bacteremia in dialysis patients, while other types contribute with a lower frequency.
Linking the Defect of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subunit Delta Gene to the Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mamoori Afraa Jawad , Alkafaji Haider A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
There is primitive data suggest the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit delta (GABRD) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. This research aimed to investigate the role of GABRD in patients with microsatellite instability (MSI)-associated colorectal cancer.

Materials and Methods:
In total, 58 patients diagnosed with MSI-associated adenocarcinoma of colorectal cancer participated in this study. The level of GABRD expression in both cancerous and noncancerous colonic and rectal tissue was done first by immunohistochemistry and then confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, GABRD expression level was correlated with other pathologic parameters of patients.

Results:
Overall, 72.41% of cases expressed a high level of GABRD at the genetic level, and 67.24% expressed GABRD at the protein level. Moreover, the adjacent normal tissue did not show specific expression of GABRD protein by immunohistochemical analysis. Also, this study demonstrates a significant correlation between GABRD expression to the advanced stages of MSI-associated adenocarcinoma of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion:
GABRD can be a new and important diagnostic marker in patients with MSI and can be targeted for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer having MSI. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in vitro studies will be of great value to uncover the pathway by which this gene controls the defect in mismatch repair (MMR) genes.
Tracking the Phylogenetic Origins of Proteus mirabilis and P. vulgaris in Iraq
Authors: Hassan Asraa Ali , Naji Hassan Fadhil 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Common gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria called Proteus spp. are widely known for their swarming motility and urease activity. It is the main pathogen that causes complicated urethral tract infections.

Objectives:

Proteus mirabilis and P. vulgaris isolates were isolated, and the positions of the bla
TEM, bla
CTX-M, and bla
SHV genes on the P. mirabilis isolates’ genomes were identified. The MEGA X10.2.4 software tool was employed to achieve this, and the genetic trees of P. mirabilis were created. Additionally, the isolates that represent the prevalence and degree of pathogenicity of these bacteria in Iraq were used to produce biofilms.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 210 urine samples from various patients who were hospitalized in general hospitals in Iraq between September 2021 and July 2022 were collected and yielded forty isolates of P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris. Traditional methods and the VITEK 2 compact were used to identify the isolates, which were given the names PM1 to PV40.

Results:
The results showed that all isolates were biofilm-forming, with the following ratios: 5 (15%) were weak, 31 (5.77%) were medium, and 4 (5.7%) were strong. The matching of this study isolates with NCBI-Gen bank global strains found that four isolates (PM1, PM2, PM3, and PM4) were originated in India, two isolates (PM5 and PM8) were originated in Iraq, and one (PM6) isolate was originated in Egypt.

Conclusion:
According to the results of this investigation, P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris isolates from various geographical areas show varying degrees of virulence factors. Therefore, additional researches are required to create a genetic diversity map of P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris due to variable frequencies in the sequencing of bla
TEM, bla
CTX-M, and bla
SHV genes of the isolates.
Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment among Iraqi Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Altemimi Zahraa Hussein , Gorial Faiq I. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground:Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is the prototype of spondyloarthropathies and one of the common rheumatic diseases (RDs). Various degrees of cognitive impairment have been reported with most autoimmune RDs.Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment in AS patients and its relationship to disease activity and functional limitations and the effect of various sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on cognitive function in AS patients.Materials and Methods:This case–control study comprised 100 patients with AS and 100 healthy subjects who were matched for age, gender, and educational level. Private interviews were conducted with participants to complete the questionnaire and evaluate cognitive function using the 6-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).Results:According to MoCA, 48% of AS patients and 16% of healthy controls were cognitively impaired (P= 0.001). By 6-CIT, 6% of the AS group had cognitive impairment, whereas all 100 controls had normal cognitive function (P= 0.029). There was a significant direct correlation between 6-CIT score with marital status (P= 0.020), BMI (P= 0.021), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (P= 0.008) and inverse correlation with employment (P= 0.015), education (P= 0.008), and family income (P= 0.12). There was significant direct correlation between MoCA with employment (P= 0.009), education (P= 0.005), family income (P= 0.022), and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (P= 0.008) and inverse correlation with marital status (P= 0.002).Conclusions:Patients with AS have a higher degree of cognitive impairment than healthy individuals. It is associated with disease activity, lower socioeconomic status, being widowed, and obesity. Use of NSAIDs is associated with lower cognitive impairment.
Incidental Thyroid Carcinoma in Thyroidectomy Specimen with Clinical Correlation in Iraqi Patients
Authors: Al-Sabbagh Wafaa Redha Mohammed , Al-Taee Zahraa Ali Saleh , Al-Mosawi Fatin Hasim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Incidental thyroid carcinoma is a clinically unsuspected carcinoma that was discovered by histopathological examination of a thyroidectomy specimen removed for benign diseases.

Objectives:
To evaluate the frequency of incidental thyroid carcinoma in the thyroidectomy specimens and how to avoid its sequel in Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study of 104 cases of total and subtotal thyroidectomy for benign diseases was collected from Al-Sader teaching hospital during 2019–2022, reviewed by two pathologists for incidental primary malignancy, and analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results:
Incidental thyroid malignancy was detected in 10.54% of all cases. It had been found in 13.8% of multinodular goiter (MNG) cases. Eight cases out of eleven (72.7%) of incidental malignancies were detected in total thyroidectomy specimens and the same percentage of them were detected in MNG cases. Ten out of eleven cases (90.9%) of incidental carcinoma were papillary carcinoma type (six cases were micropapillary type and four cases were conventional type of papillary carcinoma) with one case of follicular carcinoma.

Conclusion:
MNG does not mean the absence of carcinoma in the thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy is the best surgery to avoid complications of unsuspected carcinoma and the sequel of another surgery.
Serum Elabela Level as a Reliable Biomarker for Predicting of Liver Fibrosis in Iraqi Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Ali Eham Amer , Al-Bayati Ali Abdulateef Hasan , Farhan Salman Alea 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Elabela is a newly discovered peptide hormone that has been implicated in liver disease.

Objective:
The main objective of the current work is to assess whether variations in blood Elabela levels among chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients from Iraq might be used as a biomarker for liver fibrosis.

Materials and Methods:
A case-control study was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq. The overall sample size (n = 80) that met the inclusion criteria was divided into two groups as follows: 40 patients who were diagnosed with CHC and 40 healthy matched individuals. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) was used to identify the group of patients at risk for liver fibrosis. The routine complete blood count, liver function, and serum Elabela tests were performed. Serum Elabela level was evaluated by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results:
Serum Elabela was significantly higher in the CHC group (33.89 ± 8.51 ng/mL) than in the control group (18.11 ± 5.27 ng/mL). In addition, the percentage of CHC patients at a high risk of developing fibrosis was 42.5%. Also, the high-risk fibrosis group showed a significantly higher concentration of Elabela and APRI than the other groups (low-risk and control) at P < 0.0001. Alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransaminase showed a high increase while a low decrease in both Hb and platelet count against the healthy group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:
High serum Elabela level in CHC patients compared to the control group was associated with liver fibrosis and could be used clinically as a reliable biomarker to determine the high-risk patient in need of invasive liver biopsy and hazardous therapeutics.
Cytokine Genetic Polymorphism of Interleukin-4 and Risk of Asthma in Some Iraqi Patients
Authors: Naif Alaa Jawad , Ibraheam Israa Adnan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Asthma, a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder, is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Allergic asthma is becoming more common because of higher levels of air pollution. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays an important role in allergic inflammation and causes the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Objective:
The present study aims to shed light on the association between cytokine genetic polymorphisms and asthma in Iraqi patients, and to determine their impact on the risk of disease, under the scope of the following: (1) IL-4 cytokines, in terms of their serum level. (2) Assessment of the polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the IL-4, genes in asthma disease patients was carried out, and then their impact on the profile of investigated cytokines was evaluated. Such a collective evaluation may aid in a better understanding of etiopathogenesis in the asthma disease.

Materials and Methods:
A case-control study was conducted that included 100 participants divided into a patient group (n = 50) with bronchial asthma and a healthy group as a control (n = 50) without asthma. Blood specimens were collected from participants at Marjan Hospital, Babylon Governorate. Serum levels of IL-4 were estimated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. IL4-590 gene polymorphism was detected using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primer sequences.

Results:
The mean concentrations of serum IL-4 were significantly higher in patients having asthma compared to the healthy group (149.84 vs. 53.50, P < 0.0001). In terms of allele and genotype frequencies, the TT genotype was shown to be less common in asthma group compared to controls (4% vs. 22%), whereas the CT genotype was more common in asthma patients (34% vs. 16%). The CC genotype was similar between the two groups. The T allele was more frequent in healthy (39%) compared to asthmatic group (12%), whereas the C allele frequency was higher in asthma patients (61%) compared to controls (88%).

Conclusion:
This study suggests that gene polymorphism of IL4-590 is associated with risk of developing asthma. Asthma patients have elevated levels of IL-4 and a lower frequency of the TT genotype, indicating an increased likelihood of developing asthma when carrying the T allele and TT genotype. Conversely, the C allele may have a protective influence against asthma development.
Radiological Evaluation of Uterine Tubes in Infertile Women with Previous Pelvic Surgery
Authors: Ahmed Rasha Nadeem 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Infertility is a disease that affects 8%–12% of couples at their reproductive age. Tubal factors account for 20%–30% of infertility cases. Tubal infertility can be caused by infections, endometriosis, and complications from previous abdominopelvic surgery.

Objectives:
The objective of the study is to determine the impact of pelvic surgery on future fertility by examining the fallopian tubes for any potential damage using a hysterosalpingography (HSG) examination.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, in two clinics from March 2022 to September 2022 by examining 317 infertile females using HSG. The exam was done as part of an infertility workup.

Results:
The results revealed that the study included 317 infertile women patients with a mean age of 28.82 ± 6.9 years (range 17–49 years), of these, 184 patients (58.04%) with primary infertility, and 133 patients (41.95%) with secondary infertility. The years of infertility ranged between 1 and 20 years and a median of 4 years. The history of one or more previous pelvic interventions was recorded in 39 cases (12.3%). The prevalence of tubal abnormalities was noted in 23.1% of cases with previous pelvic intervention and 13.3% in other patients, with an odds ratio of 1.95 at a 95% confidence interval. Tubal abnormalities do not differ significantly according to the type of infertility, and the mean age of infertile women with tubal abnormalities is not statistically different from those with normal tubes.

Conclusion:
This study concludes that pelvic surgeries, particularly cesarean operations increase the risk of developing subsequent fallopian tube abnormalities and pelvic adhesions, which can lead to infertility.
Postpartum Pelvic floor disorder in Primiparous women - A prospective observational study
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Prateeksha B. S. , Puri Manju , Saran Brijesh , Thariani Karishma 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) describes clinical conditions related to changes in the pelvic floor causing voiding and defecation problems, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. The postpartum period being associated with the onset or aggravation of PFD gives us an opportunity for identification and intervention. The evidence implicating vaginal delivery as a cause of PFD is controversial. This study will increase the understanding of the effect of vaginal birth on PFD, especially in the South Asian population.

Methodology:
A prospective observational study using pelvic floor disability index (PFDI 20) questionnaire (Hindi Version) was conducted. Two hundred primiparous women with term singleton fetuses who were admitted for planned delivery at term were enrolled and PFDI 20 questionnaire was filled. These women were followed till delivery and divided into two groups normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and LSCS. Enrolled women were followed up at 3 months postpartum and assessed using the PFDI 20 questionnaire.

Results:
Most common PFD symptom was POP in both groups followed by fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence symptoms. The percentage prevalence of any PFD symptoms was more in LSCS 67% as compared to 63% in the NVD group. The women with body mass index >28, prolonged labor >18 h, and instrumental delivery women with birth weight >3 kg had a higher prevalence of any PFD symptoms at 3 months postpartum irrespective of mode of delivery.

Conclusion:
Vaginal delivery should always remain as the first and best choice for delivery.
Tobacco Free Educational Institutions in India: TOWS Analysis
Authors: Gurung Deepak , Bhardwaj Vinay Kumar , Fotedar Shailee 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Younger age has a greater likelihood of neurological vulnerability to nicotine initiation and addiction. Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), guidelines are essential to promote a healthy learning environment for educational institutes. Better compliance with ToFEI guidelines leads to better implementation and enforcement for creating more positive and safe learning environment for student and staff. The need arises on identifying the potential areas of realistic engagement and action on tobacco use prevention among children using TWOS analysis of ToFEI guidelines in educational institutes. Moderate compliance has been achieved as far as ToFEI. TOWS analysis further enhances compliance in ToFEI by overcoming external factors (opportunity and threat) through its inherent internal factors (weakness and strength). Thus, clarity in strength and weakness of ToFEI guidelines will reduce vulnerability and susceptibility to threats by enhancing opportunities in ToFEI.