Baghdad Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Emergency department presentation and management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a leading cause of hospital admission and many factors are known to precipitate decompensation. We aimed to assess the decompensating factors of heart failure and the management of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). A total of 107 patients were examined, all diagnosed with ADHF in the ED of the Baghdad Teaching Hospital, from June 2017 to December 2017, and presenting with decom¬pensation (pulmonary oedema, peripheral oedema, and fatigue). The mean patient age was 62.5 ± 9.8 years (range: 43–85 years); the majority of them were in their 7th decade (37.4%), and men were slightly more than women. Hy¬pertension was the most commonly associated comorbidity (68.2%), followed by diabetes mellitus (57.9%), coronary artery disease (51.4%), dyslipidaemia (37.4%), arrhythmia (28%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / asthma (23.4%). The most common presentation was pulmonary oedema (88.8%) followed by peripheral oedema (61.7%), and fatigue (26.2%). Uncontrolled hypertension was the most common precipitating condition for decompen¬sation (58.9%), followed by infection (39.3%), acute coronary syndrome (31.8%), arrhythmia (27.1%), non-compliance (11.2%), and anaemia (2.8%). The majority of the admitted patients were managed with intravenously-administered (i.v.) diuretics (92.5%) that may have been combined with oxygen therapy (63.6%), antibiotics (58.9%), β-blockers (50.5%), nitroglycerin (40.2%), i.v. fluids (38.3%), and/or digoxin (19.6%).

التنبؤ المبكر بالاعتلال الكلوي لمرضى عراقين مصابين بالسكري النوع الثاني بدلالة تقييم بعض العوامل البيوكيمائية ذات الصلة

داء السكري من النوع 2 (T2DM) هو مرض معقد يصيب العديد من الأعضاء إلى جانب البنكرياس مثل الكلى والكبد والدماغ والعين. بسبب ارتفاع السكر في الدم لفترات طويلة وعدم السيطرة على مرض السكري مع وجود عوامل خطر أخرى ، يمكن أن تحدث مضاعفات مرض السكري. تشمل مضاعفات مرض السكري مضاعفات الأوعية الدموية الدقيقة والأوعية الدموية الكبيرة التي تستهدف الكلى. تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى التحقق من مستوى الانجوتينسن المحول للانزيم ACE-2)) ، عامل نمو النسيج الضام (CTGF) جنبًا إلى جنب مع بعض العوامل البيوكيميائية ذات الصلة في النساء المصابات بداء السكري واعتلال الكلية السكري مقارنة بالضوابط الصحية. اشتملت الدراسة على 90 مريض تتراوح أعمارهم بين 30-65 سنة. يعانون من مرض السكري من النوع 2 مقسمون إلى ثلاث مجاميع على أساس معايير ACR تشمل البيلة الألبومينية الطبيعية ، البيلة الألبومينية الدقيقة ، البيلة الألبومينية الكبيرة 30 مريضًا لكل مجموعة و 30 شخصًا يتمتعون بصحة جيدة كانوا بمثابة المجموعة الضابطة ، منمن زاروا مستشفى بغداد التعليمي / المدينة الطبية و مستشفى اليرموك التعليمي ، في الفترة ما بين ديسمبر 2021 ومايو 2022. تم تحديد مستوياتACE-2 و CTGF باستخدام تقنية ELISA. أظهرت النتائج وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين مجموعات المرضى والمجموعة الضابطة لعامل CTGF ، ووجد أن مستويات ACE-2 تزيد بشكل كبير في مجموعات المرضى عن مجموعة التحكم الصحية. كما أظهرت النتائج أن كلا من سكر الدم الصائم FBS و هيموكلوبينA1C (HbA1C)قد زاد بشكل ملحوظ في مجموعات المرضى مقارنة بالمجموعة الصحية. علاوة على ذلك ، كشفت قيم معدل الترشيح الكبيبي المقدر( ( eGFR عن فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين جميع المجموعات المدروسة ، وكذلك اظهرت نتائج ACR وجود فروقات ذات دلالة إحصائية بين مجموعات المرضى الثلاثة ، والتي تمثل المعايير الأساسية لتصنيف مجموعات المرضى. على أساس النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها في هذه الدراسة ، يمكن استنتاج ان عاملي ACE-2 و CTGF يمكن تطبيقهما كواسمات تنبؤية مبكرة موثوقة للكشف عن المرض.

Frequency of dyspnea related to intake of ticagrelor or clopidogrel in patients with chronic coronary syndrome undergoing coronary intervention

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome, ticagrelor decreases cardiovascular events more efficiently than clopidogrel. In several studies investigating novel P2Y12 inhibitors dyspnea has been detected. A rise of adenosine blood levels is supposed to be one of cases of dyspnea induced by ticagrelor. Dyspnea is a prevalent and complex symptom. It is associated with deterioration of the quality of life and hospital readmission.Aim. To determine the frequency of dyspnea related with ticagrelor or clopidogrel intake in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing coronary intervention. Also, to determine which patients could continue ticagrelor intake and which patients couldn’t, and show the causes of ticagrelor discontinuation.Material and methods. Between October 2023 and January 2024, an observational prospective comparative case-control study was conducted at Baghdad Heart Center in Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Medical City. In this study, individuals with stable coronary artery disease who just had therapeutic catheterization and dual antiplatelet therapy were included. The patients from group 1 received aspirin and ticagrelor, while those from group 2 received aspirin and clopidogrel.Results. A total of 120 patients were included. With the ticagrelor intake, the severity of dyspnea was classified as mild 64.2% (77 [120]) and moderate 19.1% (23 [120]). About 16.7% (20 [120]) had no dyspnea at all. The difference between patients who continued ticagrelor intake (16%) and those who stopped using it (84%) was significant. With clopidogrel intake no dyspnea was recorded.Conclusions. According to our findings, the risk or occurrence of dyspnea is only evident in patients who received ticagrelor. When compared to irreversible P2Y12 inhibitors like clopidogrel, the reversible P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor has a higher incidence of dyspnea in increasing order.

Evaluation of Serum Amyloid A and some Biochemical markers in Iraqi patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

An autoimmune condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is caused by long-term inflammation. Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis results in nephropathy and other internal symptoms, including death. The current study set out to look at the relationship between serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in circulation and SLE patients. Methods: Sixty SLE patients and 30 healthy with age range (19-55) yearswere involved in this study. A SLE patient wasidentified in the teaching hospital in Baghdad. In this study, laboratory indicators such as blood lipid, kidney function, test results, and total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), SAA, and ALB were assessed using an automated biochemical analyzer. Results: Patients with active SLE had serum amyloid A (SAA) values 5.83 mg/L [IQR: 2.08–10.87], 4.92 mg/L [IQR: 1.57–11.43], and 1.33 mg/L [IQR: 0.13–3.12], respectively, substantially upper than personswith inactive SLE or healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). ESR values in healthy control subjects, patients with inactive SLE, and patients with active SLE. In conclusion, the current study's findings offered more proof of SAA's potential involvement in SLE and suggested that it might be valuable biomarkers that could reveal more details about the disease's activity.

Correlation Between the Type of Psoriasis and the Pattern of Arthritis Among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis. According to studies, there is little correlation between arthritic patterns and PsA. Objective: To find relationships between psoriasis symptoms and PsA arthritis patterns. Methods: 100 PsA patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from December 2021 to June 2022, using CASPAR criteria. We gathered thorough demographic and clinical information, examined arthritis patterns, classified them into five kinds, and evaluated eight types and sites of psoriasis. Disease activity was measured using clinical and psoriasis indicators. Results: a weak negative connection among 100 individuals with psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and distal interphalangeal (DIP) arthropathy. Erythrodermic psoriasis and spondylitis (with or without sacroiliitis) showed a slight positive connection. There was also a slight positive association between scalp psoriasis and DIP arthropathy. A comparable positive and weak relationship was found between polyarthritis and age, as well as polyarthritis and psoriatic arthritis disease activity. In contrast, asymmetrical oligoarthritis and PsA disease activity had a modest negative connection. Furthermore, enthesitis and DIP arthritis showed a weak negative connection. Body mass index and spondylitis (with or without sacroiliitis) showed a positive and weak correlation. The most significant finding was a modestly favorable relationship between skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis disease activity. Conclusions: There are weak but significant associations between particular psoriasis types and locales and arthritis patterns in PsA patients. These findings point to the possibility of developing individualized therapeutic regimens for PsA that take into account both dermatological and rheumatological signs.

Evaluating Serum Calprotectin and Serum Oncostatin M Levels as Diagnostic Markers in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Iraqi Patients. Research

Abstract
 Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), presents as chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Timely diagnosis and effective monitoring are crucial for better outcomes. This study aims to explore serum calprotectin and oncostatin M as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring CD and UC. Calprotectin, released during inflammation, and oncostatin M, an immune-response cytokine, have shown promise, but their precise role in IBD remains unclear.
 Methodology: Using a cross-sectional observational design, the study included 93 IBD patients on biological treatment (50 CD, 43 UC) at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Demographic data and disease characteristics were collected via interviews, and blood samples were analyzed using specific ELISA kits for calprotectin and oncostatin M levels.
 Results: The results demonstrated significantly elevated serum levels of both biomarkers in IBD patients, increasing with disease activity. Significant distinctions were observed among different disease statuses in UC and CD patients.
 Conclusion: These findings suggest that serum calprotectin and oncostatin M have potential as practical and non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring IBD. However, further research is required to validate their clinical utility and optimize IBD management.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Pregnant Women about Anemia during Pregnancy in Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Objectives: to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women about anemia. To assess the association between knowledge of pregnant women and their socio – demographic variances. To assess the association between the practice of pregnant women and their socio – demographic variances. Methods: cross sectional study, carried out among pregnant at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, from 25th February to 28th April, 2023. A total of 300 pregnant women participated in the study. The tool of study was questionnaire. Results: The study revealed 63.3% of pregnant women had good knowledge, positive attitude found in 65.3% and health practice in 59.3% among pregnant women regarding anemia, the study show association between the knowledge of the pregnant woman and educational level of her and her husband, also there is association between the practice of pregnant woman and her occupation. Conclusion: A noticeable general good level of knowledge , attitude and practice among pregnant women regarding anemia during pregnancy, level of knowledge in pregnant woman associated with the educational level of her and her husband and healthy practice increase in employed pregnant woman. Recommendations: Raise the level of knowledge and practice for prevention, learn pregnant women healthy dietary habit and encourage pregnant women to early registration in primary health care center.

The Psychiatric Morbidity and Self-Esteem among Patients Suffering from Acne Vulgaris Attending Center of Dermatology and Venerology at Baghdad Teaching Hospital

The Psychiatric Morbidity and Self-Esteem among Patients Suffering from Acne Vulgaris Attending Center of Dermatology and Venerology at Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Clinical Evaluation and Comparison between Effects of Rituximab and Prednisolone with Imuran to Neutrophils and Platelet Counts in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients

Abstract Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune vesiculobullous mucocutaneous disease with life-threatening consequences. Rituximab (RTX) has recently emerged as an effective treatment for PV. Objectives: This study aims to determine changes in neutrophil and platelet counts for PV patients treated with RTX or corticosteroids combined with Imuran (azathioprine). Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. Thirty PV patients received two types of treatment: 15 patients were administered RTX and 15 patients took corticosteroids with Imuran (azathioprine). Neutrophil and platelet counts were detected at the hospital laboratory. Results: The age range of PV patients was 27–67 years, and the mean ±SD was 44.866 ± 10.979 years for the patient group treated with RTX and 44.133 ± 11.519 for the patient group treated with corticosteroids and Imuran. In patients treated with RTX, 26.6% were males and 73.33% were females, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.75:1. In patients treated with corticosteroids with Imuran, 40% were males and 60% were females, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. The results revealed that among patients treated with RTX, 30% of them had mucocutaneous lesions, 6.66% had oral lesions, and 13.33% had cutaneous lesions. Among the other groups treated with corticosteroids and Imuran, 23.33% had mucocutaneous lesions, 13.33% had oral lesions, and 13.33% had cutaneous lesions. Among the patients treated with RTX, 53.33% had normal range of neutrophil count, while 46.6% had neutrophil count above the NR, while in patients treated with corticosteroids and Imuran, 40% had a normal range and 60% had above the normal range. Conclusion: RTX was a more effective treatment compared to corticosteroids with Imuran because no patient remained in an active state during this study. PV was prevalent in females aged 40 years with mucocutaneous lesions.

Molecular Detection of Psts Antibiotic-Resistant Gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates

Abstract Background: Otitis media is a very common infection among people of different age groups. Objective: The goal of the current work was to determine the existence of PstS gene among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from otitis media cases in Iraqi patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 ear swabs were collected from patients suffering from otitis media attending the ENT outpatient clinic at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from July 2022 to the end of December 2022. The age range was 18-75 years. Detection of morphology and biochemical testing by Vitek 2 system. The antibiotic sensitivity test of the bacteria spp. was the detection of 18 antibiotics for different types using Vitek2 system. Identify the genes for antibiotic resistance mechanisms. DNA was extracted from samples, and resistance genes PstS were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: This study showed 80 out of 100 swabs revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, and 71 (89%) isolates out of these 80 exhibited PstS genes. Age groups of the patients were 38-47, 48-57, and 58-67 years with percentages of 22.5%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. The highest resistance percentages of strains to tested antibiotics were for Ceftoriaxone, Cefpodoxime (100%), and the lowest resistant percentage was 22.5% for colistin, which determined the relationship between the presence of Psts and resistance to 18 antibiotics for different types. Colistin was the most effective antibiotic and can be considered as the drug of choice against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions: Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from patients suffering otitis media show the prevalence rate appears to be higher among the elderly and high virulence and antibiotic resistance due to the presence of PstS antibiotic resistance gene and ability to form biofilms, thus aggressive antimicrobial therapy is highly recommended in such conditions.

Knowledge of Peptic Ulcer Prevention among Nurses in a Baghdad Teaching Hospitals

Background: Perforation is a serious complication of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)and cases with perforated peptic ulcer regularly carries high threat for morbidity and mortality. Acute perforated peptic ulcer is a leading source of generalized peritonitis and its management has continued to be a gruelling task in moderate source setting environment. In this article, I have assessed nurses’ knowledge-related prevention of peptic ulcer. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was carried out at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals for the period between 20th November 2022 to 20th April 2023. A non-probability sampling was used among 50 nurses. A study instrument was constructed to collect data of knowledge-related prevention of peptic ulcer, which consists of two parts. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26.0 version. Descriptive and inductive statistics were utilized to summarize the results. Results: In study, half of the study samples 52% were male, 66% were age range from 19 – 29 years, 58% were married martial, 40% were graduated from college of nursing, and 76% haven’t any training course. The results also show 74% of nurses have a smoking history, the study indicated that nurses had moderate knowledge about prevention of peptic ulcer. Conclusion: The study showed that the level of nurses’ knowledge concerning peptic ulcer was moderate. Also, there were no significant relationships between nurse’s knowledge concerning peptic ulcer and their sociodemographic characteristics. Keywords: knowledge, peptic ulcer, nurses, cross-sectional study, Baghdad, Iraq

Effectiveness of <i>Pseudomonas Aeruginosa</i> in Destruction of Harmful Lipids in Lipidemia Patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of harmful microorganism that belongs to a large group of Gram-negative bacteria, these bacteria can secrete many extracellular enzymes such as microbial lipase and oxidase that act on certain lipids. This study aims to activate certain enzymes of P. aeruginosa like lipase and oxidase in order to decrease high plasma triglycerides and cholesterol in lipidemia patients. Serum can also be used due to the fact that lipids are found in both serum and plasma. Five ml. of blood were collected from 100 lipidemia patients at Baghdad Teaching Hospital laboratories in Medical city, P. aeruginosa was isolated from medical wastes; cultured on bacterial media, gram stained and biochemically tested in vitro. Methods depend on inoculation of bacterial broth containing colonies of P. aeruginosa adjusted to McFarland standard turbidity with 50% of blood plasma were added, then cultures were incubated at 37°C for 6 days, activation of bacterial lipase and oxidase were done during the incubation period by addition of certain activators to the broth like glycogen liquid. The results showed that 100% of patients had cholesterol <200 mg/dl and 99% of patients had normal triglyceride level (<200mg/dl) after bacterial inoculation and activation of microbial lipase and oxidase. As conclusion, the high plasma lipids level of patients was decreased four times by P. aeruginosa may be due to the activation of microbial lipase and oxidase which could needs to future research to extract them and used them as treatment for these cases.

Gravitational bullet injuries

Gravitational bullet injuries, prevalent in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, are a critical public health concern, often resulting from celebratory gunfire. In our Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, we've observed that these injuries differ significantly from high-velocity gunshot wounds, characterized by lower velocity and energy due to air resistance and gravity. Unlike high-velocity bullets, gravitational bullets cause less bone fragmentation and radial brain damage. These bullets often end up on the tentorium or within the skull base, rarely transgressing the cerebellar tentorium on a vertical trajectory. We've also noticed that the pediatric population, particularly younger children, are more susceptible to these injuries due to their thinner cranial vertex, leading to more penetrating injuries and aggressive brain bleeding. Our observations underline the need for focused studies, awareness, regulation, and tailored management strategies to combat this overlooked issue.

Impact of MDR-1 Gene Polymorphism (rs1128503) on Response to Imatinib or Nilotinib in Iraqi Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: An Observational Study

Background: There is a significant molecular response to imatinib given at standard doses in individuals with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) whose ABCB1 polymorphisms are present. Objective: To investigate the impact of the polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene rs1128503 on the effectiveness of nilotinib or imatinib therapy. Methods: From May 2022 until the end of January 2023, the current study was carried out in a single research institution, the National Center of Hematology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital at Medical City, Iraq. 76 people with chronic phase myeloid leukemia (CML-CP), who had previously received a diagnosis using the European Leukemia Net (ELN) criteria, enrolled in the trial. The PCR product was delivered to Macrogen Corporation, Korea, for Sanger sequencing on an automated DNA sequencer, the ABI3730XL. After receiving the results by email, Geneious Prime software was used for analysis. Results: Patients receiving imatinib or nilotinib did not differ significantly in terms of age or gender. In contrast, BCR-ABL1 transcript levels were considerably greater at sampling in patients receiving nilotinib. Different types of the MDR-1 gene rs1128503 genotype were not found in groups that were treated with either imatinib or nilotinib. Conclusions: BCR-ABL1 transcript levels are lower in patients still receiving imatinib than in those receiving nilotinib.

Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Led Nurse Education on Enoxaparin Injection Technique in Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Background: Proper injecting technique ensures maximum effectiveness and minimizes the incidence of enoxaparin-related local side effects. Objective: To develop a pharmacist-led educational program and evaluate its benefit in improving the nurses' enoxaparin injecting technique for hospitalized patients. Methods: A pre-post study design was conducted from March to July 2023, involving nurses working the day shift at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Nurses were given an interactive education through a brief lecture with open discussion and training on the correct enoxaparin injecting technique. A clinical pharmacist observed and recorded the enoxaparin injecting technique for each nurse twice: once at the start of the study and again after the nurse's enrollment in the educational program. Results: At the baseline level, only 12.5% of the participating nurses had a good technique for injecting enoxaparin. The nurse's gender, level of education, work history, or workplace did not significantly affect her poor enoxaparin injection technique. After enrolling nurses in the pharmacist-led educational program, the number of nurses with a good enoxaparin injection technique significantly increased from 12.5% to 59%. Conclusions: Effectiveness was improved considerably by the currently developed interactive pharmacist-led nurse education.

Multiple Sclerosis in Comparison to Sporadic Multiple Sclerosis in Iraqi Patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, characterized by diverse symptoms based on lesion locations. Familial MS (FMS) indicates a genetic predisposition, potentially leading to a more severe disease course than sporadic MS, which lacks familial clustering. This distinction is critical for diagnosing and treating MS, particularly in the Iraqi patient population. The study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological features of FMS and sporadic MS among patients at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital's MS outpatient clinic. In this observational retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, at the Baghdad M.S outpatient clinic within the Medical City complex in Baghdad, Iraq, 100 MS patients were enrolled, with an equal division between FMS (n=50) and sporadic MS (n=50) cases. Participants were selected based on a definitive MS diagnosis, with FMS patients having a first or second-degree relative with MS. Data were collected via a questionnaire focusing on demographics, clinical presentations, MRI findings, and EDSS scores. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing Pearson Chi-square tests and Fisher's Exact test, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. The demographic analysis revealed a predominant female representation (89%), with a significant age range between 20-30 years (48%). Time to diagnosis was notably longer for FMS cases, averaging 25.235 months, compared to 10.295 months for sporadic cases (P=0.002). Clinical presentations did not significantly differ between groups, but FMS cases exhibited greater disability severity, with higher EDSS scores indicating moderate to severe disability in 31% of FMS cases compared to only 19% in sporadic cases (P=0.035). MRI findings showed a higher prevalence of spinal cord and corpus callosum lesions in FMS (P=0.001 and P=0.027, respectively), with no significant differences in juxtacortical, cortical, or infratentorial lesions. This study illuminates that MS mainly affects females in their twenties and thirties, with familial MS cases taking longer to diagnose than sporadic ones. Familial cases exhibited more severe disabilities and more lesions in the spinal cord and corpus callosum. This indicates a complex interplay between genetics and MS, underscoring the importance of further research to enhance our understanding of the disease.

Nurses' knowledge and protective health behaviors about prevention of COVID-19 pandemic complications at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 primarily occurs through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is abundantly expressed in various anatomical sites, including the nasopharynx, lungs, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. This study aimed to nurses' knowledge and protective health behaviors about prevention of covid-19 pandemic complications. A descriptive design study was conducted from October 1, 2022, to March 15, 2023. A non-probability purposive sample of 50 nurses from different educational levels, genders, and departments at Baghdad teaching hospitals was selected. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The study comprised an equal distribution of male and female participants, with the majority (44%) aged between 22 and 30 years. A significant proportion (52%) of nurses held institute degrees. Forty-six percent were single, and the majority (74%) had 1-5 years of experience. The mean scores were 0.70 for nurses' knowledge and 3.22 for nurses' protective health behaviors. The findings indicate that nurses possess satisfactory knowledge and exhibit high levels of protective health behaviors regarding complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended to conduct future research focusing on nurses' knowledge and practices related to patient care in the context of a pandemic.

Effectiveness of Disinfection with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to Reduce Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Phones Carried by Medical Personnel in Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Mobile phones, despite their importance in daily life, can disseminate pathogens due to their frequent contact with hands. The purpose of the present study is to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination on the mobile phones of healthcare personnel at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital, to identify the contaminating microorganisms, and to determine the preventive efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Sixty mobile phones from 40 physicians and 20 nurses were analyzed for microbial contamination. After collecting samples from each phone, they were disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and samples were recollected. Twenty four hours of aerobic and anaerobic incubation of agar plates at 37 °C. The results indicated that 34 (56.7%) out of 60 samples were contaminated with bacteria. Approximately 57.5% of the mobile phones used by physicians and 45% of those used by nurses contained microorganisms. Before disinfection, the most common bacteria found in mobile phones were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic (3.33%) and non-hemolytic (3.33%) Streptococci. While, E. coli and fungi contaminates were also found on mobile phone surfaces in equal percentage (6.67%). Following disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol, the number of bacteria was reduced to nil in 83.3% of the colonized mobile phones. This investigation demonstrated that commercially available, affordable and device safe wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol can significantly reduce mobile phone contamination. As a result, it is crucial for medical professionals to sterilize their mobile phones on a regular basis, as this can limit the dissemination of pathogens to patients and reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections.

MiRNA-126 as a Biomarker for Cancer Stem Cells: Role in Chemotherapy Resistance in Iraqi Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized as an aggressive blood cancer with rapid growth of immature leukemic cells. It appears that each subtype of AML displays a distinct miRNA profile. miRNAs play a role in regulating gene expression that is implicated in AML pathogenesis. Objective: This study was designed to assess the level of miRNA-126 gene expression in relation to chemotherapy resistance in various AML groups with the hope of developing a novel marker for targeted therapy and the early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer stem cells in AML patients. Methods: 120 AML cases were studied. Based on the chemotherapy stage, 40 patients were assigned to each group (newly diagnosed, under treatment, or relapsed). Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq, provided the cases and samples from February 2022 to April 2023. This study also included 40 healthy controls. We used the qRT-PCR method to count the genes after setting them to the same level as a housekeeping gene (GAPDH). This method uses the ∆Ct-value and fold change (2-∆∆Ct). Results: In this study, there were significant elevated levels of miRNA-126 in AML patients compared to controls, with a higher fold change detected in the newly diagnosed group. Conclusions: The miRNA-126 upregulation is suggested to be linked to AML development and relapse, with a contribution to leukemic stem cell proliferation and treatment failure. We hypothesized that miR-126 could be an effective target for eradicating the LSC in AML.

Association of adiponectin with thyroid dysfunction in diabetes mellitus type II

The two most prevalent endocrine-related conditions seen in clinical practice are thyroid diseases (TD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction are strongly related conditions. Numerous research investigations have reported that individuals with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have thyroid issues, and vice versa. Compared to individuals without diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients have higher rates of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones are circulating hormones that impact various organs and tissues, have a vital role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and can exacerbate glycemic control in individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). At the Specialized Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes – Al-Kindi Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, a case-control research was carried out. The samples were gathered between January 1, 2021, and April 1, 2021. The current study had one hundred twenty (120) volunteers, all of whom fasted for eight to twelve hours before to the test: · Thirty (30) patients suffered from diabetic mellitus type II seventeen (17) females and thirteen (13) males. · Thirty (30) were control with, sixteen (16) females and fourteen (14) males. · Thirty (30) patients had thyroid dysfunction eighteen (18) females and twelve (12) males. · Thirty (30) patients had thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus type II, sixteen (16) females and fourteen (14) males. Variables such as gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), thyroid hormones ,Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile (TG, CHOL, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C), Adiponectin (ADP)were measured and documented from participants included in this study. According to the results of hormones, there were substantial variations in all of the hormone levels. Thyroid Stimulating Hermon (TSH) was the highest level in Thyroid Dysfunction with Diabetes Mellitus type II: Hypothyroidism patients(0.46 ± 6.26) µIU/mL. T3 hormone was (187.84 ± 6.12) ng/dL, the highest resultin Thyroid Dysfunction with Diabetes Mellitus type Ⅱ: Hyperthyroidism patients. T4 was highest hormonal level in Thyroid Dysfunction with Diabetes Mellitus type II: Hyperthyroidism patients which was (14.02 ± 0.56) ng/dL. Fasting blood sugar (serum) measured a highly significant differences and highest level in patients who suffered from thyroid Dysfunction with Diabetes Mellitus type II: Hypothyroidism with (190.50 ± 12.72) mg/dL. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measured high significant differences with (11.13 ± 0.55) mmoL/L in patients of diabetes type II. Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL-C and VLDL-C high significant differences and highest levels were among patients with Thyroid Dysfunction with Diabetes Mellitus type II: Hypothyroidism with (209.45 ±12.29, 268.18 ±31.57, 114.24 ±13.74 and 55.98 ±5.63) mg/dL respectively, while HDL-C was significantly higher in control group. The Adiponectin had high significant differences among Thyroid Dysfunction: Hyperthyroidism patients with (17.98 ±1.43) ng/mL. In conclusion this data backs up the theory that inducing or suppressing adiponectin in individuals with thyroid dysfunction can help them in losing weight. Hypothyroid individuals with DM Type II and lipid abnormalities in their blood. This data is attributed to the idea that inducing or suppressing adiponectin in individuals with thyroid dysfunction might be a promising new treatment strategy. Adiponectin has been shown that’s involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including as inflammation and tissue remodeling. They may be crucial in the formation of adipose tissue and insulin resistance, and they have been linked to a number of inflammatory illnesses.