Background: The surgical treatment of breast cancer in premenopausal women poses special difficulties in war-torn countries, where comorbidities, surgeons, and family members play a major role in the decision-making process. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of these factors on the surgical decisions and to identify areas where patient outcomes and healthcare practices will be improved. Methods: This quantitative study was conducted across three areas affected by conflict within the Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were performed with premenopausal women who were diagnosed with breast cancer, their families, and their surgeons. We reviewed medical records to find out the types of surgical treatments carried out and the presence of comorbid conditions. Thematic analysis and narrative inquiry were employed to interpret the data. Results: The results indicate that Wide Local Excision (WLE) was chosen in 43.9% of cases. The second most common surgery was mastectomy, 39.3%. Surgeons made the majority of surgical decisions (34.5%), with family members having a significant influence as well (29.3%). Another important finding was the high percentage of patients who did not have comorbidities (86.4%), which affect-ed the surgical treatment options and results positively. Conclusion: The current study highlights the high authority of surgeons and the significant influence of family members in the decision-making process. This reflects the lack of patients’ autonomy, maybe due to cultural norms, social factors, and stress that is caused by living in war-conflict countries. Increasing patient autonomy in making decisions about choosing treatment modalities can also result in more tailored and successful treatment outcomes. Keywords: Breast cancer, Family influence, Premenopausal women, Surgical decision-making, War-torn countries.
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae infections trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Procalcitonin is a key biomarker for bacterial infections, while inflammatory mediators like leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) promote inflammation. And Glutathione S-transferase acts as an antioxidant biomarker and protects lung tissue from reactive oxygen species. Objectives: This research highlights a potential connection between oxidative stress and bacterial infections in the context of severe conditions such as sepsis and organ failure. The study aimed to elucidate infection pathogenesis and disease progression by examining the interplay among procalcitonin, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators. Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed serum levels of procalcitonin, GST, and LTA4H in patients with K. pneumoniae using sandwich ELISA. And the results, presented as means ± standard deviation, were evaluated with Pearson's correlation coefficient, with significance set at p-value < 0.05. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitec 2 compact system. Results: The patients' ages averaged 53.3 ± 24.4 years, with 48.6% over 60. The predominant resistance pattern was 34.5% XDR. Patients infected with K. pneumoniae exhibited measurable serum levels of procalcitonin, GST, and LTA4H. A significant positive correlation was found between procalcitonin and GST (p-value = 0.0028), but not with LTA4H (p-value = 0.981). Conclusion: The results indicate that serum procalcitonin is significantly associated with oxidative stress but not with inflammatory mediators in patients infected with K. pneumoniae. These findings suggest an interplay between infection-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, highlighting their potential role as complementary biomarkers in assessing disease severity. Keywords: Procalcitonin, Glutathione S-transferase, Leukotriene A4 hydrolase, Oxidative stress, Lower respiratory tract infection.
Background: Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder, with an annual incidence of 4 cases per million and a prevalence of 40 cases per million. The condition results from a pituitary adenoma that secretes growth hormone. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess β-arrestin levels in patients with acromegaly, comparing those with and without diabetes mellitus with a control group. Patients and Methods: This is a case-control study involving 100 patients with acromegaly registered at the National Diabetes Center, Mustansiriyah University, and 76 controls. All recruited participants have given oral consent to participate in the study, which was conducted from February to August 2024. Results: the age distribution differences were not statistically significant (p=0.156). The gender distribution showed 47 females and 53 males in the acromegaly group. The β-arrestin level was higher among patients compared to controls, and showed the highest level in acromegaly and DM (16.86 ± 6.35 ng/ml), followed by acromegaly without DM (11.12 ± 4.78ng/ml), controls with DM (6.62 ± 2.83 ng/ml), and controls without DM (2.93 ± 0.98 ng/ml). Conclusion: High prevalence of diabetes among female patients with acromegaly. Elevated serum levels of β-arrestin were observed in patients with acromegaly, with higher levels noted in those with diabetes mellitus compared to non-diabetic acromegaly patients and control groups. Keywords: Acromegaly. B-Aresstin, pituitary adenoma, Diabetes mellitus.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin deficiency and resistance. This study evaluated serum interleukin‑33 (IL‑33) and its soluble receptor (sST2), plus two IL‑33 gene polymorphisms (rs7044343, rs1929992), for association with T2DM in Iraqi patients. Patients and Methods: In this case–control study, 120 T2DM patients and 80 age and sex matched healthy controls were used. Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) confirmed diabetic status. Serum IL 33 and sST2 concentrations were measured by ELISA. Genotyping of IL 33 rs7044343 and rs1929992 was performed via PCR–RFLP. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using χ² tests; associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Compared to controls, T2DM patients showed significantly higher serum IL 33 (mean ± SD: 43.2 ± 12.7 vs 28.5 ± 9.3 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and sST2 (56.8 ± 14.1 vs 34.7 ± 10.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The IL 33 rs1929992 variant exhibited no significant difference between groups (p = 0.30). In contrast, the rs7044343 AA genotype was more frequent in T2DM patients than controls (AA = 34% vs 18%; OR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.22–4.52, p = 0.010), while the CC genotype conferred a protective effect (CC = 22% vs 38%; OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.89, p = 0.018). Conclusion: Elevated IL 33 and sST2 levels, together with the rs7044343 AA genotype, are associated with increased susceptibility to T2DM in Iraqi patients. These findings support IL 33 pathway involvement in T2DM pathogenesis. Keywords: IL-33, T2DM, Lipid profile, ST2 receptor.
Background: Mechanical back pain is a common condition that severely affects daily functioning and the quality of life. It often manifests as pain, stiffness, and limited movement, resulting in a functional handicap for affected individuals. Objectives: Comparing the results of active rehabilitation with functional disability and with follow-up patients who had mechanical low back pain. Patients and Methods: an experimental study in which 159 participants with mechanical back pain were selected from physiotherapy clinics to participate in this exploratory investigation. Group 1 received physiotherapy exercises, Group 2 received physiotherapy modalities, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, ultrasound, infrared radiation, and short-wave diathermy, and Group 3 received a mix of exercises and modalities. Participants were randomly divided into three groups. Ten sessions of treatment were given to everyone. The Oswestry Impairment Index (ODI) was used to measure functional impairment and pain levels both before and after treatment. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences among the three therapeutic intervention groups in pain intensity and functional disability before and after treatment (p < 0.001). At baseline, participants in the Physical Therapy Modalities group presented with the highest levels of pain and disability. Following five treatment sessions, the Therapeutic Exercise and Physiotherapy Modalities Combined group showed the greatest reduction in pain intensity, with a post-intervention mean rank of 66.25, indicating significant clinical improvement. In contrast, the Therapeutic Exercise group achieved the most notable reduction in overall pain score, with a mean rank of 58.85, reflecting its specific effectiveness in pain perception. Regarding functional disability, the combined group again demonstrated the greatest improvement, suggesting that integrating exercise with physical modalities offers broader therapeutic benefits. These findings underscore the varying impact of each intervention, with the combined approach showing the most consistent improvement across both pain and functional outcomes. Conclusion: This study has determined the effectiveness of physical therapy in reducing functional impairment in patients with mechanical back pain. The results indicated that the greatest improvement in pain reduction and functional mobility was achieved when physiotherapy exercises were combined with modalities such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, ultrasound, and infrared radiation. Keywords: Back pain, Rehabilitation, Functional disability.
Background: Biofilm development in P. aeruginosa is a complicated mechanism controlled by several genetic factors, among which quorum sensing (QS) plays a pivotal role. Objectives: Investigating the Impact of Quorum-sensing Systems genes (rhlI, rhlR, lasI, and lasR) on biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Patients and Methods: A total of 30 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from four major referral hospitals in Baghdad, including Al-Imamian Al-Kadhimiyain Medical City and the Iraq Medical City complex (comprising Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Burns Hospital, and Ghazy Al-Hariri Hospital for Surgical Specialties). Antibiotic susceptibility testing and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination were evaluated. Quantitative microtiter plate assays were used to study the biofilm formation ability. Conventional PCR was used to detect quorum-sensing genes using specific primer pairs after DNA extraction. Results: Of the 30 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates,43% were identified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), while 17% were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). The highest level of antibiotic resistance was observed against levofloxacin (60%). Formation of Biofilms was detected in 93.33% of the isolates, with varying strength. The occurrence of quorum-sensing genes among the isolates was as follows: lasI (96.67%), lasR (76.67%), rhlI (93.33%), and rhlR (63.33%). Conclusion: The quorum-sensing genes lasI and rhlI were consistently noticed in all isolates that formed moderate to strong biofilms. Additionally, a correlation was observed between the existence of lasR and rhlR genes and resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Quorum-sensing genes, Biofilm, rhlI, lasI.
Background: Myocardial infarction and oxidative stress drive the damage to myocardial tissue, culminating in cell necrosis. The study measured IMA, TAC, DPPH, total protein, and serum albumin in patients with MI. Objectives: To analyze and diagnose the usefulness of IMA concentration in patients with potential MI signs within six hours. Patients and Methods: During the period from September 2024 to February 2025, eighty individuals diagnosed with myocardial infarction (MI) who were admitted to Baquba Teaching Hospital in Iraq were enrolled in this study. In addition, twenty healthy individuals were included as a control group. IMA was measured using an ELISA kit, while serum TAC, DPPH, total protein, and albumin were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: The MI group showed a significantly elevated serum IMA concentration compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Patients with MI showed lower antioxidant activity and reduced levels of antioxidant molecules. There was no apparent association between serum IMA and DPPH, TAC, total protein, or serum albumin. However, positive correlations emerged between TAC and DPPH (0.678, p < 0.001), total protein and serum albumin (0.640, p < 0.001), and TAC and serum albumin (0.575, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The aim of the study was to elucidate the crucial role of measuring IMA, TAC, DPPH, total protein, and serum albumin in patients with MI, alongside other oxidative stress indicators, to guide the development of targeted antioxidant treatments for early diagnosis. Keywords: Myocardial infarction, IMA, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant, Ischemia.
Background: Enterobacter cloacae is a gram-negative bacteria characterized by being a rod, motile, facultative anaerobic bacteria, possess many virulence factors that play an important role in the prevalence of this bacteria such as biofilm, sedrophore, and fimbriae. Objectives: this study aims to investigate some biofilm genes that contribute to cause disease and antibiotic resistance. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 300 samples involving 102 samples from hospitalized and 198 samples from non- hospitalized patient and this study was carried out from November 2023 to March 2024 in Diyala, Iraq. Results: This study revealed the presence of biofilm genes in E. cloacae bacteria, isolated from different cases (wound infection, UTI, burn infection and patients with blood bacteremia Conclusion: An alarming rate of drug resistance E. cloacae is on the rise, Bacterial factor including biofilms, fimbriae and molecular mechanism are in association with E. cloacae. Study shows up to 80-100 of clinical E. cloacae isolates may carry CsgA and CsgD. Keywords: Biofilm production, Enterobacter cloacae, CsgA, CsgD.
Background: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, with incidence rates steadily increasing over the past decades. Despite significant advances in early detection and treatment modalities, identifying reliable biomarkers that can predict disease onset, progression, and patient outcomes remains a major clinical challenge. Among the various biological factors under investigation, vitamin D and calcium homeostasis have attracted considerable attention due to their critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, and immune regulation. Objectives: Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), estrogen, alkaline phosphatase, correlation levels between the parameters measured, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were all examined in this study, which aims to shed light on the role of vitamin D in the development of breast cancer and its relationship to some parameters. Patients and Methods: The patients were divided into three groups. The control group was G1; patients diagnosed early and receiving chemotherapy were G2; and patients receiving surgery or chemotherapy were G3. Results: This study showed that, compared to the control group, the breast cancer groups had lower vitamin D levels, with statistically significant P-values for G1 and G2 for vitamin D and PTH, respectively. The fact that groups of people with breast cancer had significantly low vitamin D levels and high levels of parathyroid hormone supports the idea that vitamin D can fight cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis underscored the diagnostic potential of vitamin D and PTH, both of which demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: Vitamin D and PTH were found to be factors that lead to tumor progression in breast cancer patients in this study. The idea that low vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone support the idea that vitamin D fights cancer. Keywords: Breast cancer, Vitamin D, Parathyroid hormone, Calcium level.
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs), with its virulence influenced by specific capsular serotypes and strain types. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association between virulence factors and capsular serotypes in classical (cKp) and hypervirulent (hvKp) K. pneumoniae isolates from UTIs. Patients and Methods: A total of 280 urine samples were collected from patients at Medical City Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between November 2023 and May 2024. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for molecular identification and capsular serotyping. Virulence factors assessed included biofilm formation, hemolytic activity, serum resistance, and siderophore production. Results: Among 41 classical cKp, 19 were identified as serotypes K1 or K2, while the remaining 22 belonged to other serotypes. Of the 21 hypervirulent hvkp, 18 were associated with serotypes K1, K2, K20, or K54. All isolates exhibited biofilm formation with no significant difference between cKp and hvKp. However, hvKp strains demonstrated significantly higher hemolytic activity, particularly in K1 and K2 serotypes, although differences between K1 and K2 within hvKp were not statistically significant. Serum resistance was significantly greater in hvKp strains (p > 0.05), with K2 showing higher resistance than K1 in both groups. Siderophore production was also significantly elevated in hvKp, with K1 strains exhibiting the highest levels. Conclusion: Capsular serotyping may offer valuable insights for clinical diagnostics and therapeutic decision-making in UTIs caused by K. pneumoniae. Keywords: Capsular serotypes, Virulence factors, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Hypervirulent, UTI.
Background: The key features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Elevated plasma prolidase activity is closely related to the pathophysiology of PCOS, in which increased ovarian stromal volume and atretic follicles may be accompanied by changes in extracellular matrix remodeling. Objectives: Assessment of plasma prolidase levels in PCOS and to compare these levels between its different phenotypes as a marker for diagnosis and prognosis of the syndrome. Patients and Methods: A case–control study included 44 women who were diagnosed with PCOS, and 48 healthy, ovulatory women. Plasma prolidase levels were measured and compared between the two groups and across different PCOS phenotypes. Results: The mean prolidase level was significantly higher in PCOS (103.8 ± 82 ng/ml) than in controls (8.4 ± 4.1 ng/ml), the cut-off value (>31 ng/ml) was found to be 81.82% sensitive, 93.75% specific as a predictor of PCOS. The mean prolidase levels were higher in the PCOS group with ≥20 antral follicles; a positive correlation was found between prolidase level and the number of antral follicles in PCOS. Additionally, the mean prolidase levels varied significantly among the different PCOS phenotypes, with the polycystic ovary. hyperandrogenism oligo-anovulation (PHO) phenotype found to have the highest level. Conclusion: Plasma prolidase has a potential to serve as a useful, inexpensive and easily assessable marker for the diagnosis of PCOS. Its levels were directrly correlated with the number of antral follicles in PCOS women, suggesting that it can be used as a tool to replase ultrasound imaging. Proidase levels vary significantly among the different PCOS phenotypes, so it could be used for monitoring the disease. Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Prolidase, Rotterdam criteria.
Background: Autism is a neurodegenerative disease associated with alterations in the metabolism of iron in the central nervous system. There is evidence that children with autism have distinct iron-related proteins in their serum, and the SNPs p.H63D and p.C282Y have been found to be significantly correlated with a number of neurological illnesses. Objectives: To determine the impact of p.H63D and p.C282Y polymorphisms associated with iron status on autism in Iraqi children. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted from June 2023 to January 2024, involving 30 individuals with autism and 30 controls, with ages ranging from 4 to14 years. After extracting the DNA, specific sequence amplification and restriction enzymes digestion were used to investigate the genotyping of p.H63D and p.C282Y as well as TIBC, iron, transferrin, and ferritin, which were measured using an autoanalyzer. Results: Our findings showed the mean serum iron(70.68±20.21µg/dL),ferritin(32.11±9.15µg/dL) and transferrin (13.59±1.45(g/L))levels of autistic children were significantly lower than the mean of the control group(90.22±22.11,79.9±20.65,25.75± 3.69 respectively) p-value<0.05, and that an elevated risk of autism in the presence of homozygous H/H(83.3%)at p.H63D and C/C (100%) homozygote of p.C282Y, and the polymorphisms was substantially correlated with decreased serum transferrin levels (odd ratio =1.20 ,p-value=0.01(with H/H),1.18 ,p-value=0.02 with C/C). Conclusion: The decreased serum transferrin levels were associated with a higher incidence of autism that is associated with the presence of p.H63D and p.C282Y polymorphisms. Low levels of iron, ferritin, and transferrin in autism patients can lead to cognitive and physical problems, which may increase the risk of developing autism symptoms. Keywords: p.H63D, p.C282Y, Transferrin, Ferritin, Iron.
Background: Technology advancement of retrograde intrarenal surgery is important in elevating its efficiency and safety for renal and upper ureter stone management. Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery with a flexible and navigable ureteral access sheath in the management of renal and upper ureter stones. Patients and Methods: It was a clinical prospective follow-up study carried out in Life Private Hospital in Kalar city, Kurdistan region, Iraq, over the period of one year, from 1st of January to 31st of December 2024. A sample of one hundred patients underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery with a flexible and navigable sheath. The diagnosis of stones was done by a researcher and a Radiologist or referral from other physicians from different specialties through abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography scan. Results: The preoperative clinical co-morbidities were present in 37% of patients, commonly diabetes mellitus (18%), hypertension (12%), and heart disease (7%). The preoperative urine culture was positive in 17% of patients. Preoperative stent was done for 31% of patients, commonly for non-compatible ureter (20%), pain (9%), and sepsis (2%). No stone fragments or sepsis were reported postoperatively among the patients studied. Conclusion: The retrograde intrarenal surgery using flexible and navigable ureteral access sheath is an effective and safe surgical procedure in the management of kidney and upper ureter stones. Keywords: Kidney stone, Retrograde intrarenal surgery, Flexible and navigable sheath.
Background: Asthma is an allergic disorder affecting the lower respiratory tract and causing lung problems such as wheezing, coughing, and a sensation of chest constriction. Environmental, immunological, and genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of hyper-responsivity and bronchial obstruction. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the serum concentrations of soluble Growth Stimulating Expression Gene 2 Protein (sST2) and to assess and analyze the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of the NR3C1 gene (BclI rs41423247) in asthmatic patients under treatment and healthy controls. Patients and Methods: This study included 80 asthmatic patients and 40 controls. sST2 was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DNA was extracted from blood samples, followed by PCR amplification using a thermocycler with a newly designed, gene-specific primer pair targeting the NR3C1 gene. The Sanger sequencing technique detected the BclI rs41423247 SNP. Results: The results show a highly significant difference in sST2 levels between asthma patients and controls (55.43±15.81 vs. 38.04±5.215, respectively), with the highest levels observed in severe asthma patients (60.72±21.38). According to the treatment type used, the highest sST2 levels were seen in the G2 group, while the lowest levels were observed in the G1 group. The GC genotype of the BclI rs41423247 SNP is more common in patients (31.25%) than in controls (10%) (P value = 0.0103, χ2 = 6.571, and OR= 4.091). Conclusion: The current study concluded that individuals with the BclI rs41423247 polymorphism in the NR3C1 gene can develop asthma compared to individuals without this defect. Furthermore, the GC genotype of the BclI rs41423247 can affect the effectiveness of the steroid used, directly or indirectly, by its role in glucocorticoid receptor expression. This leads to a persistent inflammatory process associated with increased serum sST2 levels. Keywords: Asthma, BclI, glucocorticoid receptor, Single nucleotide polymorphism, Soluble growth stimulating expression gene 2 protein.
Background: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid complicates pregnancies and is associated with high risk of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome. Early detection of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is essential to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between poor neonatal outcomes of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Patients and Methods: A case control study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq from 1st of March to 31st of August 2024 on a sample of 90 pregnant women. The case group included 45 pregnant women who underwent cesarean section due to fetal distress with meconium-stained fluid, and the control group included 45 pregnant women who underwent cesarean section due to fetal distress without meconium-stained liquor. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor was assessed in mothers and neonates from umbilical vein. Results: Mean maternal and fetal cord (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) level was significantly lower among pregnant women with meconium-stained liquor compared to controls (p<0.001). The maternal BDNF cutoff for predicting meconium-stained liquor fetal distress was 1.76 ng/ml, showing an acceptable validity finding with sensitivity 100%, specificity 95.6% and accuracy 98.5%. The maternal and fetal brain derived neurotrophic factor levels were positively correlated with birth weight and APGAR score at both 1 and 5 minutes in neonates from pregnancies complicated with meconium-stained liquor. Conclusion: Maternal and fetal cord serum brain-derived neurotrophic factors are decreased in fetal distress with presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Keywords: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid, Fetal distress, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.
Background: Rhinitis and nasal irritation are highly prevalent, significantly impacting the quality of life for millions of patients. The high prevalence of rhinitis in Iraq may be attributed to environmental factors, including dust storms, pollution, and a poor air quality index. Rhinitis is a group of symptoms that includes congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching. Rhinitis can be divided into several groups; however, it typically refers to a group of nasal symptoms. Three primary forms of rhinitis are known: allergic rhinitis (AR), infectious rhinitis, and non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis (NAR). In certain instances, an overlapping or mixed type may exist, making it essential to refrain from oversimplification. Because of this, it is crucial to be cautious not to oversimplify. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of rhinitis among a sample of medical students and to identify possible associated factors that may exacerbate this condition. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical college and a college of dentistry in Baghdad from February 1 to July 1, 2024. It included 600 students randomly selected from these two colleges at all stages of their education. Based on a questionnaire, comprehensive history, and ARIA guidelines, the diagnosis of rhinitis was made. Results: In this study, rhinitis was diagnosed in 29.8% of participants. The most common nasal symptoms were sneezing (55.2%), headache (55%), nasal obstruction (48.8%), and postnasal drip (47.5%). Medical college students and those with a positive family history had the highest prevalence of rhinitis. Conclusion: The prevalence of rhinitis in Iraq is relatively high, similar to findings in the Gulf area. Substantial environmental changes and genetic influence over the past few decades are two potential causes. This study supports recent research indicating that allergic diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern societies. Keywords: Rhinitis, Nasal irritation, University students, Air quality index.
Background: MicroRNAs have been concerned in modulating multiple stages of HCV life cycles and specific miRNAs have been identified to be deregulated during HCV infection and serve as essential mediators for the antiviral treatment. Objectives: To understand the role of circulating serum microRNAs (miR-21-5p and miR-196-5p) in correlation with liver function tests and lipid profiles as diagnostic markers in patients with different stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Patients and Methods: 150 cases—100 with the Hepatitis C virus and 50 healthy as a control group—are involved. The patients' and the control group's serum levels of miR-21-5p and miR-196-5p were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the biochemical tests were measured using a standard automatic biochemistry analyzer (Thermo Fisher 240 V Indiko Plus Clinical Chemistry Analyzer, Kerala, India). Results: Serum miR-21-5p is upregulated in patients with acute and chronic HCV compared with the control group, while serum miR-196-5p is upregulated in acute HCV, HCV induced liver cirrhosis and sustained virologic response patients compared to the control group. The maximum serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, LDL and VLDL levels were in SVR and the minimum levels were in HCV-LC, the highest LFTs levels were in the AHC group. MiR-196-5p was negatively correlated with TG and VLDL in AHC and HCV-LC. The ROC curve showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for miR-21-5p in the AHC and CHC groups, while the highest sensitivity and specificity for miR-196-5p was in the AHC, HCV-LC, and SVR groups. Conclusion: Increased serum miR-21-5p and miR-196-5p expression in HCV patients implicated in lipid dysregulation within hepatocytes and monitoring this correlation might be used as biomarker of disease progression and liver dysfunction. Keywords: HCV, miR-21-5p, miR-196-5p, Circulating, Biomarker.
Background: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has revolutionized the field of vaccines with its approach to eliciting and modulating the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, despite uncertainty about the duration of this response. Objectives: The study aims to estimate the immunological effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in eliciting anti-spike IgG antibodies and in modulating IL-10 and IL-1β. Patients and Methods: The Prospective Cohort study was conducted between June 2022 and August 2023 and included 90 participants who had not previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and were unvaccinated (16 male and 74 female). Their ages ranged from 19 to 23 years. They were divided into two groups: 45 participants in the control group and 45 participants who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. The levels of S1-RBD (S1 subunit contains a receptor-binding domain) anti-spike IgG antibody, IL-10, and IL-1β were measured in the baseline group and the vaccinated group at 1 and 4 months after the 2nd dose of vaccination using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 18:82, with a mean age of 21 among vaccinated student participants. The levels of S1-RBD anti-spike IgG antibody, IL-10, and IL-1β before and post the 2nd dose of the vaccine at 1–4 months were (nonparametric). In addition, the Mann‒Whitney test revealed a significant difference (P< 0.001) in S1-RBD anti-spike IgG antibody and IL-10, IL-1β levels between 1 and 4 months after the 2nd dose of vaccination. Conclusion: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine induced robust immune responses, with significant increases in S1-RBD anti-spike IgG antibody levels and in IL-10 and IL-1β levels post-vaccination. Keywords: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, S1-RBD anti-spike IgG antibody, IL-10, IL-1β, Vaccination.
Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed or applied in sufficient amounts, bring health benefits to the host, according to the definition by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the association between the understanding, beliefs, and behaviors of the Malaysian adult population regarding probiotics. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using convenience sampling technique among the general adult population in Malaysia, within a duration of 6 weeks during 2024, to explore how the understanding, beliefs, and behaviors of the adult population related to probiotics were associated with their awareness of the potential health benefits. Results: Among 397 adults, the mean (±SD) scores were 10.2 ± 3.5 for knowledge, 5.1 ± 1.0 for attitude, and 6.0 ± 1.9 for practice. Overall, 32.0% had good knowledge, 89.7% positive attitudes, and 65.7% good practices. Most respondents (over 95%) recognized the benefits of probiotics, and 78.3% reported prior consumption. Multivariate logistic regression showed that Malaysian females were more likely to have good knowledge (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.14–2.70, p = 0.010). Malay ethnicity was associated with more favorable attitudes (AOR = 4.29, 95% CI: 0.80–23.00, p = 0.049), while Malaysian nationality was linked with lower odds of good practices (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.38–0.92, p = 0.019). Conclusion: To gain the potential benefits of using probiotics for overall health and well-being, more studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms and optimal applications. As our knowledge of microbiomes expands, so does the potential for probiotic interventions in supporting overall well-being. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Probiotic usage, Malaysia.
Background: Phenotype A also referred the classic PCOS phenotype, represents the most severe clinical form as it encompasses all three diagnostic features clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism (HA), ovulatory dysfunction (OD), and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). it is more commonly found in subjects identified in clinical populations. Objectives: To investigate the hormonal changes in phenotype (A) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Patients and Methods: This study was carried out at Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad. Investigations included serum measurements of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), free testosterone, inhibin B, by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by TOSOH technique. The ratio of LH/FSH was calculated. Results: The mean (±SEM) value of serum free testosterone levels of phenotype (A) PCOS was significantly higher than that of controls (p=0.001). However, the mean (±SEM) value of AMH levels of phenotype (A) PCOS was higher than that of control women, but did not reach the significant level (p=0.06). The mean (±SEM) values of LH levels and LH/FSH ratio, of phenotype (A) PCOS were significantly higher than those of control women (p=0.03, p=0.001, respectively). In addition, significant correlations were observed among the studied hormones in phenotype (A) PCOS. Conclusion: Phenotype A is the predominant one of PCOS phenotypes and is associated with highest serum AMH, free testosterone and obesity. The pattern of hormonal changes and correlations among them may shed light on the new pathophysiology of the phenotype A PCOS and may aid in treatment strategy. Keywords: Anti-müllerian hormone, Free testosterone, Inhibin B, LH/FSH ratio, Polycystic ovary syndrome.
