Al-Nasiriyah City Research Articles

Determination of Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) concentration in the Liver and Kidney of Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia) infected with Cestoda worms in Al-Nasiriyah City, southern Iraq

The aim of the current study was to determine the amounts of heavy metals and to illustrate the potential risk they posed to birds by measuring the bioaccumulate of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in cestode worms and the liver and kidney tissue of Columba livia (host) infected with Raillietina sp. Three hundred C. livia birds were gathered from an Al-Nassiriyah city local market. The birds were split into two groups: the healthy group and the group infected with Raillietina sp. The three genera of tapeworms that infected the 119 birds were Raillietina sp., Cotugina sp. and Apronia sp. with relative infection rates of 52.8%, 27.9% and 19.1% respectively. The Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) was used to measure the amounts of heavy elements. In the summer, the quantity of cadmium in the liver tissues of infected birds was highest (0.60 μg/g) as dry weight, while in healthy birds, the highest value was observed in the autumn. When comparing cadmium with arsenic concentrations, the latter has lower bioaccumulation levels in infected birds. The highest concentration was found in intestinal tissues during the winter, reaching 0.0092 μg/g of dry weight. Similarly, high concentrations were found in liver tissue during the summer, amounting to 0.009 μg/g of dry weight.

Knowledge of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among Nurses at Al-Nasiriyah City Hospitals in Iraq

Background: CCHF caused by a tick-borne virus from the Bunyaviridae family, is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of 10–40%. Specific Background: Despite their critical role in treating and preventing CCHF, comprehensive research on CCHF transmission and knowledge among healthcare workers, especially nurses in Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq, is lacking. Knowledge Gap: Current literature lacks detailed studies on the awareness and preparedness of nurses regarding CCHF in high-risk areas. Aims: Aims to assess the knowledge of nurses concerning CCHF in Al-Nasiriyah’s educational hospitals and identify gaps in their understanding to improve disease management and prevention strategies. Results: Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 500 nurses across five teaching hospitals. The average age of participants was 28.83 years, with a predominant proportion holding diplomas and obtaining information primarily from social media. The results revealed that nurses' knowledge about CCHF was suboptimal, with 69.4% of correct answers and a predominance of moderate knowledge levels. Novelty: This research provides novel insights into the knowledge deficits among nurses in an endemic region, highlighting the critical need for targeted educational interventions. Implications: The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive educational courses on occupational safety and disease prevention tailored to healthcare workers in endemic areas, aiming to enhance their knowledge and preparedness against CCHF. Highlights: Knowledge Gaps: Nurses’ CCHF understanding is inadequate. Educational Need: Targeted training can improve disease management. Information Sources: Social media use highlights need for reliable sources. Keywords: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, nurses' knowledge, endemic regions, healthcare education, CCHF prevention

Genetic Stability and Public Health Implications of Plasmid-Free Vibrio cholerae

Background: Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is a significant global health concern, particularly in regions with poor sanitation. Specific Background: This study focuses on V. cholerae strains isolated from cholera patients in Al-Nasiriyah city, Iraq, where limited genetic studies have been conducted. Knowledge Gap: Despite extensive research on V. cholerae, little is known about the genetic makeup of strains from Al-Nasiriyah city and their plasmid content, which traditionally correlates with antibiotic resistance and virulence. Aims: This research aimed to characterize the genetic and antibiotic resistance traits of V. cholerae strains from cholera patients in Al-Nasiriyah city and to determine the presence of plasmids using advanced molecular techniques. Results: Contrary to expectations, our study identified V. cholerae strains devoid of plasmids and exhibiting a stable genetic profile across two chromosomes, with sizes ranging from 1 to 3 million base pairs. Novelty: Our findings challenge conventional wisdom by demonstrating the absence of plasmids in local V. cholerae strains and highlighting their unique genetic architecture. Implications: This study underscores the importance of genomic diversity studies in understanding V. cholerae epidemiology and guiding public health strategies. Future research should explore larger strain cohorts and conduct comparative genomic analyses to elucidate the broader implications of genetic variability on cholera outbreaks and treatment strategies. Highlights: Genetic Stability: V. cholerae strains exhibit stable genetic profiles. Plasmid Absence: No plasmids found, challenging antibiotic resistance assumptions. Public Health Impact: Crucial for effective cholera management and prevention strategies. Keywords: Vibrio cholerae, genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance, plasmid absence, public health implications

Molecular profile of Staphylococcus aureus related with UTIs pregnant women in Al-Nasiriyah City, Iraq

Molecular profile of Staphylococcus aureus related with UTIs pregnant women in Al-Nasiriyah City, Iraq

Phylogenetic analysis of Staphylococcus sp. related with thyroiditis in Al-Nasiriyah city, Iraq

Phylogenetic analysis of Staphylococcus sp. related with thyroiditis in Al-Nasiriyah city, Iraq

The Effect of Age, Gender According to Types and Duration of Diabetes among Patients in Al-Nasiriyah City

The Effect of Age, Gender According to Types and Duration of Diabetes among Patients in Al-Nasiriyah City

Prediction Strength of Some Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Course at hospital Admission in Al-Nasiriyah City -Iraq : A Cohort Retrospective Single center Study

Background: The early prediction of the clinical course of COVID-19 helps health professionals to discriminate the severe cases that need ICU admission from those with no risk of worsening outcomes. Materials & methods: This cohort retrospective study included 389 COVID-19 patients admitted to Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital during the period from March to August 2021. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings upon hospital admission were analyzed by univariate analysis to determine their association with the severity of COVID-19; only those variables with (P>0.05 ) were included in the multivariable logistic regression to find the strong predictors of severity in term of Odd ratios. Results: The mean age of the 389 patients was 33.6 +- 14.8; there were 231(59.4%) severe cases (admitted to ICU), and 158(40.6%) were non-severe cases (admitted to regular wards). Univariate analysis revealed that gender (male) presence of co-morbidities and all clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were associated with severe outcomes of COVID-19. However, multivariate logistic regression revealed that dyspnea [O.R 42.58 (12.22; 148.36)] and high grad fever [O.R 29.25 (5.34; 160.24)] were very strong predictors for severity, while male gender [O.R4.26 (1.95; 9.33)] and hypertension [O.R6.83 (2.4; 19.54)] were strong predictors of the severity. On the other hand, Ferritin gave an indiscernible predictive value [O.R1.003 (1.001; 1.006)]. Conclusion: Some risk factors are very helpful for clinicians to discriminate against patients who may develop severe outcomes and need ICU admission, which might help the efficient use of health resources in sensitive times.

Analysis and evaluation of sediment pollutants of Euphrates River at Al-Nasiriyah city, south of Iraq

In this work, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM) were detected in the sediment of Euphrates River in different period’s time. Then we did the analysis and the characterization of these pollutants for this river. In addition, . The findings of this study showed that the sediment levels of total phosphorus in Euphrates river were 2.05 ~ 6.50 mg/g, 1.65 ~ 3.17 mg/g and 0.71 ~ 0.93 mg/g the sediment levels of total nitrogen were 5.06 ~ 8.98 mg/g, 6.07 ~ 8.56 mg/g and 5.02 ~ 7.99 mg/g. Also, organic matter levels in sediment were 40.54 ~ 70.1 mg/g, 58.70 ~ 85.63 mg/g and 11.32 ~ 30.17 mg/g in Clearly, from that analysis and comparison of pollutants level, the sediment of Euphrates River is the main source of contamination. This may be able to result from increasing the human activities and the increment of industrial actions in this region.

Detection of some virulence factors of Pantoea species isolated from urinary tract infections in the Iraqi population

Pantoea is an opportunistic bacterium primarily involved in nosocomial infections, impacting newborns and immunocompromised patients. The study aimed to investigate the virulence factor of Pantoea in urinary tract infections in hospitals in Al-Nasiriyah City, Iraq. The outcome appeared that 22 isolates out of 100 urine samples had been confirmed as Pantoea species by VITEK- 2. RcsA and hrpA genes were detected using conventional Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and specific primers. The distribution of rcsA and hrpA was 40.9% and 59.1% respectively. The Pantoea species were distributed according to age, gender, and ABO blood groups. The percentage was 72.3% for ages 40–70, and females recorded 54.5% more than males. Individuals with the A blood group had a higher percentage (50%) than other blood groups; there were two types of variations (Transversion and Transition) of the16S rRNA gene. It was determined through the sequence alignment, and the symmetry was 90% with the Italian isolate of Pantoea species LL92 (ID: KF202812.1). These variations in the Pantoea local Iraqi isolate were registered in NCBI (ID: OM971851).This bacterial genus recently descended from the species of Enterobacter sp.. The isolation of Pantoea sp.was from UTIs, while previously, in most studies, they were isolated from the surrounding environment.

Phenotypic detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from deferent clinical source

This study aimed to the detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamases by phenotypic and genotypic methods in nosocomial Gram-negative isolates. A number of 194 samples from hospitalized patients (urine, burn swab, surgical swab, and sputum) were collected These patients were at Al-Hussein and Al-Nasiriyah teaching hospitals in Al-Nasiriyah city. ESBLs enzymes were detected phenotypically by ceftazidime (30 μg) and cefotaxime (30 μg) (Screening test) and Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) (Confirming test). The results showed that out of 109 isolates 89 (81.65%) were Gram negative bacilli. A total of 68 Gram-negative were β-lactamases producer. Moreover, the results of screening test recorded that 55 (80.88%) of isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime, while 17 (25%) isolates produced ESBLs by (DDST).

Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Cronobacter sakazakii Isolated from Clinical Specimens in Thi-Qar Province

Cronobacter sakazakii is a food-born pathogenic bacteria which can cause several diseases for human and animals. The present study focused on the isolation of this species from clinical specimens ( Burn humans, stool of patients with diarrhea, urine with UTI. in addition to hospital environments specimens) from different sexes and ages. The specimens have been taken from group of hospitals in Al-Nasiriyah city (center of Thi-Qar province- south of Iraq). The identification was done by both phenotypical and molecular methods with using of culture (on enriched, selective and differential media), microscopic examination, biochemical tests, API. 20 E. system and PCR. for amplification of ITS. region (the space between 16s and 23s ribosomal DNA.).Out of 400 specimens (100 from each source) there were 16 (4 %) of specimens givepositive for C. sakazakii which included: 4/100 burns specimens (4%), 6/100 stool specimens (6%), 0/100 urine (0%) and 6/100 hospital environments specimens (6%). The 16 isolates have been identified by PCR. for the presence of ITS. region with using of SG. Primer (282 bp.), all the 16 (100%) isolates were positive for this gene. This species was exist in the clinical specimens and can cause diarrhea and burn infection in the area of study with ratio equal to what obtain by other researchers. There are variation in results of biochemical tests according to its strains which leads to difficulty with diagnosis, furthermore the diagnosis with ITS. showed the same results of phenotypical methods used in the present study

Detection of Extended spectrum β -lactamases (ESBLs) produced by Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from burn patients in Al- Nasiriyah city Iraq.

The aim of present study is to isolate and identify of Acinetobacter baumannii from burns infect as well as study their production for Extended spectrum β -lactamases (ESBLs).This study included 205 burn patients at Al-Hussien Teaching Hospital and other burn care units in Al-Nasiriyah city . The specimens were collected during period from August 2018 to February 2019. It were taken by burn swabs from pus of the burned area and then inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey agar. The isolates were diagnosed by microscopic examination, biochemical tests , API 20 E and Vitek- 2 system . It was found that 20 isolates of A.baumannii and 2 isolates of A. loffii . Where identified from this study . The study showed 18 (90%) out of 20 isolates of A. baumannii were appeared resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime(screening test of ESBLs) . Seven (35%) of isolates were producing ESBLs by confirmatory test(Modified double –disk synergy test (MDDST)) , and 13(65%) of isolates were negative results to production of the ESBLs.

Mothers' attitude and practices toward oral health of children under 5 years old at Al-Nasiriya city

Background: It is known that pre-school children are an innocent group, as attention and care of oral health is given the necessary priority to determine the state of oral health for future generations. Generally, the kids in the age less of five spend the all-time with parents and guardians, especially mothers, even they go to the nurseries, it is in these early years that 'initial socialization' and through which early childhood habits are acquired. Objective(s): This study aimed to evaluatemothers' attitude and practices toward oral health of children under 5 years old at al-Nasiriya city. Methodology: A descriptive study design carried out between October 27th, 2021 to March 30th 2022 on mothers of children under 5 years at primary health care center in Al-Nasiriyah city, to evaluate the mother attitudes and practice about children under five years oral health.The research sample includes (310) mothers of children under five years. They are selected by using non-probability sampling (convenience sample). Results: Results observed that all mothers had responded at a moderately level concerning the attitude aspect. And that of the practice results observed that mothers’ respondents had responded at a low level, while it came to evaluate two items for each a moderate, and high levels. Conclusion: There is a connection between mothers’ attitude and practices Occupation, and Source of Information. Recommendation: Encourage mothers to regular visit to dentist clinic and assess the children oral cavity and identify any health problems.

PATIENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN AL-NASIRIYAH CITY

Background and aim: Attitude and knowledge of patients about their illness and its treatment are important factors for changing behavior and increasing compliance with treatment. So, this study is aimed at determining patients’ attitudes toward atrial fibrillation (AF) and anticoagulant medications. Also to know if there is a difference in patients’ attitudes according to their sociodemographic characteristics Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Al-Nasiriyah Heart Center in Al-Nasiriyah city from 13th October 2021 to 25th April 2022. Ninety AF patients were selected through purposive sampling. The instrument of the study that was used for data collection was adopted and modified depending on a previous study done in China(Xu et al., 2010). Written approval was obtained for using the questionnaire in the current study. The data were analyzed by using SPSS ver-20 and Microsoft Excel (2010) program. Results: 36.7 % of patients had a positive attitude toward AF and anticoagulation therapy with a significant difference in patients’ attitudes according to their educational level and their occupation. Conclusion: 57.8 % of patients were neutral in their responses toward AF (neither agree nor disagree). Patients with a high level of education had more positive than those with low education. Employer or retired patients were significantly improved attitudes than other patients.

Stages of Change for Screen Time Behavior among High School Female Students

Objective(s): The aim of this study is to understand stages of change for screen time behavior among high school female students. Methodology: Part of the study was an experimental randomized controlled trial used to guide this study. The study was conducted at Al-Wihdah High School for females in Al-Nasiriyah City. The study encompassed a simple random sample of 144 high school female students. The study instrument includes subjects’ sociodemographic characteristics of age, living arrangement, family’s socioeconomic status. It also includes the Transtheoretical Model of Change measures of Stages of Change for Screen Time Scale (Short Form) which includes five questions, each question represents one of the Stages of Change for Screen Time. It also includes Stages of Change for Screen Time Scale (Continuous Measure), the Processes of Change for Screen Time Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Screen Time Scale, and the Decisional Balance Scale for Screen Time. Data were collected using a self-reported method for the period from November 1st, 2021 to April 10th, 2022. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) for windows, version 26. Results: The values of the Stages of Change of screen time use for the study group noticeably increase by time compared to the control group (Pretest = 76.47 vs. 68.87, Posttest II = 79.05 vs. 69.18, Posttest II = 81.15 vs. 66.90) respectively. Higher score means greater Stages of Change of screen time use. Conclusion: Subjects in the Action Stage of Change for screen time enjoy better Pros and Decisional Balance of refraining from excessive recreational screen time than those in the Preparation and Contemplation Stages of Change respectively.

Impact of nutritional protein supplements on liver and kidney functions among athletes attending gym

Whey protein is best recognized as a nutritional supplement that has been increasingly popular among gym users as the primary sports nutrition product used by athletes to improve exercise performance, body composition, and muscle growth. The types of supplements utilized can have a big impact on how athletes are treated medically. Two goals guide this work. To begin with, assess athletes' protein consumption. Second, we want to see if whey protein supplements alter the function of athletes' livers and kidneys. This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 105 healthy male gym attendants in Al Nasiriyah city, Thi-Qar, Provence, south of Iraq, from June to November 2021. They were divided into two groups of athletes: group 1 (non-protein group) and group 2 (protein supplements group) with age of Mean ±SD of (27.56 ±8.31 years) and (29.26 ±7.35 years) respectively. The results indicate that athletes consume protein at a higher rate than the RDA for the general population, whether or not they utilize supplements. In terms of liver and renal function biomarkers, the results demonstrate no significant difference between the protein supplement group and the non-protein supplement group.

Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices concerning Physiotherapy Protocol at Intensive Care Units in AL-Nasiriyah City

Abstract:
 Objective (s): This study aims to assess nurses' knowledge and practice regarding physiotherapy protocol at intensive care units
 Methodology: descriptive cross-sectional study design executed at the ICU in the city hospitals of AL- for the time of 13th October/ 2021 to 7th April /2022. Questionnaire filled by 75 nurses who work in ICU who had chosen by non-probability (purposive) selection collected the data. Then the researcher used an observational checklist to evaluate nurses’ practice. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS.
 Results: the study found a deficit in nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding physiotherapy protocol in intensive care units. The nurses are not fully familiar with physiotherapy techniques, which is reflected in the low level of performance.
 Recommendations: Providing an educational program to increase nurses' knowledge and practices regarding physical therapy techniques. Making another studies on physical therapy in other settings.

Impact of Cloud, Rain, Humidity, and Wind Velocity on PV Panel Performance

Before the invention of solar panels, solar energy had been used for millions of years. To survive and increase many forms of life, people rely on sunlight. For example, use sunlight for warmth and have only recently begun to use the sun's energy to generate renewable and sustainable electricity. The widespread use of photovoltaic PV systems as a source of renewable energy-derived electricity has prompted researchers to investigate the factors that influence their performance. This paper presents an analytical study for assessing the performance of a 120 Wp PV module. This experiment was conducted at Al-Nasiriyah city ( 31.03 N, 46.16E ). At 180˚ south, and 45˚ elevation, the solar panel is omitted. Using solar panels, solar energy is converted into electrical energy that can power an entire building. The power production from the solar panel depends on several identified factors. In February and June, the solar panel tested the effect of cloud cover, rain, relative humidity and wind velocity. On rainy and cloudy days, average power and irradiance are reduced by 93.32 %, 93.77 %, and 79.97 %, 77.34 %, respectively, when compared to power and irradiance on a clear day (8th February) 693 W/m2 and 76.55 W. Humidity has an inverse relationship with voltage, current, and power. It means that as humidity rises, the value of voltage, current, and power decreases. The performance of a solar panel is directly proportional to the wind velocity. The temperature is inversely proportional to wind velocity, i.e. as wind velocity increases, the temperature of the solar cell module decreases. The results of this study have been analyzed and discussed.

Medical complication of pregnancy at Bent-Al-Huda teaching hospital in Al-Nasiriyah City

Objectives: our study aims to: To Determine medical complication of pregnancy at Bent-Al-Huda Teaching Hospital in Al-Nasiriyah City. Methodology: Descriptive study design was conducted though out the present study for period from 20 October 2017 to 1st March 2018. A purposive (non- probability) sample of 100 patients at Bent-Al-Huda Teaching Hospital in Al- Nasiriyah city. Data were collected through the use of the constructed questionnaire and the process of the self-administrative report. The questionnaire was consisted of two parts: parents' socio-demographic characteristics, the second part consist of questions related to medical complication of pregnancy complication. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical approaches by using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS) version 20.0. Results: The findings revealed that most of sample were fall in the age group 19-24 years old. The majority of study sample the level of education, the greater number of them do not read and write and they are accounted for (30.0%) of the sample. They majority of study sample were lives in rural area.

Using the Transtheoretical Model of Change to Understand High School Students’ Screen Time Behavior

Objective(s): The aim of this study is to understand high school students’ screen time behavior. Methodology: Part of the study was an experimental randomized controlled trial used to guide this study. The study was conducted at Al-Wihdah High School for females in Al-Nasiriyah City. The study encompassed a simple random sample of 144 high school female students. The study instrument includes subjects’ sociodemographic characteristics of age, living arrangement, family’s socioeconomic status. It also includes the Transtheoretical Model of Change measures of Stages of Change for Screen Time Scale (Short Form) which includes five questions, each question represents one of the Stages of Change for Screen Time. It also includes Stages of Change for Screen Time Scale (Continuous Measure), the Processes of Change for Screen Time Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Screen Time Scale, and the Decisional Balance Scale for Screen Time. Data were collected using a self-reported method for the period from November 1st, 2021 to April 10th, 2022. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) for windows, version 26. Results: The study results revealed that the administered Transtheoretical Model of Change-Stage-matched intervention moved subjects from lower Stages of Change to higher ones. Conclusion: The administered Transtheoretical Model of Change-Stage-matched intervention stepped subjects to higher Stages of Change. Subjects in higher Stages of Change use more Processes of Change.