bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency in treatment of seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Hasan Anwar Issa , Hasan Ethar Falah , Latif Tuqa Mohammed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, relapsing skin illness that causes erythematous, scaly patches and plaques on sebaceous-rich regions including the scalp, face, and chest. Fractionated microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) manages SD symptoms, reduces inflammation, controls sebum production, and improves skin quality and appearance, increasing patient satisfaction.

Objective:
The aim of this research is to determine the effectiveness of FMR in treating SD.

Materials and Methods:
Cross-sectional study. Group A included 20 SD patients. They are treated with combination medicine therapy (isotretinoin pill 10 mg on alternative days with topical emollient cream) and FMR single section each month, with an average of two sections per patient (1–4 section). Group B included 20 SD patients. Group B received isotretinoin tablets of 10 mg on alternative days and a topical emollient cream.

Results:
Group A (mean age = 31.5 ± 7.6 years, 25% females, 75% males) showed a greater reduction in SD grades after treatment compared to group B (mean age = 31.6 ± 8.7 years, 35% females, 65% males). Group A also had a higher percentage of non-relapsing SD cases (63%) and higher satisfaction levels (73.7%) post-treatment, with no significant association between gender, age, and satisfaction. Clear SD grade correlated with higher satisfaction (72.7%) and lower relapse rates (81.1%).

Conclusion:
FMR and topical therapy dramatically decrease SD severity and recurrence rates, with excellent patient satisfaction across all ages and genders. These encouraging outcomes need larger studies.
Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Medical students’ perspective of challenges and barriers
Authors: Al-Mansouri Loma , Al-Obaidi Firas R , Abdullah Noor Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Medical education has been affected significantly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. During the pandemic, online learning functioned as the principal pathway of education at all levels of education for a considerable time. Online medical education has faced many challenges and constraints.

Objectives:
To evaluate the students’ perception toward online medical education in Iraq and related challenges and limitations.

Materials and Methods:
This study is a cross-sectional, descriptive study to evaluate the challenges and barriers of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. We created an online questionnaire. The survey was introduced to undergraduate students in the medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and nursing colleges from all stages at the University of Basrah, south of Iraq. The study was conducted in April 2020.

Results:
The total number of participants was 882 students. There were 438 (49.6%) females. The responses of the students showed different problems and limitations facing online learning. These were divided into student-, faculty-, and technical-related barriers. The survey showed that 77% of the students are facing difficulties with having internet or having low-quality internet services. In addition, there was a shortage of students’ electronic devices mainly due to financial causes. The faculty-related were considered by the students (71.4%) to be mainly the deficient experience of the teaching staff in using digital resources. The students (49.4%) recommended online learning to continue in the future, blended with a classic education.

Conclusion:
The perception of medical students toward online learning was positive. The challenges and barriers to online education were related to students, faculty, and technical factors. The role of online learning can be promising in the post-COVID-19 era.
Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of Gingerol on bacteria and fungi isolated from the vagina
Authors: Rashed Heba Hadid , Al-Hussaini Ibtihal Muiz , Al-Marzoqi Ali H 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Gingerol is extracted from the rhizomes of ginger. It showed a clear effect on the bacteria and the Candida isolation from the vagina, and the highest effect was at a concentration of 30 mg/mL. The positive bacteria are more responsive to gingerol than the negative bacteria; gingerol is a great inhibitory activity compared to antibiotics on bacteria.

Objectives:
The aim of the article is to test the sensitivity of bacteria and Candida to gingerol and some antibiotics.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, we detected the presence of the phytochemical compounds present in the Zingiber officinale and the process of extraction of gingerol from ginger by HPLC technology, and tested different concentrations of gingerol for their effect on bacteria and fungi isolated from the vagina. Some antibiotics such as (tobramycin and kanamycin) on Staphylococcus aureus and ciprofloxacin and doxycycline on Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli and antifungal itraconazole and nystatin on Candida species.

Results:
Gingerol showed a clear effect on bacteria and Candida isolation from the vagina, and the highest effect was at a concentration of 30 mg/mL. Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus is more sensitive to gingerol than the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and Klebsiella. Gingerol has a great inhibitory activity compared to antibiotics on bacteria and the highest effect on Candida albicans more than Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei.

Conclusion:
Through the results, ginger contains many pharaohs and the most important of these is an active compound gingerol that has anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and Candida and had more impact on microorganisms than antibiotics.
The Relationship of immunoglobulin-e and tumor necrosis factor in patients with allergic rhinitis in Babylon province
Authors: Sabbar Bushra Jihad , Ali Zenaa Abbass , Mgheer Tariq Hussein 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose usually that is accompanied by swelling of the mucosa and a nasal discharge. It is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions to inhaled allergens, smoking and alcohol use, gender, age, overweight, adoption of pets, race, educational achievement, and family history can represent a risk factor for allergic rhinitis (AR).

Objectives:
To find the effect of electrolytes tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IgE on AR and study the influence of smoking, gender, and obesity (as a risk factor on AR) on the levels of TNF-α and IgE.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty subjects for this study were enrolled; 40 of those who have AR age ranged between 18 and 50 years. A control group of 40 subjects who appear to be in good health was selected. This study is a case–control study. TNF-alpha concentration and immunoglobulin-E were measured in serum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique also The electrolytes concentrations were measured in the serum using an Abbott device with Integrated Chip Technology (ICT) human kit. The electrolytes were also measured in the serum using the Abbott device. Full history was taken from all patients, which include age, residence, smoking, body mass index, and family history of AR.

Results:
The results reveal a significant difference (P < 0.05) in levels of TNF-α, Ig-E between patients and controls, There was no significant difference between smoker and non- smoker, normal weight and overweight groups in patients and controls groups.
Pathological effects of pregabalin toxicity in rats
Authors: Mahdi Roaa Salih , Najah Nawras , Ejam Sura Salman 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Pregabalin (PGB) is one kind of gabapentinoid. The main mechanism of action is binding at the alpha-2-delta site, which inhibits calcium influx in response to depolarization at nerve terminals and, in turn, suppresses the release of glutamate, noradrenaline, and substance P.

Objectives:
This study aimed to study the pathological effects of PGB toxicity on brain and liver of rats.

Materials and Methods:
We chose 20 mature albino rats, both sexes, averaging 220 g in weight; these were divided into two groups (10 rats per group): the toxic group and the control group. Tablets of Lyrica (Pfizer) may be purchased over the counter. The 300 mg of PGB in each tablet was dissolved in 3 mL of 0.9% normal saline. The dosage was determined using the maximum lethal oral dose in rats (5000 mg/kg) (Pfizer, 2017). Based on the rats’ weights, a toxic dosage of 1000 mg of PGB was determined and reconstituted in normal saline (0.9% in 3 mL). Each animal in the acute toxicity group received a single dose of the produced medication orally. After 24 h, all of the animals in both groups were euthanized. The brain and liver were quickly dissected and removed, washed in saline solution, and then processed for histopathological study.

Results:
Focal regions of hemorrhage and congestion were seen in H&E-stained sections from the acute toxicity group, and most pyramidal cells were degraded, pyknotic, and exhibited karyolysis. Cerebellar cortical layers were preserved; however, Purkinje cells were destroyed in the acute toxicity group, which also exhibited an increase in pyknotic cells, hemorrhage, vascular congestion, and localized loss of tissue. Hemorrhages, congestion of portal region blood vessels, and central veins and hepatic sinusoids were some of the most notable pathological abnormalities seen in the livers of those using PGB. Hepatocytes show nuclear pyknosis and a homogeneously acidophilic cytoplasm as a result of severe degenerative alterations, such as vacuolar degeneration and severe necrotic changes.

Conclusion:
PGB can cause pathological lesions in the brain and liver at a single toxic dose.
Endocervical miRNA-142 expression in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease positive for Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Hussein Al-Tememy Aliaa Zara Allah , Alshukri Maysaa S , Gatea Asmaa Kadhim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility is Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydial infections are characterized by multifocality and polymorphism changes. Chlamydia causes inflammation in the adult urethra and cervix with the possibility of serious complications, and can cause perinatal infections in infants. Highly conserved single-stranded noncoding RNAs called micro-RNAs (miRNAs), which control gene expression, have now been identified as significant effect in disease conditions. MiRNAs play important regulatory roles in various biological processes for example, differentiation, development, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle control, and metabolism. Changes in miRNA expression have been identified in many diseases, such as cardiac and autoimmune disorders, schizophrenia, and cancer. In this cross-sectional pilot investigation, samples were taken from control women who were not infected and from symptomatic women who were infected with C. trachomatis.

Objectives:
This work investigates the changes in the host miRNA-142 expression profile during chlamydial infection and not infected control group women

Materials and Methods:
The study included 200 female patients who were sampled, including endocervical swab from each female patient. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 45 years. A control group of 25 healthy ladies was also used. Chlamydia trachomatis was determined by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) whereas miRNA-142 was detected by RT-qPCR.

Results:
All 200 collected endocervical swab specimens were diagnosed by the gynecologists as having PID. From all 200 collected endocervical swab specimens, it was found that only 22/200 (11%) were positive for C. trachomatis and the current study shows that the expression of the micro-142 gene elevated in C. trachomatis patients when compared to the control group, with the expression of the gene increasing more than 40% when compared to the control group.

Conclusions:
This study emphasizes the relevance of C. trachomatis infection in the female from 20 to 45 years in population of Iraq in Hilla city between February and August 2022. It also demonstrates the diversity of miRNA-142 expression involved in genital infection.
The relationship of growth differentiation factor 15 with some biochemical parameters in cardiovascular disease patients in Babylon City
Authors: Behayaa Hiba Resheed , Ali Zinah Abbass , Mohammed Seenaa Badr , Alqaysi Suhayr A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the reasons of mortality in the world. In the developing world, deaths from CVD have been increasing. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is about cachexia, CVD, and a lot of inflammatory diseases. GDF15 is very low in most tissues, except the placenta (in healthy conditions), which expresses GDF15 in high levels. Though in cardiovascular damage, the level of GDF15 may rise, the natural effects of GDF15 may vary according to the stage of the disease.

Objective:
The objective of the study was the valuation of GDF15 level in the serum of patients with CVD in Babylon City and to check whether there was a link between age, body mass index, lipid profile, insulin resistance, adiponectin and C-reactive protein with GDF15.

Materials and Methods:
GDF15 was assessed in 80 Iraqi subjects; 40 were diagnosed with CVD and 40 subjects who appear healthy were considered for this study. The age ranged between 41 and 73 years for patients and control was considered for this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was used for GDF15 estimation.

Results:
The results suggested that the serum levels of GDF15 and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance displayed a non-significant difference among studied groups (P > 0.05), whereas total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein appeared to have a significant difference among studied groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, the current study observed a non-significant (P > 0.05) association for GDF15 with all the clinical and biochemical parameters measured in this study.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that among the patients with CVD, the level of GDF15 revealed a non-significant relationship with the disease.
Histological changes of endocervical polypoid lesions in women at reproductive age
Authors: Al-Hamdany Muna Zuhair , Fadhil Mustafa Salah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Endocervical polyps (ECP) are fragile benign protrusions commonly affecting 2%–5% of women during the reproductive age.

Aim:
This study aimed to identify the histopathological changes of clinically identified endocervical polypoid lesions during the reproductive age to detect any premalignant or malignant transformation if present. The objective is to assist the clinicians to decide whether the cervical polyps should be excised or not.

Materials and Methods:
Sixty specimens of the resected cervical polyps were obtained from Al-Salaam Teaching Hospital in Mosul city during the period from June 2021 to February 2022, women diagnosed to have cervical polyps on per speculum examination were given a time to be operated on with exclusion of pregnant, postmenopausal women, those on hormone replacement therapy, and those below 20 years. After polypectomy, fixation of biopsies in 10% buffered formalin was done followed by processing and staining with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination. Chi-square test was used for interpretation of the histological findings.

Results:
The study revealed that 52% of the enrolled women were in the range of 40–49 years of age. Squamous metaplasia and benign microglandular hyperplasia were detected equally in 25% of the study group. Nabothian cyst was observed in 8%, whereas leiomyoma presenting as cervical polyp in 6%. Fortunately, no malignant changes were reported in the examined 60 cases and the only serious lesion was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) observed in 2% of the examined polyps.

Conclusion:
we conclude as the incidence of malignant transformation of endocervical polyp is low in women in reproductive age and the only critical lesion is in situ intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), it is proposed to follow an expectant management without interference and those patients can be only followed up to improve their health.
A study to evaluate platelet parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study
Authors: Ahmed Sawer Sabri 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disorder characterized by persistent elevation of plasma glucose and permanent complications of both small and large vessels. The high mortality rates, a decline in quality of life, and high morbidity rates are mostly caused by these problems. When blood vessels are injured, the normal hemostatic process depends heavily on platelets to maintain their integrity.

Objectives:
This study aimed at comparing various platelet indices between people with type II diabetes and people who appeared to be in good health status.

Materials and Methods:
This case-controlled study was carried out at the Azadi Teaching Hospital’s Laboratory in Duhok. Four milliliters of blood were collected from diabetics and non-diabetic controls into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulant tubes. Glycated hemoglobin and complete blood count were evaluated by automated chemistry analyzer Cobas 6000 (Roche) and automated blood count analyzer (Coulter, Sweden), respectively; platelet parameters including platelet count, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, platelet-large cell ratio, and platelet crit were obtained. Diabetic patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 with good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%) and Group 2 with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%). Statistical software SPSS 26.0 was used.

Results:
The mean age of diabetic patients in this study was 50.97 ± 10.91 years. The mean values of platelet parameters except for platelet counts were significantly higher among diabetic patients when compared to non-diabetic subjects as well as among diabetic patients with poor glycemic controls compared to those with good glycemic control.

Conclusion:
All platelet indices apart from platelet count were significantly elevated among patients with diabetes mellitus than healthy subjects and also in relation to the degree of glycemic control of the disease with a P value of <0.05.
Molecular study of blaCTX-M profile among uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis isolates
Authors: Jamin Kadhim Jwad , Al-Dahmosi Hussein O M , Jabuk Sura Ihsan Abed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractsBackground:Proteus mirabilisare the most prevalent uropathogens associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Infection occurs only when the pathogenicity of the bacteria surpasses the host’s regular defensive systems. A lifetime incidence of between 50% and 60% among adult women, increasing with age.Materials and Methods:Collected 450 (325 male and 125 female patients) with UTIs. These patients ranged in age from (17 to 70) years from four Iraqi hospitals (Merjan Hospital, Shomali General Hospital, Al-Hilla Surgical Teaching Hospital, and Babylon Hospital for Maternal and Pediatrics) from the period from July 2021 to the end of October 2022. The identification of bacterial isolates were carried out using standard bacteriological procedures. The antibiotics susceptibility test was carried out by using 12 antibiotics from different classes The molecular identification was done by using polymerase chain reaction amplification of the three bla CTX-M gene (bla CTX-MI, bla CTX-MIV, bla CTX-MII(.Results:The percentage of samples positive forP. mirabilisbased on culture, biochemical, and Gram stain results was 70 (15.5%) of the total 450 samples. The percentage ofP. mirabilisisolated from male patients was 21 (30%), whereas the percentage ofP. mirabilisisolated from female patients was 49 (70%) of the total 70 isolates. The result of antibiotic susceptibility showed the high resistance against nitrofurantoin (92.8%), while the higher resistance was against amikacin (10%), imipenem (4.2%), aztreonam (2.8%), and meropenem (1.4%). The result of the current study showed the percentage of bacterial sample positive to the bla CTX-MI, bla CTX-MII, bla CTX-MIV was 9 (12.85), 56 (80), and 40 (57), respectively, among 70 bacteria isolates.Conclusions:The result of the study showed the prevalence of antibiotic resistant gene and multidrug resistant amongP. mirabilisisolated from UTIs.
Evaluation of cervical cytological abnormalities in correlation with clinical findings in Iraqi patients
Authors: Hassooni Zainab Abbas , Al-Sabbagh Wafaa Redha Mohammed , Taher Taqi Mohammed Jwad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Many articles study the efficiency of pap smears in detecting cervical disease and precancerous lesions; however, in Iraq, only few researches study the clinic-pathological correlation in pap smear results. In this study, we will highlight the correlation of pap smears with the most important and frequent clinical data and findings on cervical examination.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred and twenty cases are collected from private clinics of gynecology in Al-Kut province during the interval (June 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021). Clinical history was obtained and pap smear test was examined by two pathologists. Data were analyzed using SPSS software program version 26.

Results:
There were significant statistical association between cytological abnormalities on pap smear test and age of the patient (P-value of 0.01), with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) result showed the highest mean age of 46.91 as well as significant association with a number of live birth and a number of pregnancies with significant P value (<0.001 and <0.001) in the same order. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance were the most common cytological abnormality.

Conclusion:
Women should not delay their first screening pap test for more than 30 years of age since the mean age for LSIL (the most significant abnormality present in this study) was the age of 46. 91 ± 10.75. awareness about screening for cervical precancerous lesions should be increased especially among multiparous women and those more than 40 years of age.