bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of TNF-α-308G/A Gene Polymorphism with Coronavirus Disease-19 Severity
Authors: Al-Mayah Qasim S. , Umayra Ali Nayyef , Hassan Jabbar Salman 
Published: May 2024

Background:
From the time when the first outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), only a small proportion of infected people developed a severe infection, which is usually a sequel of cytokine overproduction. Genetic variations in the genes of some cytokines can influence the transcription rate of these cytokines.

Objective:
The going research article tried to evaluate the link between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-308 gene polymorphism and COVID-19 severity.

Materials and Methods:
Blood samples were obtained from 60 patients with COVID-19 and verified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in nasopharyngeal swabs. Patients were categorized into two categories based on the severity of the disease: severe COVID-19 included 30 patients and mild/moderate COVID-19 with 30 patients. The nucleic DNA was obtained from the whole blood, and TNF-α-308G>A polymorphism was genotyped utilizing PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:
Homozygous (GG) and heterozygous (GA) genotypes were more frequent among severe than among mild cases, although the differences were not significant. At the allelic level, the frequency of a mutant allele (A) was higher in severe than in mild cases with a noticeable distinction (odds ratio = 2.49, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–5.64, P = 0.029).

Conclusion:
Allele A of TNF-α-308G>A may be deemed a threat for the severity of COVID-19.
Estimation and study effect of some trace elements and some electrolytes in hyperlipidemia patients
Authors: Duhaib Huda Ahmed , Ewadh Mufeed Jalil , Mgheer Tariq Hussein 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground:Measuring electrolytes in the blood is considered one of the most common diagnostic techniques.Objectives:To assess sodium, potassium, zinc, and copper levels and examine the correlation between parameters and study their probable relation with hyperlipidemia in Babylon province.Materials and Methods:Sodium, potassium, zinc, and copper were estimated in one hundred subjects; 50 patients with hyperlipidemia and 50 healthy subjects participated in this study. The age of the patients and control groups ranged between 19 and 75 years. Sodium and potassium levels were assessed by colorimetric enzymatic technique, whereas the level of zinc and copper was assessed in serum by the flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer method.Results:Serum levels of sodium and zinc displayed a significant decrease, whereas serum copper significantly elevated (P< 0.05) in hyperlipidemia patients compared with the control group. Serum potassium observed nonsignificant change (P-value > 0.05) in hyperlipidemia patients. On the other hand, copper and zinc correlated significantly with cholesterol, triglyceride, and sodium.Conclusion:Among hyperlipidemia patients in Babylon province, the variability in some trace elements and some electrolytes concentration indicate a significant relationship with hyperlipidemia.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Salbutamol by Oxidative Coupling Reaction with 1-Naphthylamine-4-Sulfonic Acid in the Presence of Potassium Per Sulfate
Authors: Hussein Kameran S. , Ahmed Abdul Majeed K. , Mohammed Fatimah Y. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Oxidative coupling reactions are among the most important reactions that have wide applications in chemistry, and the oxidative coupling process involves the interaction of two or more organic substances in the presence of an oxidizing agent, where an oxidation process occurs for these substances forming intermediate compounds that interact with each other to form a colored product that can be determined by either spectrophotometric, polarographic, or various chromatographic methods and these reactions were used to quantify many different organic and inorganic compounds. In this article, the spectrophotometric determination of salbutamol was done by an oxidative coupling reaction with the reagent 1-Naphthylamine-4-sulfonic acid in the presence of potassium per sulfate.

Objective:
In this study, we developed a simple, rapid, sensitive, selective, and accurate UV-visible spectrophotometric method for analyzing salbutamol in pure drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.

Materials and Methods:
Based on oxidative reaction with 1-Naphthylamine-4-sulfonic acid at pH 11.24, form a yellow-orange colored product in alkaline medium has a maximum absorbance at 470 nm. The Beer's law is followed in the concentration range 5–23 μg/mL.

Results:
The product was stable for 60 min, molar absorptivity was found to be 0.8054 × 104 L·mol−1·cm−1, and sandal index was 0.0296 μg·cm−2 with a relative error (RE) of 0 to −0.79, and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.54%–1.84%. Detection limit (DL) was 0.227 μg/mL, quantitative limit (QL) was 0.756μg/mL, correlation coefficient was 0.9998, and recovery was 99.51%, respectively.

Conclusion:
The method was found to be accurate and precise, as indicated by recovery studies which is up to 100% and relative standard deviation is not more than 2 that is good result. The proposed method has been successfully applied in the determination of preparations containing salbutamol.
Microbial Distribution and Secretory IgA Level among Crossbite Patients at an Early Stage of Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Hasan Al-khafaji Sarah Falih , Al-mahdi Zainab Khudhur Ahmed , Alhamadi Wisam W. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Crossbite is any discrepancy in the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Crossbites have a relationship with oral microorganisms, such as S. mutans and lactobacillus infections. Viral infections can spread to the oral cavity especially its soft tissue especially herpes simplex virus & cytomegalovirus. Secretory immunoglobulin represents a factor for acquired immunity in the oral cavity which is associated with oral infection and variation.

Objectives:
Isolation of microbes from crossbite patients, identifying by molecular techniques, determining sIgA level, and selecting appropriate antibiotics for the most common microbe.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 60 (30 samples of saliva and swab before Orthodontic Treatment and 30 samples of saliva after Orthodontic) during the period from October 2021 to April 2022, Sample were taken from patients and microbiological identification by microscopical and biochemical tests. An antibiotic sensitivity test for S. mutans. Genetic identification was detected in the S. mutans samples by using specificity Sm479 primers, and HCMV primers for cytomegalovirus. Secretory IgA was determined by ELISA Kit.

Results:
A number of gram-positive bacteria were more than gram-negative (51% and 49%) respectively. The S. mutans and Lactobacillus are the most frequent among the other species, followed by Candida, Klebsiella, and S. epidermidis. 53% in male, while 47% in female, and age group (13­15) was the most prevalent among samples 53%. Regarding S. mutans, the highest sensitive rate is Erythromycin 81%, followed by Amoxiclav 57%, Vancomycin 52%, and Nalidixic acid 43%.

Conclusion:
Most infectious cases were in ages (14-15) years. S. mutans is more prevalent among bacterial infections, molecular detection by PCR more specifically for S.mutans and CMV virus, sIgA level non-significant inverse correlations between age and sIgA level before treatment, while significant inverse correlation between age and sIgA level after treatment, and S. mutans, reported the highest sensitive rate is Erythromycin (81%), followed by Amoxiclav, Vancomycin, and Nalidixic acid.
Occurrence of Class 1, 2, and 3 Integrons among Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Babylon Province, Iraq
Authors: Almuttairi Ahmed Abdulkareem , Abdulla Anwar A. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Clinical management of bacterial infections has faced significant difficulties in recent years due to the advent and spread of multiple drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Worldwide, nosocomial infections are brought on by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a clinically significant Pseudomonas species.

Objectives:
This research aimed to identify class 1, 2, and 3 integrons in P. aeruginosa in Babylon, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
From February 2022 to October 2022, 131 isolates from various sites including (burn, wound, and urine) were collected from different hospitals in Babylon Province for both genders and ages. These isolates were identified using traditional techniques as well as the Vitek 2 system (bioMerieux, France). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were subjected to disc diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Class 1, 2, and 3 integron-specific primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction technique for the molecular identification of integron genes.

Results:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates that were 131 (100%) had integron class 1. On the contrary, only five (3.81%) contained a class 2 integron. There was no presence of class 3 integron in any isolate.

Conclusion:
The MDR P. aeruginosa was highly prevalent (100%) and this suggested that the availability of class 1 integrons in our area was alarmingly high, showing the need for epidemiological monitoring.
Healthcare providers’ knowledge and challenges they face regarding growth charts’ utilization in primary healthcare practice
Authors: Hassan Sahar , Baiee Hassan Alwan , Shaban Mostafa , Zaky Mohammed El Sayed , Mahdi Mushtaq Talib 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Growth charts have been used worldwide for about 40 years, but their use has always been fraught with problems.

Objectives:
Assessment the knowledge and challenges among healthcare providers regarding the utilization of growth charts in primary healthcare practice.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was aimed to assess healthcare providers’ knowledge toward growth chart in Al-Hilla city—Babylon Governorate—Iraq, during the period from the beginning of first January till April/2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire filled by physicians and nurses enrolled in this study after obtaining their verbal consents.

Results:
Seventy percent health workers were studied to determine their knowledge toward growth chart utilization, 51.4 were physicians, male-to-female ratio was 1:7. Results of this study revealed that 41.4% of participants had poor knowledge. Only 54.3% of the participants were exposed to previous training courses. There were significant associations between good knowledge and age group 30–39 years and exposure to combined training (theoretical and practical).

Conclusions:
More than half of the studied healthcare workers had good knowledge; the levels of knowledge are significantly associated with age, number, and duration of previous training.
A comparative study between the outcome of using LigaSure® versus suture ligation in thyroid surgery
Authors: Kadhim Salah Hadi , Ibrahim Karrar Mahmood 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Thyroid surgery is one of the most performed operations; with the high vascularity of the thyroid gland and the importance of hemostasis to the surgical outcome, many surgeons have begun to use energy-based devices to perform thyroid surgical procedures, and numerous studies demonstrated the benefit of these devices. The aim was to compare the use of a vessel sealing device (LigaSure) with suture ligation in perioperative time, hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage, blood loss after surgery, hematoma formation, and period of the patient.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, 81 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for different diseases, and divided into two groups corresponding to the hemostasis type: vessel sealing devices (LigaSure) group, and suture ligation group, these groups compared regarding operative time; hypocalcemia, RLN injury, blood loss after surgical procedure, hematoma formation, and period of hospital admissions.

Results:
The duration of surgery was more significant and shorter in the LigaSure® group 66.57 ± 8.93 min than suture ligation group 86.84 ± 17.5 min with P = 0.0001, with bleeding after surgery, was lesser in LigaSure® patients 52.76 ± 22.8 mL than suture ligation group 95.09 ± 39.91 mL with P = 0.0001; other outcomes (postoperative hematoma formation, injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve, hypocalcemia after surgery, and period of hospital admission), and there was no difference between the two groups mentioned above.

Conclusion:
The role of the LigaSure instrument in thyroidectomy surgery is to decrease the operative time duration and blood loss after surgery, with no effect on the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, postoperative low serum calcium level, and hematoma formation.
Effect of prevalence of e-learning and excessive use of disinfectants to bacterial contamination of mobile phones and computer keyboards during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Al Sa’ady Amal Talib , Almjalawi Batool Shakir Abed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
In Iraq, first confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in February 24, 2020. Because of applying of healthy quarantine, electronic learning was applied in order to prevent the potential spreading of COVID-19 in the educational institutions, using of mobile phone and computer increased and given a great opportunity for increasing the microbial contamination.

Aims:
Study effect of excessive use of e-learning and disinfectants on the bacterial contamination of mobile phones and keyboards during the Corona epidemic.

Methods and Materials:
200 samples were collected from computer keyboards and mobile phones used for E-learning by undergraduate students in college of Pharmacy/University of Babylon, Iraq for the period from 1st April–15th June 2021, during COVID-19 pandemic. Isolates were diagnosed by VITEK 2 system. Agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of some disinfectants included sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (5% (, ethanol 70%, ethanol 99%, chlorhexidine gluconate 4% w/v, and chloroxylenol 4.8 w/v.

Results:
308 isolates were obtained included 183 isolates from mobile phones and 125 isolates from computer keyboards. Antibacterial activity was varied depending on bacterial isolates, type and concentration of disinfectant. Sodium hypochlorite 5% revealed highest antibacterial activity against all studied bacteria followed by ethanol 70% and chlorhexidine gluconate 4% w/v, whereas chloroxylenol 4.8 w/v and ethanol 99% have the lowest activity.

Conclusions:
In light of the world’s preoccupation with the Corona pandemic, the use of mobile phones and computers for the purpose of e-learning increased, which caused an increase in bacterial contamination of these devices, which required drawing attention to this aspect.
Clinical and Epidemiological Study of Measles Cases in Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics in Babylon Province
Authors: Mohammed Ali Khalid , Nasir Ahmed Raheem , Alsweedy Muhanned Muhdy Joda 
Published: May 2024

Background:
It is an acute highly contagious disease occurs frequently in young children. It consists of three stages: An incubation stage of approximately 10–12 days. Prodromal stage with an enanthem (Koplik’s spots) on the buccal and pharyngeal mucosa, low grade fever, conjunctivitis, coryza, and sometimes-increasing cough. A final stage of a maculopopular rash erupting over the neck and face, body, arms, and legs associated with high fever.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology, clinical features, complications, effectiveness of vaccine and treatment on cases of measles.

Materials and Methods:
Prospective case study of measles cases who are less than 13 years of age admitted to central teaching hospital of pediatrics during the period between 1/4/2015-1/10/2015 Diagnosis of measles was done by the classical history of the prodromal, fever, and cough, conjunctivitis, followed by the appearance of the classical rash after few days of the prodromal stage with the presence of the path gnomonic Kopliks spots in some patients. Chest X-rays (CXR) was done to all patients with suspicion of pneumonia. In addition to CBC and blood film. GSE was done to all patients with gastroenteritis, in addition to CBC. blood film and stool culture.

Results:
Two hundred seventy-seven patients were studied The male patients were (158, 57.03%) patients and the females were (119, 42.97%) patients, most of them (203, 73.28%) were not vaccinated (74, 26.72%) patients received the first dose of the vaccine at age of 9 months (21, 7.58%) patients received the first dose at 9 months with the second dose (MMR) at age of 15 months and only three patients (1.08%) received first, second, and third dose (MMR) at age of 4 years. The commonest clinical features were rash, fever, cough, conjunctivitis with coryza. Pneumonia was the commonest complication followed by gastroenteritis. There are only two cases of death: one due to severe pneumonia and the other due to septicemia and its complications.

Conclusion:
Measles is still a major health problem even in vaccinated children and the severity of illness is the same in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated children, with the peak age of incidence is during the second half of first year of life.
Peripheral Blood Smear Can Be a Reliable and Inexpensive Alternative to Blood Culture in Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Majumdar Arijit , Biswas Soumali , Jana Angshuman 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Neonatal sepsis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns, more so in the developing countries.

Objectives:
The aim of this article is to study the role of peripheral smear, to evaluate the usefulness of white blood cell (WBC) parameters, and to establish the sensitivity and specificity of each parameter for early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia.

Materials and Methods:
The prospective study is of 150 neonates admitted and fulfilling the inclusion criteria, over the period of June 2019 to December 2020, and tests were performed at the Department of Pathology in a tertiary medical college and hospital. Peripheral blood sample was obtained by venipuncture and the sepsis work-up included routine blood counts and blood culture. Total leucocytes counts were counted on an automated hematology analyzer. Leishman-stained peripheral blood smears were used for the study.

Results:
Based on the clinical findings and laboratory data, neonates were classified into three categories: sepsis (n = 70), probable infection (n = 50), and no infection (n = 30). The blood culture reports of confirmed sepsis cases reveal the commonest organism as Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and beta-hemolytic streptococci. Abnormal I:T ratio (≥0.2) shows highest sensitivity (90%) and specificity (95%).

Conclusion:
The peripheral smear study is found to be very useful in the early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia as it can be performed even in a small laboratory without any special equipment and within a short period of time. Among WBC parameters, the I:T ratio shows highest sensitivity and specificity.
Lead precipitation on the gingival tissue of Iraqi workers in some fuel stations in Baghdad
Authors: Sabea Dunia Wadeea 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Lead usually is precipitated at the gingiva of the fuel station workers. Lead interacts with different molecules, thereby interfering with their function. An excess of lead contents could be toxic to the human body.

Objectives:
This proposed study was conducted for the evaluation of salivary lead level effect and the severity of gingival pigmentation in Iraqi fuel station workers.

Materials and Methods:
This study involves 40 individuals, who were asked to answer a questionnaire. The case sheet questions involve the personal details of participants such as gender, age, marital status, and working experience. It was filled by the participants. This is followed by an oral examination to assess the oral hygiene status and color of gingiva, then divided into three groups according to working period. To evaluate the level of lead within the saliva, it was estimated in teaching laboratories in Medical City by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer as well as clinical evaluation of the intensity of gingival discoloration according to the gingival surface and dental sites. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics and descriptive statistics to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies.

Result:
It was shown that gingival discoloration was noticed in 40% of the total sample with light brown to mixed brown/pink (average lead level = 5.74 mg/dL). In addition, 30% of the sample had a mixed brown/pink pigmentation (average lead level = 6.75 mg/dL) and the rest (30%) presented with mixed brown/pink to dark brown (average lead level = 10 mg/dL). The working periods range from 3 months to 10 years, the lowest value and the highest of lead in saliva were 8.3 and 11.8 mg/dL, respectively. The average of these values is 10.00 mg/dL.

Conclusion:
The intensity and severity of gingival pigmentation are directly associated with the level of salivary lead. Occupational safeties are essential for workers who are at high risk of exposure to avoid adverse effects of this metal on general health.
Molecular detection of SPA-type of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Urinary Tract Infection patient in Wasit Province, Iraq
Authors: Raheema Rana H , Nasser Dhilal Dhiaa , Chabuck Zainab Adil Ghani 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus, a commonly occurring pathogen, is associated with severe diseases both in community and hospital settings and has been a significant concern for public health. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections have become widespread in many regions worldwide.

Objective:
The objective of their study was to employ polymerase chain reaction to identify certain virulence genes and determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of S. aureus strains.

Materials and Methods:
Initially, the identification of these isolates involved culture, microscopic examination, and biochemical tests. S. aureus accounted for 36.4% of the growth observed.

Results:
The findings of antibiotic susceptibility testing for MRSA S. aureus indicated the highest resistance rates to cefoxitin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, followed by clindamycin and tetracycline. On the other hand, S. aureus showed maximum sensitivity to gentamicin and nitrofurantoin. It was suggested that Imipenem and nitrofurantoin exhibited the least antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infection patients. The DNA was extracted from the isolates, and the purity of the nucleic acid samples ranged from 1.8 to 2.0, while the concentration varied from 50 to 360 mg/μL. Molecular analysis of the genes showed that 33.3% of the isolates possessed the icaD gene, whereas none of the MRSA strains exhibited the presence of the icaA gene.

Conclusion:
The study findings indicate a relatively high prevalence of MRSA strains among S. aureus isolates in hospitals located in Wasit Province. Moreover, a significant proportion of these MRSA strains exhibit robust biofilm production capabilities.