Search Results

Abstract :

Multiple factors are involved in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMII) to DMII with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular complications. To identify some of these factors, we aim to investigate the changes in erythrocyte membrane Na+/K+-ATPase activity, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), anthropometric measurements, and blood pressure in DMII with and without MetS. This cross-sectional study comprised 155 male subjects distributed into three groups as healthy controls (50 non-DMII volunteers), Group I (50 DMII without MetS), and Group II (55 DMII with MetS). Fasting blood samples were taken for the measurement of glucose, insulin, HbA1c, hs-CRP and lipid profile. Na+/K+-ATPase activity was determined in erythrocyte ghost. Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly decreased in DMII groups compared with controls. No significant difference was shown in Na+/K+-ATPase activity between DMII groups. Total ATPase activity, total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteincholesterol levels were similar in the three groups. Levels of insulin, hs-CRP, triacylglycerols, systolic blood pressure, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and body mass index were significantly elevated and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly decreased only in Group II. Significant differences in serum glucose and hip circumference were seen between the groups. No significant differences in HbA1c levels were observed between DMII groups. Changes in many of the measured risk factors that occurred only in Group II compared with controls and Group I may provide an explanation of how DMII progresses to DMII with MetS and future cardiovascular complications

Abstract : To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of Multiple Sclerosis in Ninevah governorate, Iraq. In this case series study, we included 418 Iraqi patients with clinically definitive MS (diagnosed by using McDonald criteria) attending regularly the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in “Ibn Sina Teaching Hospital” (Mosul; Iraq) from January 2022 to June 2022. We measured the functional status of the patients by using “Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Score” (EDSS). The ratio of MS is predicted to be 10.3 per 100,000, with annual incidence ranging from 4.6 to 11.57 per million last 4 years. The average age at the onset of symptoms was 27.7±9.9 years, with an average duration of symptoms of 7.2±6.9 years. Women are two times more likely to be diagnosed with MS with a female-male ratio of 1:0.6. Sensory symptoms (26%) than visual (20%) and motor (18.5%) symptoms were the most common initial clinical pattern of the disease. The subtype of clinical presentation of MS was relapsing-remitting MS in 82.8% of cases, secondary progressive MS in 14.2%, and primary progressive MS in 3%. The distribution of functional disability by EDSS showed that 68.5%, 25.4% and 6.1% present with the mild, moderate and severe forms, respectively. Our findings were similar to studies done in different countries of the middle east regarding the age of onset, clinical pattern and disability from the disease, but the prevalence of MS in this study was relatively lower than in neighbouring countries which could be due to limited tools for diagnosing MS, underestimation of this disease by a different medical specialist, and the limited number of neurologists.

Abstract : There is a hypothesis that the state of a woman’s cervicovaginal microbiome can correlate with the possibility of such obstetric complications as cervical incompetence and preterm birth. This review summarizes the information about the connection between microbiome and cervical incompetence. It turned out that the dominance of Lactobacillus crispatus and possibly Lactobacillus gasseri in the microbiome is associated with full-term pregnancy while the predominance of other types of Lactobacillus and anaerobic bacterias (Gardnerella, Atopobium, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Ureaplasma., Megasphaera, Escherichia, Shigella, etc.) leads to preterm rupture of fetal membranes and preterm birth. We should pay attention to the fact that high concentration of antimicrobial peptides β-defensin-2 even without dominance of L. crispatus is also associated with full-term pregnancy. When studying cervicovaginal and amniotic fluid of woman who had preterm birth, the rise in concentration of inflammatory‐related cytokin, such as IL-2, IL-8, IL-10 etc., is discovered. The change of components of microbiome and the rise of mother’s immune reaction leads to preterm remodeling and softening of cervix. Thus, the early diagnostics of the changes in cervicovaginal microbiome, cervicovaginal and amniotic fluid may predict cervical incompetence and preterm birth.

Abstract : A vaccine is a biological preparation that enhances immunity to a certain illness. It often comprises an agent that mimics the pathogenic bacterium and is frequently manufactured from attenuated or dead versions of the microbe, its toxins, or one of its surface proteins. Studying the prevalence and reasons for incomplete vaccination. Identifying factors that contributed to the missed opportunities for vaccination among children less than two years of age in Baghdad city Karkh region at PHCCs level. A descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytic element. Collection of data was carried out during period from the beginning of March, till end of July 2020. The total number of the studied children were 820; of these 400 (48.8%) were males, and 420 (51.2%) were females, the male to female ratio was 0.95:1 and the mean age (±SD) was 9 (±5) months, (range 1-24 months). It was found that (77.7%) of the children were completely vaccinated, and (22.3%) were incompletely vaccinated. The study found a significant statistical associations between vaccination status and mother`s education (P=<0.001). There is no completely non vaccinated children observed in this study. One in every four children was found to be incompletely vaccinated. Male children have higher proportion of incomplete vaccination. Mother and father educational level affect the vaccination status of their children. More than two thirds of the incompletely vaccinated children live in extended families. More than one third of the incompletely vaccinated children have history of multiple delayed vaccination times.

Abstract : It is a gradual malfunction of the retinal vasculature leading in structural damage to the neural retina caused by persistent hyperglycemia. The purpose of this research is to measure the severity of the diabetic retinopathy condition. In Iraqi diabetics, highlight the risk factors associated with this condition. From the 1st of February 2015 to the 31st of May 2015, a descriptive cross-sectional research was undertaken. The data was collected through direct interviews with each diabetic patient who consented to participate after the researcher explained the purpose of the study using a questionnaire form designed specifically for the study by the researcher and supervisor and approved by three senior community specialists. In the current research, 30% of the 250 diabetic patients had diabetic retinopathy (NPDR was present in 18.4% of the patients and PDR was present in 11.2% of the patients). Concerning socio-demographic variables, we discovered a substantial correlation between age and DR. We discovered no difference in the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy between men and women. 35% of patients with type 1 DM and 29% of patients with type 2 DM had retinopathy, however this difference is not statistically significant (p value = 0.554g). One-third of the patients in this research developed diabetic retinopathy. Gender, family history of D.M, long duration of diabetes, insulin usage, poorly managed hyperglycemia, presence of systemic hypertension and dyslipidemia, obesity, and physical inactivity were significant risk factors for DR. The findings of the current research indicate that prevention and education are inadequate for many diabetic individuals. The majority of patients in this research did not have routine ocular examinations, and the frequency of DR was greater among these individuals.