bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Epidemiological Study of Intestinal Parasites in Children Attending the Pediatric Teaching Hospital in the Holy City Of Karbala, Iraq
Authors: Al-Sultany Aseel Kariem , Al-Morshidy Kassim Abdulla 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Intestinal parasitosis remains an important public health concern worldwide because of its high incidence reached in several countries as well as its nutritional consequences. The role of intestinal parasites in causing morbidity and mortality, as well as the pathogenesis of other infectious diseases, is determined. Intestinal parasitic infection is most common among school-age children and tends to cause high-intensity infection in this age group. Intestinal parasites are divided into two major types: helminths and protozoa. Protozoa are unicellular organisms and belong to the Protista kingdom and can reproduce in the human body which can allow the formation of serious infections.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to detect the incidence of intestinal parasites in children attending and hospitalized at Karbala Teaching Hospital in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
Between February 2021 and January 2022, 3748 feces samples from children between the age of 1 and 15 years were tested using both direct smear and acid fast stain test in addition to rapid test techniques.

Results:
The result showed that the total percentage of infection with intestinal parasites was 13% and recorded five types of intestinal parasites: Entamoeba histolytica (10.54%), Giardia lamblia (2.46%), Cryptosporidium parvum 0.4%, Hymenolepis nana (0.24%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.13%), and Trichomonas hominis (0.03%). Males were more likely to get infected than females, and the incidence of intestinal parasite infection (IPI) changed over the month of the study. Also, the infection with one species has more incidence than two and three species. The age groups of the infected children were likewise impacted by the infection rate. The statistical analysis revealed differences in the percentage of IPI by age and gender of children (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:
We conclude from the result of the present study that the incidence of infection with E. histolytica is more than that of other intestinal parasites, and intestinal parasites were affected by most epidemiological criteria such as gender, the duration of the study, and age of infected patients.
Immunological Impact of Ricinus communis Leaves Extract on Isolated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Naji Reem Akram , AL-Daher Russell Issam , Abood Doaa Adil , Madlum Kaiser N. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Plants are the source of many important drugs. Ricinus communis is utilized as a traditional folkloric remedy for the treatment of a wide extend of diseases around the world. Large number of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds that have an established anticancer, antimicrobial, and immunological impact presence in many plant families.

Objective:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunological impact of R. communis leaves extract on human immune response using isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC).

Materials and Methods:
Cells were isolated using the gradient centrifugation method and treated with R. communis leaves extract at different concentrations, and then, the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the immunologic effect was estimated by measuring the cytokine levels via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results:
Plant extract showed a low cytotoxic effect on PBMNC at therapeutic doses and high doses (1000 µg/mL) used. Plant extract caused a significant reduction in the levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17 at higher doses and increased IFN-[Latin Small Letter Gamma] at both doses used.

Conclusion:

R. communis leaves extract appears to be safe for medical uses and has immunomodulatory effects.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a day-case surgery in Azadi Teaching Hospital, Duhok
Authors: Khalid Arqam M M , Musa Dildar Haji , Mohammed Sabah Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a routine surgery performed daily in surgical settings.

Objectives:
In this prospective study, we aimed to explore the rate of complications in patients who underwent LC as a day-case surgery and discharged at an early stage (8–12 h postoperatively). In addition, the degree of symptom resolution and safety, and feasibility of the LC were examined accordingly.

Materials and Methods:
In this prospective study, 150 patients who underwent LC between October 2021 and October 2022 who attended surgery department of Azadi teaching hospital in Duhok were included. The general and medical characteristics of patients were obtained from their medical records. The surgical site infection was recorded through a standardized questionnaire.

Results:
The patients were predominately females (95, 63.3%) and had American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification I (110, 73.3%) aged between 18 and 65 years. The study found that 95% of patients were discharged within the first 8–10 h postoperatively. The rate of readmission was found among 5.3% (n = 8). The complication rate was 8% (n = 12. The surgical site infection rate was 6% (n = 6). The combined complication rate was 8% (n = 12). The complete resolution of symptoms was found among 80% of patients. Among 4% of the patients who had residual symptoms, 10% had abdominal discomfort, 4% had reflux symptoms, and 2% reported diarrhea. The satisfaction rate was 97.3%. There was a statistically significant difference between admitted and re-admitted patients regarding gall bladder perforation, conversion to open surgery and overnight hospital stay (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
This study shows that the LC is a safe surgical technique because the rate of complications were low and most of them were minor and managed appropriately, we also concluded that LC is a safe day-case surgery with low readmission rate and high patients satisfaction, overall it will decrease the hospital burden and bed occupancy rate.
Association Between Hepatitis C Virus Infections and Toll-Like Receptor 3 Gene Polymorphism, Erbil City
Authors: Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Bahaulddin , Mohammed Blnd Ibrahim , Amin Tariq Hammed 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected about 180 million people by 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 71 million people worldwide are infected with chronic HCV. HCV is considered as a main public health problem globally, and recently it has been observed that the prevalence of this virus is declining but still populations with asymptomatic chronic HCV exists. The main objective of the present study was to determine the effects of TLR3 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the susceptibility of HCV infections in Erbil city of Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
For this purpose, samples were collected from many private hospitals, which included 50 samples from patients with HCV and 10 samples as controls from healthy people. The sample followed molecular techniques for determining toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) SNP. Finally, the results were analyzed using Chromas-Pro software.

Results:
The results of the present study showed that both age and gender have a crucial role in HCV infection. About 66% of the HCV patients were males and 64% of patients were above 40 years.

Conclusion:
The results concluded that there was a significant relation between TLR 3 SNP (rs78726532 polymorphism) and the risk of HCV infection in population of Erbil city.
The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Dexamethasone-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats Testes
Authors: Alahmar Ahmed T. , Al Jothery Aqeel Handil Tarish , Al-Daami Qasim Jawad , Abbas Ahmed , Al-Hassnawi Alaa Tariq Shakir 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Oxidative stress is a contributing factor in 30%–80% of infertile men.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coenzyme Q10 on dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress in rats testes.

Materials and Methods:
Sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of four: group 1 (control) received 1 mL of distilled water daily orally; group 2 received dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally; group 3 received coenzyme Q10 30 mg/kg/day orally; and group 4 received dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 via the same routes. Testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as testicular histopathological changes were compared among groups.

Results:
Although testicular SOD was lower in groups 3 and 4, dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 treatment did not significantly alter TAC, SOD, CAT, or histopathological features of rats testes.

Conclusion:
Dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (30 mg/kg/day) may have no impact on gonadal oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, or spermatogenesis in rats testes with these doses.
Prevalence and Epidemiological Characteristics Associated with Hookah Smoking and Alcohol Consumption among Medical Students in Najaf, Iraq
Authors: Abbood Sarah Kadhim , Abd Alridha Ali Mohammed , Al-Gburi Karrar Mohammed , Ali Mohsin Noorulhuda , Ismael Afnan Saud , Ali Ahmed Basim , Salih Ali Talib 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Reporting patterns of hookah smoking (HS) and alcohol consumption (AC) in Iraq are limited.

Objectives:
This study aims to investigate the prevalence of HS and AC among medical undergraduates in Najaf, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
A pilot-tested online self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sampling followed the “snowball” technique. The associations of HS and AC with the participants’ characteristics, perceived risk of harm, motives, and consequences were tested.

Results:
The preceding month’s prevalence of HS and AC (at least once) was 13.8% and 2%, respectively. The age at initiation was mainly <15 years (59.3% of smokers and 92.3% of drinkers). The presence of a friend who drinks or smokes and skipping life problems were statistically significant motives for the habits (P-value < 0.05). Smoking mainly caused problems with parents (10.1%) and poor performance at school or work (7%), whereas AC mainly caused problems with teachers (8.5%) and fights (5.2%).

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the prevalence of HS and AC among medical undergraduates in Najaf, Iraq, was reported, and several associated characteristics were discerned. The findings help develop targeted interventions to protect future generations of medical professionals from the hazards of HS and AC.
Investigation of the Salivary Antioxidants and Oxidative Damage among Smokers and Non-Smokers with Dental Caries
Authors: Oda Hadeel Adman , Hessan Hanan Selman , Al Helal Ahmed Ghanim 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Salivary oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the progression of dental caries. However, evidence from previous studies provides equivocal results with some data supported the link between dental caries and salivary oxidative stress, while others did not find any relationship.

Objectives:
This study was designed to investigate the levels of salivary oxidative stress among smokers and non-smokers with dental caries.

Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred adult males, who visited the Conservative and Operative Clinics at the College of Dentistry, Babylon University, Iraq for the period from November 2021 until April 2022, were recruited in this study and were randomly subdivided into three groups; G1: smokers with dental caries, N = 35; G2: non-smokers with dental caries, N = 35; G3: non-smokers without dental caries (control), N = 30. Markers of salivary total antioxidants (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in all studied groups. The potential correlations between these markers and other factors such as smoking duration, number of smoked cigarettes per day, and subject’s age were also measured.

Result:
The levels of TAC were significantly (P = 0.01) greater in patients with dental caries compared to those levels in a control group, while the levels of salivary MDA were not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) differed among all studied groups. Smoking had no significant (P ≥ 0.05) effects on both markers of oxidative stress (TAC and MDA). All measured correlations between makers of oxidative stress and smoking duration, number of smoked cigarettes per day, and subject’s age were insignificant (P ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions:
Salivary antioxidants may be involved in the progression of dental caries. However, further studies are needed to establish whether markers of oxidative stress (TAC and MDA) are the causes or results of dental caries.
Facts and Fictions about Toxoplasma gondii in Women of Misan Province
Authors: Abduljalil Alsaad Rasha Khalil 
Published: May 2024

Background:

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most common protozoa worldwide that infects human and animals. Because of lack of data about the facts and myths of T. gondii infection in human Iraq, this study was aimed to define and answered all the related questions in a scientific knowledge manner.

Materials and Methods:
A survey study was conducted among women to assess their knowledge about facts and myths of toxoplasmosis in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq, from November 1, 2018 to July 30, 2022. All women answered all the questions. A total of 6055 women, aged from 18 to 68 years, were enrolled, only comprising women who lived in Misan. A questionnaire was constructed upon the objectives and involved questions correlated to personal, demographic, social, economic, and educational information. The questionnaire investigated facts and myths concerning T. gondii.

Results:
All women completed the survey lists with a response rate of 100%. The mean age was 41.53 ± 20.74 years. Most individuals (3133, 51.74%) were grouped to 18–40 years of age. In terms of the knowledge of toxoplasmosis, women who knew a person with toxoplasmosis (23.15%), though it affects men (47.46%), thought that it is an infectious disease (86.16%), thought that it can be prevented (68.22%), thought that it can be treated or cured (82.84%), thought that it is a hereditary condition (59.64%), thought that cats are a causative agent of toxoplasmosis (74.15%) and thought that it transmits by intersexual course (34.32%). Concerning risk knowledge, women who thought the risk of toxoplasmosis transport by eating unhealthy food are 70.45%, women who thought the risk is raised when wearing tight underwear are 42.25%, women who thought the risk was raised with old age are 49.58%, women who thought the risk could be raised when they use contraceptives are 31.11%, women who thought the risk increased with pregnancy are 84.23%, and women who thought the risk could be raised with smoking and alcohol intake are 45.70%. Of 6055 women, a total of 5578 (92.12%) women said that toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease. About 96.10% of the sample said that it transmits by cats. Almost always, 99.45% of women thought that it is a cause of abortion, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies. In addition, only 16.99% of women in this survey know that there are over two million new cases of toxoplasmosis in the world annually. About 11.33% of women thought that toxoplasmosis cases are asymptomatic whereas others thought that they have a fever, gastro intestinal tract symptoms, genito urinary tract symptoms, and ophthalmologic symptoms.

Conclusions:
Many facts and myths can affect the knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis. In kinds of literature, there are no real modes for studying myths about infectious diseases in particular toxoplasmosis which may be of benefit in preventing and managing processes.
Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection and Treatment Outcome in Babylon Province of Iraq
Authors: Jasim Taif Saad , Khan Amer Hayat , Hindi Nada Khazal K. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) and also can impact other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB).

Objectives:
The main purpose of this study was to experience the prevalence of tuberculosis and the treatment outcome rate in Babylon, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
A cohort retrospective study was carried out at the health center for asthma and allergies from January 2016 to March 2021 in the Babylon Province, Iraq. This study sighted on the characteristics of TB patients; age, sex, site of tuberculosis, and treatment outcome.

Results:
There were 1774 cases of TB registered in the medical records of the health center in Babylon, Iraq. As a result, we found that female patients represented 53.4% of patients, as compared with male patients who constituted 46.6% of patients. The age group between 61 years old and older recorded the highest percentage (n = 359; 20.2%) and the less percentage of those who are <10 years old (n =122; 6.9%). Site of infection, pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 992; 56.0%), and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (n = 782; 44.0%). Treatment outcomes include treatment complete (63.7%), cure (24.1%), death (3.1%), default (0.5%), fail (0.3%), transfer (0.1%), and other (8.1%). Which has a successful treatment percentage (87.8%) and an unsuccessful treatment (12.1%).

Conclusions:
This study concluded that females were more likely to be infected with tuberculosis than males. Additionally, the success rate of treatment was (87.8%), while the unsuccessful rate was (12.1%). While age group that the highest percentage was noted among those 61 years old and older (n = 359; 20.2%).
Psychiatric aspect of suicide in a sample of Iraqi people
Authors: Al-Masoodi Ali Talib Mansoor , Hussien Kareem Nasir , Yasir Amean A , Hassan Sahar , Jawad Mohammed Rasool 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. To identify risk factors for prevent suicide, it is essential to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with suicidal ideation and behavior.

Objectives:
This study seeks to assess suicide symptoms in people of Babylon City and assesses the effect of factors that increase the suicide rate and to find sociodemographic and psychological factors that may influence the act of suicide and whether they differ from other suicide intensions prevailing in the world.

Materials and Methods:
Cross-sectional study of 57 patients with suicidal behavior who were admitted to at Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital in Babylon City, Iraq between 2021 and 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between suicide attempters and completers, and a correlation matrix was used to explore relationships between these characteristics.

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 34.2 years, and the majority were women (63.2%) and single (56.1%). Previous suicide attempts were reported by 50 patients (87.7%). Hanging and poisoning were the most common methods of attempted suicide, whereas firearms were the most common method of completed suicide. Depression and anxiety were the most common co-morbid psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain was the most common co-morbid medical condition.

Conclusions:
These findings highlight the importance of screening for suicide risk factors and providing appropriate treatment for co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions. The results also suggest that suicide prevention efforts may benefit from targeting younger individuals, for those who are single or have lower education levels, and those with a history of suicide attempts.
Auditory Event-Related Potential (P300) in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Hasson Zahraa Tariq , Al-Hashimi Ali Fuad , Qaisy Uday Khalid Al 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by multiple symptoms such as positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Cognitive deficit can be detected with specific neurophysiological tests. Among these tests are the measurements of auditory P300 event-related potential which is a neurophysiological method that allows the examination of cognitive functioning of the human brain.

Objective:
The aim of this article is to assess cognitive deficits in chronic schizophrenia patients by studying the amplitude and latency of P300 potential and to compare findings with those from control subjects.

Materials and Methods:
The present study was a case–control study extended from January 2020 to May 2020. Forty subjects were enrolled in this study: 20 patients aged 20–50 years comprising 11 males and 9 females diagnosed with schizophrenia and 20 apparently healthy volunteers comprising 11 males and 9 females were analyzed.

Results:
The results of the current study revealed that a highly significant difference was found in the years of education between patients and controls (P-value <0.001) with no significant difference to be noticed regarding age or gender. When analyzing the P300 component with an unpaired t-test, the patient group showed delayed latency and smaller P300 amplitude than the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion:
The present study concludes that P300 indices could be valuable biomarkers to assess changes in cognitive functioning of patients with schizophrenia.
Impact of erythropoietin on anemia in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Muhammad-Baqir Bashaer M , Hameed Evan Noori , Shareef Rawaa Hadi , Ahmed Mustafa H 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
End-stage kidney disease occurs when the estimated glomerular filtration rate is not more than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or when the patient requires long-term renal replacement therapy regardless of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Anemia is observed as a frequent comorbid complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency is the crucial cause of CKD-anemia development.

Objectives:
The aim of study was to determine the impact of EPO on anemia in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis (HD).

Materials and Methods:
This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 80 patients (42 men and 38women) at end-stage renal disease planned for HD program at Al-Hakeem general hospital in Al-Najaf city/Iraq in period between November 2020 and February 2021. Many information and analyses were taken such as age, sex, cause of end stage, blood urea, serum creatinine and albumin, hemoglobin, dose of EPO, blood pressure, and body weight.

Results:
The results of study showed that, the level of hemoglobin (g/dL) significantly increased from (8.24 ± 1.77) to (9.57 ± 1.35) after treatment with EPO (P value < 0.05), whereas the levels of blood urea (mg/dL), albumin (g/L) significantly decreased from (218.51 ± 74.47) to (145.76 ± 42.47) and from (40.65 ± 6.35) to (36.56 ± 6.03) respectively, after treatment with EPO (P value < 0.05). additionally, there are no significant differences in serum creatinine (mg/dL) and blood pressure after treatment with EPO.

Conclusion:
EPO has a positive role on renal function and in treating anemia in end-stage renal disease patients on HD.