Al-Muthanna Province Research Articles

Investigation of Lead, Nickel, and Cadmium Levels in Urine Samples of Healthy and Patients with Kidney Failure in Al-muthanna Governorate, Iraq

Background: The Iraqi ecosystem, particularly in the southern area, has been polluted due to human activity. Analyzing biological materials is the most common method for detecting the presence of toxic substances in the human body. Method: Heavy metal levels of Pb, Ni, and Cd in urine specimens collected from individuals with renal failure and healthy individuals residing in Al-Muthanna province were measured by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Urine Specimens were collected from two cohorts of male and female participants: the group of individuals with renal failure and the group of individuals who are in good condition. The specimens of urine from both the group of patients with renal failure and the group of healthy individuals were taken from the Al-Muthanna governorate in southern Iraq. This governorate served as a focal point for extensive military operations throughout the Gulf War. Results: The concentrations of toxic substances (Pb, Ni, and Cd) in the urine specimens of the cohort of patients suffering from renal failure are 0.411, 0.197, and 0.113 mg/l, respectively. Concentrations of (Pb, Ni, and Cd) in the healthy group are 0.249, 0.101, and 0.0294 mg/l, respectively. The toxic metals found in urine samples can be organized in the following order: Pb > Ni > Cd. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the concentrations of toxic substances in specimens of urine from individuals with renal failure are considerably greater than those in the control group of healthy individuals. According to the findings, patients' incidence of renal failure may be related to the prevalence of harmful compounds in southern Iraq.

SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF THE HEAT EMITTED FROM THE LAND SURFACE IN DETERMINING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DESERT SOILS IN AL-SAMAWAH DESERT USING “GIS”

This study was aimed to reveal the variation land surface temperature "LST" with some characteristics of desert soils in the Samawa desert at Al-Muthanna province, and to adopt solutions and treatments by identifying factors and indicators that have a direct impact to desertification, by using geographic information systems mapping for spatial distribution Some physical and chemical properties were selected. . the result showed that there was a statistical relationship between LST and the physical characteristics, as it was revealed that the comparison of sand and silt content with the land surface temperature "LST" . There is a significant relationship with the determination coefficient of R2=0.6. The chemical properties, the results showed that there was a significant connection between the electrical conductivity with the land surface temperature with a coefficient of determination R2=0.5 and an It was also observed that there is a significant relationship between the land surface temperature and the temperature measured in the field with a determination coefficient R2=0.6.

Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in sheep and goats in rural areas of Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq

Background: Cryptosporidium species are widespread protozoa and are considered an important cause of diarrhea in humans and animals. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum in diarrheic sheep and goats from the rural areas of the Al-Muthanna Province, southern Iraq, based on molecular screening using PCR. The outcomes would help in determining the distribution of C. parvum in sheep and goats in the area, as well as the risk factors for the infection. Methodology: Sixty fecal samples were collected from clinically ill sheep and goats. The samples were submitted to PCR and sequencing that targeted the 18S rRNA gene in the protozoan. Results: The PCR revealed a 60% (18 samples) and 76.67% (23 samples) positive identification of C. parvum in sheep and goats, respectively. The sequencing demonstrated nucleotide similarities with isolates deriving from Iraq (MG878399.1) and India (JN836324.1) for the sheep isolates, and with isolates deriving from South Korea (DQ054819.1) and the USA (AF159112.1) for the goat isolates. Conclusion: C. parvum is the dominant species in the sheep and goats of Al-Muthanna Province, in southern Iraq. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that the current study’s isolates may share the same ancestor with local and global isolates.

Detection and prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. in Local chicken breeds in Al Muthanna province of Iraq

Leucocytozoon species are avian haemoparasites with economic impacts on poultry production. The present study investigates the presence of Leucocytozoon in chickens of Al Muthanna province, Iraq. Eighty one blood samples were collected from chickens in Samawah, Rumaitha, Warkaa, and Kidhre regions to examine the prevalence of Leucocytozoon. An infection rate of 6.1% was found among chicken breeds. The study highlighted that the main symptoms of infection were decreased egg production, anemia, and loss of appetite. Notably, infection was more prevalent in the Rumaitha, Khidr and Samawah regions, while no cases were reported in Warka. Treatment methods included primaquine and pyrimethamine alongside care to manage the condition effectively. It is important to mention that the observed prevalence rate in chickens was lower compared to studies on birds in Iraq, where an overall blood parasite prevalence of 15% was documented. This difference could be attributed to factors like habitat variations, vector presence, or differing susceptibility among bird species. Our suggestion for future work can be the application of new programs for diagnosing and controlling parasites in chickens.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus among thalassemia patients in Al-Muthanna Province

One of the main causes of blood transfusion problem including thalassemia, is the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In total, 1125 patients with thalassemia (635 men and 490 women, ages 2-23 years) took part in the trial from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Prior to PCR assay, the clinical symptoms, complete blood count (CBC) and particular hemoglobin tests were used to diagnose the thalassemia patients. Three blood transfusions every month were on an average. 1125 patients in total underwent ELISA testing to identify anti-HCV antibody (IgG) in serum. There were 111 (9.8%) Hepatitis C virus infections. In comparison to 2019 and 2021, the year 2020 had the highest numbers of thalassemia patients 400 (36%) and hepatitis C virus infections 41 (36.9%). Hepatitis C virus infected male individuals with thalassemia are more prevalent than female individuals. Compared to married, widowed and divorced states, the single status had the highest rate of hepatitis C virus infection. In comparison to urban residence, the number and percentage of Hepatitis C virus infections were highest in rural areas. To lessen the spread of the virus and eradicate it, we recommend using routine laboratory testing of blood donors and Thalassemia patients and the use of molecular biology tools like the PCR assay in the early diagnosis of the virus.

Study the Effect of Type and Duration of Treatment on Some Hematological and Biochemical Variables of Lymphoma Patients in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq

The term "malignant lymphoma" describes primary cancers of the lymphoreticular system, almost all of which begin as lymphocytes. This study aimed to assess the impact of therapy type and duration on several hematological and biochemical parameters in lymphoma patients. The study was conducted from July 2023 to October 2023. This study examined one hundred samples in total, fifty sample as control group and fifty sample as patients group. The age range of the participants was between 5 and 77 years old. Some hematological and biochemical tests were analyzed in the current study. The study showed a significant increase (P<0.05) according to type and duration of therapy in patient groups. The study indicated a significant decrease (P<0.05) in red blood cells(RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), lymphocyte and basophils compared with control groups, but indicated a significant increase (P<0.05) in white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils and platelets compared with control groups. Also, the study showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) compared with control groups.

The Prevalence of Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections Among School-age Children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common and serious bacterial infection in children. The current study aims at identifying the most prevalent symptoms and pathogenic bacteria linked to urinary tract infections in school-aged children in Al-Muthanna Province. Between October 2023 and April 2024, a urine samples were collected from 685 (417 female and 268 male) students across three age groups: 129 (19%) (6-12 years), 240 (35%) (>12-14 years), and 316 (46%) (>14-18 years) with symptoms of urinary tract infection. Female students (345) were significantly more affected by bacterial infections compared to male students (182), χ² (df=1, N=685) = 20.2, p < .001. In cases of UTI symptom onset, the likelihood of bacterial UTIs is 1.9 times higher for children aged >12-14 and 3.2 times higher for those aged >14-18 compared to children aged 6-12. The prevalence of symptomatic UTIs among schoolchildren increases with age, from 62% to 83.9% across different age groups. Among female students aged 6-18 with UTI symptoms, 82.7% had a bacterial UTI, compared to 67.9% of male students. Over 5% of schoolchildren without bacterial UTI exhibit moderate to marked pyuria. Hematuria percentages were comparable between individuals with and without bacterial UTIs. The average pH tended to be acidic for both groups, with infected individuals having a pH less than six and uninfected individuals having a pH less than seven. Escherichia coli was the predominant infectious followed by Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at rates of 74%, 41%, 33%, 36%, 29% and 19%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis occurred at a frequency of 12% and 8%, respectively, while Streptococcus agalactiae occurred at a frequency of 3%.

Evaluation of Sabkha Soil Bearing Capacity by Plate Load Test in Al Muthanna Province

For projects such as airports and road paving, an appropriate foundation must be developed in Sabkha soil, which requires a trustworthy assessment of soil-bearing capacity. When heavy traffic is expected to result in substantial wheel loads throughout pavement construction and maintenance, the plate load test helps solve these issues with subgrade and sub-base layer design. This work aims to investigate and assess the geotechnical behavior regarding soil strata from one area in southern Iraq: Sabkha. Conversely, a comparison is made between subgrade response modulus and soil-bearing capacity determined by field plate load tests and traditional laboratory investigations. The data demonstrated that the values related to Ks in the consolidation test rose as a ratio of pre-consolidation pressure of 45% and dramatically dropped with an increase in applied stress that is vertically applied below pre-consolidation stress. Furthermore, PLT data demonstrated that when pressure was applied, the modulus of the subgrade reaction did not follow a regular pattern. At the beginning of the loaded stage, after the pre-consolidation stress, Ks values at testing points 2 and 3 were high. After that, Ks abruptly decreased, particularly when the applied pressure surpassed the pre-consolidation stress before being constant again. A detailed discussion is given on the effects of stress distribution and test conditions on the elasticity stress curve's shape and the subgrade reaction modulus.

Physiological and epidemiological study of some parasitic and viral enteric infections in dromedary camels in Al-Muthanna province

Physiological and epidemiological study of some parasitic and viral enteric infections in dromedary camels in Al-Muthanna province

The Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease Serotype Sat-2 Infection in Al-Muthanna Province of Iraq

Introduction: prevalent in the majority of developing nations. Case report: The present study reported a foot and mouth disease Sat-2 outbreak in Al-Muthanna province in southern Iraq in March 2023. Three male Holstein Friesian cows, aged between 1 and 1.5 years and weighing approximately 550 ± 15 kg each, were affected. Clinical examination revealed symptoms, including fever, severe lameness, anorexia, depression, frothy salivation, and vesicular lesions on the mouth and feet. Confirmation of the Sat-2 serotype was achieved through serological testing and genotyping of the virus, conducted by the FMD Institute, Ankara, Türkiye. The Sat-2 serotype was recognized by genotyping the virus and submitting SAT-2 VP1 sequences. The treatments for secondary infection prevention included Ceftifur (2.2 mg/kg) for 5 days, and flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg) for 2 days. The other animals that were not exposed to infected animals were vaccinated against FMD. Rigorous biosecurity measures were implemented, involving thorough disinfection of the environment and quarantine of the infected animals. Direct contact between the farmer and other animals, particularly the sick ones, was completely avoided. After 2 weeks, all infected animals began to eat normally again, and clinical signs disappeared. Notably, other animals on the farm did not exhibit any signs of FMD. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the importance of biosecurity measures and vaccination in FMD prevention. Additionally, administering antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention of secondary infections proves to be crucial.

Radon Concentrations in the Environments of Some Primary Schools in Khidir City, Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq

Indoor radon concentrations in 13 primary schools were conducted in Khidir City, Muthanna Province, Iraq, using LR-115 solid-state nuclear track detector type II. The study aims to estimate indoor radon levels in the internal environment of the classrooms for three months (from 1st September to 30th November 2023). Radon concentrations were varied from (0.1 Bq/m3) to (14.13 Bq/m3), with a mean value of (5.61 Bq/m3). The investigated levels were lower than the permissible limits referenced by UNSCEAR and WHO. Moreover, the annual effective dose (AED) has been calculated due to inhalation, which varied from the value of (0.029352 mSv/yr) to the value of (0.081145 mSv/yr), with a mean value of (0.016205 mSv/yr). AED values obtained were found to be lower than the allowed value of (0.1 mSv/yr) reported by UNSCEAR and much lower than the permissible limit (1 mSv/yr) proposed by WHO. However, the results obtained indicate that the indoor radon concentrations were significantly affected by the floor level of the classroom (negatively correlated) and the school building age (positively correlated). Consequently, all results have revealed that the radon concentrations and the associated inhalation radon dose does not pose any kind of health hazard to the occupational stuff and students.

Monitoring of Soil Pollution in Agricultural Lands Using Magnetic Susceptibility and Mineralogy Analyses, North Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq

One hundred and fifty samples of soils were collected from five different agricultural lands in Al Muthanna province, southeast Iraq. This study aims to explore the magnetic mineralogy and its correlation with heavy metals in four agricultural lands in north of Al-Muthanna Province. These samples were analyzed using magnetic susceptibility and mineralogy analyses (magnetic susceptibility (χ), frequency-dependent susceptibility (κfd%), Anhysteretic remanent magnetization (χARM), S-ratio, saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) and back field of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), grain size, and heavy metal analyses for soil assessment. The results show the dominance of magnetite and some portions of hematite as the main magnetic carriers in the surface soils. Super-paramagnetic (SP) and single domain (SD) grains are the two main magnetic grain sizes in the surface soils, based on cross plots of χ versus ARM and χ versus SIRM. The enhancement of magnetic susceptibility in the soil samples could be caused by pedogenic and anthropogenic processes. Heavy metal contents show no correlation with magnetic susceptibility for Rumaitha, Samawa, Warka’, while a positive correlation in Swair. This study demonstrates that magnetic mineralogy could be used as an indicator for different sources of soil contamination.

Six-Year Study on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Muthanna, Iraq: Molecular Identification Using ITS1 Gene Sequencing.

The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Al-Muthanna province (Iraq) and to characterize the Leishmania species that cause cutaneous lesions through conventional polymerase chain reaction techniques in some patients during the first 7 months of the year 2020. Medical information on patients with CL was obtained from archived records at the Al-Muthanna Health Office's Public Health Department (2015-2020). In the Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital laboratory, 95 CL samples were collected and examined microscopically for molecular characterization using Giemsa staining. Between 2015 and 2020, 2,325 patients (1,184 men and 1,141 women) were enrolled. Although CL occurred across all age groups, those aged range of 5-14 years had the highest proportion of infections (53.0%). This study found that most infections occurred between December and February, peaking in January. Only 63 of 95 CL samples were positive for the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 region. L. tropica was found in 39 samples (61.9%), whereas L. major was found in 24 samples (38.1%), in CL patients. Although dermal lesions develop in all body regions, a single lesion is the most common. The upper limbs (13 of 16 samples, 33.3%)were infected with L. tropica, whereas the lower limbs (9 of 14 samples, 37.5%) were infected with L. major. In contrast to L. major, most L. tropica lesions occur in urban areas. Our study indicates that CL is endemic in the Al-Muthanna province and that two Leishmania spp. coexist in the province. Molecular diagnosis is a vital component in determining many clinical symptoms of the Leishmania parasite as well as implementing suitable therapeutic, epidemiological, and control strategies.

Isolation and diagnosis of Candida albicans from children in AL-Muthanna Province

Oral swabs from 50 patients in various age groups (1 to 60 months) and both sexes were collected, along with 40 control samples. They were gathered from Samawa Pediatric Teaching Hospital patients who had oral thrush between the years of 2023 and 2024. Yeast isolates were isolated and diagnosed using techniques based on their morphological, cultural, and biochemical traits. Additionally, differentiating between different species of Candida was done using the CHRO Magar Candida confirmation medium. The phenotypic data demonstrated that 70% of Candida albicans was isolated from other fungi. Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei were seen, although lower amounts of other species, like Candida albicans, were isolated. Testing for chlamydia spore development revealed both.

Clinical, Prevalence and Molecular Studies of Parascaris equorum in Infected Horses in Al-Muthanna Province

Clinical, Prevalence and Molecular Studies of Parascaris equorum in Infected Horses in Al-Muthanna Province

Molecular Detection of Hyalomma Spp. Isolated from Sheep and Camel in Al-Samawah Desert of Al-Muthanna Province

Molecular Detection of Hyalomma Spp. Isolated from Sheep and Camel in Al-Samawah Desert of Al-Muthanna Province

Incidence of COVID-19 in vaccinated patients in Almuthanna province

In recent years, the world has been in a crisis of COVID-19, and there has been a decrease in research and studies in Al-Muthanna Governorate on this pandemic. Since these vaccines are new, many people are afraid of taking the vaccine, so this study decided to shed light on this field. The coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome first comes into contact with mucosal surfaces (SARS-CoV-2). Most SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations produce targeted IgG responses but very moderate mucosal protection. Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted through the respiratory tract and almost all COVID-19 vaccines are administered intramuscularly, it is challenging to successfully establish mucosal immunity to the antiviral through these means of administration. This study showed that (39) vaccinated individuals out of (74) patients were infected with COVID-19 and revealed positive results for qualitative IgM fluorescence immunoassay (FIA). Keywords: COVID-19 vaccines; Pfizer; Sinopharm; systemic vaccine; Mucosal Vaccine.

Responce of European Wheat to Weed Competitiveness as Affected by Potassium Fertilizer Levels

Purpose: The significance of potassium has been well documented as one of the major macronutrients for many crops, particularly wheat. Herbicide resistance in weeds and other environmental issues in the wheat crop has encouraged researchers to find alternative methods for weed management.Research methods: A field experiment was conducted during the winter season 2021-2022 at a private farm in North Samawah city, Iraq to examine the competitive ability of two European wheat cultivars against weeds as affected by potassium (K) levels. Treatments included two wheat cultivars (Milano and Pick-row), and three K fertiliser levels (0, 200 and 400 Kg K2O/ha).Findings: The results showed that Pick-row was a superior cultivar in terms of crop competitive ability with weeds compared with Milano. Pick-row was taller, produced the largest number of spikes, had the greatest grain yield, greatest crop biomass and least weed biomass about 61.5 cm, 70 spike/m2, 0.66 t/ha, 2.29 t/ha, and 52.5 g/m2 respectively. The increased K fertiliser level has a positive effect on crop production and weed biomass reduction, especially with Pick-row cultivar.Originality/ Value: It is implicated that Pick-row can be useful as a competitive cultivar under Al-Muthanna Province environments. Potassium K fertiliser is better to be increased and split into a number of equal doses and applied at different growth stages of wheat to avoid critical competitive timing risks.

Assessment of Body Discomfort and Physiological Cost of Tractor Drivers during Tillage Operation with MouldBoard Plough

Field experiments were conducted in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq in order to evaluate the Body parts discomfort score and physiological cost of tractor operator during tillage operation while using mould board plough. Three subjects represented 50th percentile of their population were chosen for this study. We used the Corlett and Bishop Technique to evaluate the degree of discomfort in various body parts. According to the findings, both BPDS and HR went up as the engine rpm went up. The most common sites of pain were the neck, lower back, both legs, both feet, and both wrists. The minimum mean of BPDS was 18.90 at tillage depth 10 cm and engine speed 1000 rpm. While the maximum of BPDS was 28.67 at tillage depth 30 cm and 2000 rpm tractor engine speed. The variation in BPDS due to tillage depth and tractor engine speed was significant at 5 per cent level. The lowest value of HR of the operator was obtained at 10 cm depth and 1000rpm whereas the highest value was obtained at 30 cm and 2000 rpm tractor engine speed. The values were 88 and 101 beats/min respectively. Tillage operation with a mould board plough was associated with a “low” workload in steady state, as seen by the observed HR values for all participants, with the exception of 30 cm depth at 2000 engine speed, where the effort was moderate. The variation in ΔHR due to tillage depth and tractor engine speed was significant at 5 per cent level.

Hand hygiene and water quality assessment in schools of Muthanna province, Southern Iraq.

The severe drought and prolonged heat waves in Iraq have adversely affected the water quality supplied to public facilities. Schools are among the most affected facilities by water scarcity. This work aims to evaluate the level of students' hand hygiene, and the quality of municipal (MW) and drinking water (DW) in some schools of Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq. Between October 2021 and June 2022, a total of 324 water samples from 162 schools and 2,430 hand swabs (HSs) from 1,620 students (1,080 males and 540 females) were collected. Some physicochemical standards of water were assessed besides investigating faecal contamination in water and students' hands using Escherichia coli as an indicator. All MW samples were faecally contaminated with poor standards of pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, color, and chlorine. Despite the good physicochemical standards of all DW samples, E. coli was observed in 12% of samples. Hand hygiene levels dropped by 2.5-fold within a few hours after school entry compared to early-morning levels (before school entry). Male students were 1.5- and 1.7-fold more prone to hand contamination than female students either inside or outside school, respectively. An increasing chlorine tolerance by E. coli was observed in water samples with turbidity > 5 NTU and pH > 8. The students' hand hygiene level decreases within a few hours of entering school, particularly among male students. Residual-free chlorine < 0.5 mg/L with high turbidity and alkalinity in water is insufficient for 100% prevention of E. coli contamination.