bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Docking of vaginal Lactobacillus isolates as a potential bactericidal agent in Kirkuk 2022
Authors: Thaker Hadeel Monther , Tawfeeq Asal A , Ali Abeer Abbas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Because the female genital tract is a complex microbial community that plays various roles in disease development. Alternatively, Lactobacilli in the vaginal environment play an important role in maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem by preventing pathogenic overgrowth.

Objective:
Therefore, this study was suggested to isolate vaginal Lactobacilli with antibacterial activity.

Materials and Methods:
Two hundred and sixty women participated in this study aged between 15 and 50 years divided into two cohorts of bacterial vaginosis (BV): infected and healthy individuals. BV-isolates isolated and identified according to microbiological and biochemical assays. Accordingly, Lactobacillus isolates were further identified through genomic DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA, and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results:
A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the BV-infected women in the age range of 21–30 and 31–40 was recorded, with the percentages of 40.62% and 31.88%, respectively. Alternatively, a significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the percentages of vaginal Lactobacillus species between women of Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 recorded the ratios of 3.125% and 31% validating Lactobacilli presence as a sign of a healthy vaginal environment. Accordingly, four Lactobacillus isolates were assigned for their broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, results of the partial DNA sequencing revealed the isolation of four Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains registered at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under specific gene bank accession numbers.

Conclusion:
Effective Lactobacillus species with potential bactericidal activity validates vaginal health.
Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Citrus aurantium and its synergistic effect of the combination of silver nanoparticles with ampicillin against Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Flamerz Roshna Aziz , Obid Siham Shukur , Jasim Wafa M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:

Proteus mirabilis is one of the most infectious organisms that cause a various infections involving those of the skin, wounds, and urinary tract. This study describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) and using it as an antibacterial agent.

Objective:
To determine the activity of AgNps and synergistic effect of combination of AgNps with ampicillin (AMP).

Materials and Methods:
Out of 205 samples, 32 isolated were identified as P. mirabilis and determine the inhibition zone by using AgNps and its combination with AMP. The AgNps were biosynthesized by Citrus aurantium and then characterized using Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial activity of AgNps was done using well diffusion agar method and the activity was evaluated by calculating the increase in the inhibition zone and reduction in the bacterial growth.

Results:
The synthesized AgNps was first characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy which showed a peak between 400 and 500 cm–1. The color changes from clear yellow to red or brown color indicate the formation of AgNps. The particle size of AgNps was calculated and found to be 21.24 nm by XRD. The TEM images showed the presence of very regular particles in shape of nanospheres with a particle size in the range of 10–28 nm. Different concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100 µg/mL) were used for determining the activities of AgNps and the combination of AgNps with AMP, and the result showed that the most efficient in inhibition zone was at concentration 100 µg/mL.

Conclusion:
This study concluded that the green synthesized AgNps from C. aurantium leaves extract have most potential as antibacterial against P. mirabilis.
Synergistic effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles combined with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples
Authors: Rashad Fatin Fikrat , Obaid Siham Shakoor , Al-kadhi Najdat Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prevalent nosocomial pathogenic microorganisms that affect and cause a life-threatening situation.

Objective:
The study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles (NPs) with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid antibiotic on P. aeruginosa growth.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 220 clinical samples were collected. A sample has been subjected to isolation and identification by standard microbiological procedures. The extract of Citrus aurantium was used to synthesize silver NPs. The characterization of silver NPs was achieved at the University of Tehran, by using UV–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial activity of AgNPs and combination with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid antibiotic were tested against bacteria using the agar well diffusion method.

Results:
Out of the 220 samples collected, 33 (15%) isolates were positive for P. aeruginosa. Highest resistance of P. aeruginosa was found to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in percentage of 100. NPs have been characterized by a UV–visible spectrometer which revealed a broad peak at 426 cm-1. XRD showed the purity of the prepared silver NPs that the particle size was equal to 21.26 nm. TEM measurement showed the presence of sphere-like structures with sizes of 20 nm for regular particles and 40 nm for irregular particles. AgNPs, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and mixture (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid + AgNPs) have high inhibition activity of P. aeruginosa in concentration of 100 µg/mL and recorded 21.33 ± 3.06, 13.00 ± 0.00, and 22.00 ± 3.46 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:
The results supported a green synthesis approach for the synthesis of AgNPs with antimicrobial. P. aeruginosa has synergistic combinations of AgNPs with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, with a great inhibitory effect on the growth of the bacteria.
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplemented with silver nanoparticles on Propionibacterium acnes in vitro
Authors: Sultan Safaa Mahmood , Abdallah Omar Dirar , Irzoqy Maha Ebrahem 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilo-sebaceous unit of the follicles in the skin that most commonly affects people throughout their adolescence or teenage years. Around 85% of youngsters globally are affected by this skin condition, according to research. Acne, in contrast, is not only a teenager’s problem; in many cases, it lasts far into adulthood.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate how Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplemented with silver nanoparticles impacted Propionibacterium acnes in Mosul City.

Materials and Methods:
Specimens were obtained from 65 acne patients who attended Mosul’s private dermatological clinics with signs of inflamed and discharged pus. The specimens inoculate on blood agar, MacConkey agar, nutrient agar, Muller Hinton agar, and nutrient broth. Then, the effect of S. cerevisiae with silver nanoparticles on P. acnes was determied.

Results:
The results showed different inhibition with various concentrations of yeast extract against P. acnes in the medium, with the 50% concentration showing the highest inhibition diameter at a rate of 18 mm in the bacteria under study, while the inhibition diameter was at an average rate of 18 mm. For each bacterium, the highest rate of inhibition was at a concentration of 40% and a diameter of 15 mm, whereas the lowest rate of inhibition was at a concentration of 30% and a diameter of 12 mm.

Conclusions:
Silver nanoparticles, when coupled with S. cerevisiae, can be a very effective antibacterial against to P. acnes.
Significance of maternal serum pentraxin-3 level in assessment of severity of pre-eclampsia and its effect on neonatal outcome
Authors: Haseeb Noor Mohammed , Mohammed Esraa Abdulkareem , Ibrahem Salih 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Preeclampsia is a multisystem, highly variable disorder specific to pregnancy. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3), a recently identified multimeric inflammatory mediator, it can be considered as a promising biomarker of preeclampsia and its severity.

Objective:
To determine the association between maternal serum PTX3 level and preeclampsia, its severity and its effect on the neonatal outcome.

Materials and Methods:
This case control study was carried-out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk City, Iraq from 1st of February, till 30th of November 2021. The study included 92 pregnant women at term who were divided into three groups (mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and pregnant without preeclampsia and regarded as control group). The neonatal outcomes were documented. PTX3 was measured in the serum using human PTX3 ELISA KIT.

Results:
PTX3 cutoff value of ≥120.8 pg/mL was associated with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96%. The correlation between PTX3 and urea, body mass index, birth weight, APGAR (A for neonatal appearance, P for heart rate, G for grimace, A for activity, R for respiration) score in 1 and 5 minutes showed that, there was significant positive weak correlation between PTX3 and urea, in which an increase in urea was associated with an increase in PTX3. Also, there was significant negative weak correlation between PTX3 with birth weight and APGAR 1, in which an increase in PTX3 was associated with a decrease in birth weight and APGAR in 1 min.

Conclusion:
PTX3 is one of the biochemical markers in diagnosing preeclampsia and distinguishing its severity and can be used as a marker for early neonatal outcome in preeclampsia.
Association between the clinical presentation and outcome among smokers vs non- smokers COVID-19 patients in Kirkuk health care centers/Iraq
Authors: Ali Waleed M , Jasim Wafa M , Hassan Zahraa A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Smoking is regarded as one of the most important reasons of diseases and lead to eight million deaths all over the world. Both factors including corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection related to smoking can primarily affect the lungs. COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract (saliva), and the smoker group may be at a higher risk of contracting the virus because of impaired immune systems, reduced lung function, susceptible hygiene habits, and cross-infection.

Objectives:
The study aimed to determine if there is any association between the current smoking and the clinical severity and outcomes of disease among patients suffering from COVID-19 in Kirkuk city.

Materials and Methods:
Retrospective case series include 973 adult (≥18 years old) patients (525 male and 448 female) with confirmed COVID-19. The studied patients were diagnosed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by taking a swab from a nasopharyngeal region during the period from July 2020 to October 31, 2021. The data were collected from patients on the first visit to health services system (Private Clinic, AL-shifaa Hospital, and Kirkuk General Hospital). The diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was based on symptoms. Presence of infiltration on chest X-ray or high-resolution CT scan with positive PCR swab for SARS-CoV-2 was found. The total number of patients included in the study was 974 (646 smokers and 328 non-smokers). A special questionnaire form was prepared for this purpose and distributed after receiving the verbal consent from them, and the data were collected by interviewing with them.

Results:
This study shows that the most affected age group between smokers and non-smokers was 50–59 years (47.35%–49.8%), respectively, with P value = 0.444. Regarding the sex, males from smoker group constitute a higher percentage (75.6%), in comparison to non-smoker group in which the females constitute a higher percent (56.2%) with a P-value = 0.000. Also the study reveals that the smoker group shows a high percent among patients with hypertension (33.8%), in comparison to the non-smoker group in which diabetes mellitus was the most comorbid disease (37.9%) with a P-value = 0.000.

Conclusion:
The study recommended that physicians can provide more attention to the smoking history in patients with COVID-19 infection, and more future advanced research is aimed to explain the mechanisms that decrease this risk.
Assessment of some hematological factors in patients with COVID-19 and vaccinated individuals in Kirkuk city
Authors: Jasim Maha Tariq , Noraldeen Mohammed Yawoz , Al-Kadi Najdat Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2), which is considered to be the main reason of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), initiates a multisystem inflammatory condition. The COVID-19 progression is thought to be influenced by hematological abnormalities. A complete blood count (CBC) is a repeatedly used, reasonably priced, and promptly performed testing technique that may be helpful in those processes. The predominance of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is determined by d-dimer values.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the hematological factors in patients with COVID-19 and vaccinated individuals in Kirkuk city.

Subject and Methods:
Samples were taken from 167 participants aged 20 to 45 years, including men and women, from December 2021 to March 2022; these samples were taken randomly from patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized and nonhospitalized, those who had received vaccine, and a control group (healthy people who do not have diseases). Samples of nasopharyngeal swabs were also collected from outpatients infected with COVID-19, and the infection was verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also, PCR was done for control group and performed CBC and d-dimer tests for all samples.

Results:
Concerning to hematological tests, the outcomes have revealed significant results between study groups with WBC (P < 0.0001), RBC (P < 0.0001), lymphocyte (P < 0.0001), granulocyte (P < 0.0001), HB (P < 0.0001), HCT (P < 0.0001), MCH (P < 0.0017), PLT (P < 0.0455), and d-dimer (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:
Patients with COVID-19 have a reliable pattern of CBC parameter changes and normal values in the vaccinated individual.
Molecular detection of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and viral loads in chronic hcv infected patients in Kirkuk, Iraq
Authors: Hasan Sarmad Falah , Maded Zeyad Khalaf , Alazzawy Muhannad Abdulla 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hepatitis C is a disease that has a significant global impact. The World Health Organization estimates that over 150 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Objectives:
The purpose of the study was to make a quantitative determination of the hepatitis C viral load and genotype using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to determine how these factors relate to the HCV chronicity.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in Kirkuk city, Iraq. A total of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis C whose ages ranged from 20 to 75 years were the subjects of the study. The control group consisted of 30 apparently healthy persons admitted to the blood bank for blood donation. Five milliliters of blood were drawn for the molecular detection of HCV load and genotype by RT-PCR, detection of hepatitis C antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and biochemical analysis of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total serum bilirubin (TSB).

Results:
According to the research, 86% of chronic hepatitis C patients with ELISA-detected anti-HCV obtained positive PCR results. Statistically significant (P = 0.01). According to the study, more chronic hepatitis C patients (31 out of 43) had genotype 4 HCV than genotype 1a (27.91%). According to the study, genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C patients exhibited significantly higher viral loads than genotype 1a patients (1901.3 vs. 1693.41 IU/mL; P = 0.01). About 41.94% of men and 58.06% of females with chronic hepatitis C had genotype 4, whereas 33.3% of males and 66.67% of females had genotype 1a. Chronic hepatitis C patients had higher ALT, AST, ALP, and TSB levels than the control group, and the difference was very significant. ALT values were 64.69, 54.8, 285.5, and 4.33 mg/dL. This study found a connection between chronic hepatitis C viral load and ALT, AST, ALP, and TSB levels. Viral load rose as fibrosis progressed, according to this study. Patients without fibrosis had the lowest mean viral load (1235.5 IU/mL), followed by those with stage 1 fibrosis, whereas cirrhosis (stage 4) had the highest (2088.1 IU/mL). Non-fibrotic patients had the lowest virus burden.

Conclusions:
Genotype 4 of HCV was the most predominant genotype in Kirkuk city and there was a strong positive correlations of ALT and viral load with stages of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Identifying the effect of vitamin D on the HbA1c in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Mosul city
Authors: Adil Mohammad Azhar , Zaki Bakr Osamah , Daood Ismail I 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Diabetes mellitus causes metabolic disturbances and defectiveness in most tissues and cells of the body, especially in the nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and other body tissues. It is known that type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases in the city of Mosul, due to several reasons, such as excessive carbohydrate intake, psychological disorders, obesity, and lack of exercise. Because of these and other reasons, there was a need to conduct scientific research to clarify the main reasons for diabetes, modify the method of treatment and change the lifestyle to avoid falling into these chronic diseases.

Objective:
Studying the effect of vitamin D deficiency on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the population of Mosul city for the purpose of modifying the metabolism in the body.

Materials and Methods:
Fifty eight study subjects were collected from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (diagnosed by a specialist and HbA1c test results) with 20 control samples of approximately the same ages and body mass index. Thereafter, We have investigate the durations of improving vitamin D for more than one year and record all medical history of the patients. Eleven study subjects were excluded due to drug interactions. Forty nine subjects of a study comprised 33 females and 16 males who were included in the study after making sure that they did not take medication. None of them were pregnant or breastfeeding. Their mean age was (51.8 ± 0.2 years) and their mean BMI was (26.8 ± 0.5). The examination was carried out using immunofluorescence and dry chemistry using the I CHROMA TM II device with the materials of the device, which were provided by the manufacturer with all the materials for calibration and quality control.

Results:
Forty nine study subjects were examined by HbA1c and vitamin D level by immunofluorescence technique, and the mean results were (9.3 ± 0.1%) for HbA1c and (14.3 ± 1 ng/mL) for vitamin D. After treatment with vitamin D for 1 month. The results showed a good improvement in the results of the HbA1c examination, as their average results were (7.1 ± 0.1%), with an improvement in the results of the vitamin D examination by (48.8 ± 1 ng/mL).

Conclusions:
There was a clear improvement in the level of sugar in the blood of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after treatment with vitamin D and an improvement in its level in the blood.
Prevalence of asthma control in adult patients in Kirkuk City
Authors: Kamal Bilal Jamal , Khalaf Mohammed Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases that is widely prevalent worldwide affecting different age groups. Many factors are involved in the pathogenesis and there are many trigger factors that can precipitate acute attacks or interfere with the disease control. Disease controlling inhalers are required to be taken for long duration to control the symptoms, and this is a real problem with the patients to maintain remission and prevent relapse or deterioration in the lung function.

Objective:
The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of asthma control in adult patients in Kirkuk city.

Materials and Methods:
Two thousand and five hundreds asthmatic patients were collected from Azadi teaching hospital and private clinics at Kirkuk city during the period from January 2017 to October 2022 (1775 were men and 725 were women. A proper history was taken from the patients regarding the duration of the asthma, treatment used and compliance, smoking, and presence or absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The body mass index (BMI) of the patients was also measured. Regarding the asthma control during the past 4 weeks, this was assessed by using the asthma control test.

Results:
From the total 2500 asthmatic patients: 2280 (91.2%) were not well-controlled, 220 (8.8%) at least well-controlled, 1590 (63.9%) of patients were on treatment, 1370 (86%) of those on treatment were not well-controlled, and 220 (14%) were at least well-controlled. Obesity, smoking, passive smoking GERD, and non-adherence to inhalers are all associated with poorly controlled asthma.

Conclusion:
The study shows that most of the asthmatic patients with uncontrolled smoking exposure, GERD, obesity, and non-adherence to controlling inhalers were significantly associated factors. Most of the patients were not on regular controlling inhaler therapy. Rejection of the diagnosis, cost, and technique were all causes for the non-adherence to disease-controlling inhalers.
Possible roles of human cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G and its avidity to specific human cytomegalovirus antigens in the prevention of abortion among pregnant women
Authors: Qader Staar Mohammed , Al-Azzawy Muhannad Abdullah , Tawfiq Sanarya Kamal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread viral pathogen characterized by strict host specificity and is limited to humans. It has been described as an important etiological agent of intrauterine infection during the pregnancy, that causes lifelong infection and may lead to some serious results such as miscarriage, cerebellar malformation stillbirth, and fetus developmental retardation.

Objectives:
The study was carried out in Kirkuk governorate from the August 2021 to April 2022 to analyze the seroprevalence of HCMV-immunoglobulin G (IgG) against some HCMV antigens and its relation to the history of abortion.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 220 pregnant women were examined for the seroprevalence of HCMV-IgG by using electro-chemo-luminescence technique and then examined their reactivity and avidity for specific HCMV antigens using line immune assay.

Results:
The findings of the study showed that among 120 HCMV-IgG seropositive pregnant women, the rates of IgG antibodies were 161 (73.18%). In terms of reactivity and avidity of HCMV-IgG against different HCMV antigens, the rates were as follows: 67 (55.83%) for HCMV IE1, 52 (43.33%) for CM2, 116 (96.66%) for p150, 68 (56.66%) for p65, 117 (97.5%) for gB1, and 82 (68.33%) for gB2 antigens. Among pregnant women with no previous history of abortion, the prevalence of HCMV-IgG reactivity against gB2 was 75.60%. Furthermore, the rates of HCMV-IgG avidity for HCMV antigens were 90.24% for CM2 and 83.05% for p65 antigens.

Conclusions:
This finding may refer to the possible role of the specificity of HCMV-IgG and its high avidity for specific HCMV antigens in the prevention of abortion among pregnant women infected with HCMV infection.