Baquba City Research Articles

Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Quality of Life for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis in Baaquba City

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition causing joint dysfunction, discomfort, and limited range of motion; it may be affected by poor quality of life. Aim of the study: The study aims to investigate the association between socio-demographic factors and the quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis in Baquba City. Methods: A cross-sectional study at Baquba Teaching Hospital in Iraq analyzed 374 adult patients with kneeosteoarthritis, 18 or older, both sexes, and verbal consent. The researchers used a self-structured questionnaire and Dhafar M. et al.'s socioeconomic scale to assess patients' socio-demographic characteristics. Data collection involved direct interviews, and statistical significance was determined using IBM SPSS-29 software. Results: The study found that the majority of participants, particularly women, were married and lived in urban areas, with 53.2% having a family history of knee OA. A study shows that many patients with knee osteoarthritis have poor quality of life, with only 0.5% rating it as excellent. The study reveals significant differences in quality of life scores across age groups, with the 50-59 group reporting fair quality of life (40.0%) and the 60- 69 group (34.0%). The study found significant disparities in quality of life scores across different occupations, with housewives and retired individuals experiencing higher rates, while employees, married couples, and illiterate individuals reported fair quality of life. Conclusion: The study reveals that knee osteoarthritis patients are mostly overweight or obese, with retired individuals and housewives being the largest risk group. They often lack literacy and experience a low quality of life.

Revalence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization among Primary School Children in Baquba City

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization is a clinical symptom of general hypomineralization affecting a single or multiple first permanent molars, which is generally accompanied with incisors. Objective: To determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization among 12 years students in Baquba city. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted from middle of January 2022 till the end of May 2022 in Baqubah city/Diyalla Governorate/Iraq. The sample excluded all students who had other enamel defects (fluorosis or hypoplasia, uncooperative students and students who refuse to participate. Results: Out of 700 participants, 52.43% of them were females and the rest were males. About 13% of the total sample showed a molar incisor hypomineralization, with significant association between gender, in which male were significantly more affected than females. The data showed 13% of the total sample had a demarcated opacities . Also the results showed that the upper centrals were more affected by hypominrlization than other teeth. Conclusion: However, the study revealed that demarcated opacity was the most common form of defect with a significant correlation, with a frequency of 13%. The upper central tooth was always the most commonly impacted by molar incisor hypomineralization.

Revalence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization among Primary School Children in Baquba City

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization is a clinical symptom of general hypomineralization affecting a single or multiple first permanent molars, which is generally accompanied with incisors. Objective: To determine the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization among 12 years students in Baquba city. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted from middle of January 2022 till the end of May 2022 in Baqubah city/Diyalla Governorate/Iraq. The sample excluded all students who had other enamel defects (fluorosis or hypoplasia, uncooperative students and students who refuse to participate. Results: Out of 700 participants, 52.43% of them were females and the rest were males. About 13% of the total sample showed a molar incisor hypomineralization, with significant association between gender, in which male were significantly more affected than females. The data showed 13% of the total sample had a demarcated opacities . Also the results showed that the upper centrals were more affected by hypominrlization than other teeth. Conclusion: However, the study revealed that demarcated opacity was the most common form of defect with a significant correlation, with a frequency of 13%. The upper central tooth was always the most commonly impacted by molar incisor hypomineralization. Keywords: MIH, hypomineralization, Demarcated opacity.

Identification of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Different Infections and Study the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in Patients of Baquba City

Acinetobacter baumannii one of the important multidrug-resistant (MDR) opportunistic nosocomial pathogens, in part due to its high capacity of acquiring resistance to diverse antibiotic groups. Twenty five Clinical sample samples were gathered from various sources from Baquba Teaching Hospital, from the period june2022 to October 2022 after consulting with the expert doctor, from both in- and out-patients, and the samples were sent to the lab. Each sample's data was entered onto a unique form, and they included: 10 (sputum samples from respiratory tract infections; 5 burn samples; 4 wound samples; 6 samples for urinary tract infections. After being cultured on MacConkey agar and Blood agar, the isolates were identified. Oxidase and Catalase biochemical tests were performed on the samples, and Vitik2 was employed to make the final diagnosis. Twelve isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii were found after culture and identification; of these, five were found in sputum, two in burns, two in urinary tract infections, and three in wounds. Results of 10 different antibiotics' sensitivity tests on A. baumannii isolates from various clinical sources at the Baquba Teaching Hospital showed that the bacterium showed varying degrees of resistance to the medications.. 100% of the samples displayed resistance to Cefoxitin, Oxacillin, Ceftazidim, Cefepime, and Tetracyclin, while 75% displayed excellent susceptibility to Imipenem, The resistance patterns of isolates were also determined isolates showed to quinolone antibiotic such as Levofloxacin 6/12( 50%), Norfloxacin 7/12 (58.33%) , Ofloxacin 6/12( 50%) ,Ciprofloxacin 3 /12(25%).

Role of blood hepcidin alteration as a biomarker in β-thalassemia patients’ diagnosis

The objective of this research was to determine the change in hepcidin levels and other biochemical markers, including total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum iron, testosterone, and specific vitamins in the blood of individuals with β-Thalassemia. Here, 140 participants were involved in the study, of whom 110 were affected by β-thalassemia and 30 were healthy. The samples were obtained from Baqubah Teaching Hospital, the blood bank and blood donation center. The study was carried out from May 2022 to August 2022, and the patients were housed in Diyala Provence, Baquba City and its suburbs. The participants in this investigation were split into three groups: A: 55 male patients with β-thalassemia; B: 55 female patients with β-thalassemia; and C: 30 healthy individuals that were set as a control group. The findings of the study showed that the levels of HbA1 in males and females were 93.44 ± 0.71 and 93.53 ± 0.91, respectively, while the levels of HbA2 in males and females were 4.99 ± 0.59 and 5.29 ± 0.72, respectively. In contrast, the control group had HbA1 levels of 97.33 ± 0.40 in males and 97.66 ± 0.46 in females, but HbA2 levels were 2.32 ± 0.33 in males and 2.24 ± 0.24 in females. The study revealed remarkable differences (P < 0.05) between these variables. Hematological measures, such as hemoglobin concentration and percentages of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), packed cell volume (PCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were substantially reduced (P < 0.05) in β-thalassemia patients when compared to the controls. Serum iron and TIBC were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while Hepcidin levels were markedly decreased (P < 0.05) in the serum of β-thalassemia patients compared to controls. Therefore, as a conclusion the reduction of hepcidin levels and increase in iron levels are correlated with β-thalassemia and can be used as a biomarkers in monitoring β-thalassemia disease.

Impact of the Introduction of Complementary Feeding Prior to the Sixth Month on Hemoglobin Levels and Weight Status

Background: An infant’s requirement for daily energy and nutrients appears to exceed what breast-feeding gives; consequently, incorporating complementary foods into the diet becomes vital for the growth and development of the infant. The study aims to explore the correlation between the age of complementary feeding introduction before the sixth month and its impact on hemoglobin levels and weight status. Subjects and Method: We conducted a case-series study at the Primary Health Care Center/Al-Tahrir, Baquba City, from April 18 to August 30, 2018. The study included a sample of three hundred fully developed infants, aged between 6 and 12 months, consisting of 180 males and 120 females. The dependent variable was complementary feeding. The independent variables were weight status, haemoglobin levels, and weught for age z-score. We obtained the data through face-to-face interviews with the child's mother using a structured questionnaire. Results: Among the women who took part in the study, 43% initiated the practice of providing additional food to their infants between the ages of 4 and 6 months. It was observed that the average hemoglobin level was higher in infants who consumed complementary feeding during the period of 4–6 months. A significant percentage of infants (52.6%) who initiated food intake by nursing or bottle feeding between the ages of 4-6 months exhibited weight levels within the normal range. In contrast, infants who had not yet commenced supplemental feeding showed a lower prevalence of normal weight levels. Furthermore, a majority of infants (83.3%) who engaged in supplemental feeding experienced an increase in hemoglobin levels and an improvement in weight. The research findings indicate that the introduction of supplemental nutrition throughout the period of 4 to 6 months of age has a significant impact on enhancing hemoglobin levels and weight among infants. Conclusion: The study's findings show that mothers frequently reported offering rice water, biscuits, and tea-soaked bread as their primary food sources.

Distribution of Babesiosis among Human and Cattle in Baquba City

In this study, 30 specimens blood were collected from cattle infected with Babesiasis and 30 blood samples were taken from humans infected with Babesiasis too. Also, 15 blood samples were taken from healthy cattle and 15 blood samples were taken from healthy individuals as control groups. The samples were collected from the cattle at the veterinary clinic in Baquba city-Iraq. While human samples were collected from Al-Razi Hospital in Diyala Province during the period from May to December 2023. The results showed that the middle standard of acute Babesiasis in the cattle was higher than humans Babesiasis with no important variations, P= 0.36. While the middle standard of chronic Babesiasis in the cattle was high in comparison to Babesiasis in man with height important variations, P<0.001. The middle standard of acute Babesiasis in humans was high in comparison to the healthy individuals with height important variations, P=<0.001. However the chronic Babesiasis was high concentration compared to the healthy individuals, P=<0.001. Furthermore the acute Babesia infection was high level compared to the healthy peoples, P=<0.001. Also the chronic babesiasis in cattle was high level in comparison to the healthy group, P=<0.001. But that no moral variation among age groups and distribution sites among infected human.

Eucalyptus extract and its synergistic effect on bacteria causing urinary tract infections in Diyala province

To assess the impact of E. camaldulensis extract against bacteria that are isolated from urine sample from UTI patient in Baquba city Then mix this plant with antibiotics to see its effect. In addition to examine those pathogens bacteriologically. The sensitivity of the isolates to (13) antibiotics was tested, and the bacterial isolates showed a variation in the rates of their resistance to these antibiotics. The results showed that the antibiotic Imipenem had the most effect on the bacterial isolates under study, while the bacterial isolates showed high resistance to the rest of the antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for 3 antibiotics, namely, Gentamycin, Amikacin and Amoxicillin. These values for the antibiotics ranged between <4-1024, <4-1024 <<512-1024) mcg/ml, respectively. The Ethanolic Extract of Eucalyptus Exhibit highest antibacterial effect on S.areus on (o.62 g/1.5 ml and 0.31g/750ml). Lower respectively antibacterial effect on Proteus and Pseudomonas but no antibacterial effect against Klebsiella. Bacterial isolates were selected on the basis of their most frequent urinary tract infections and their resistance to the effect of antibiotics (K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus). The amount of the mixed effect was determined by mixing Eucalyptus with three antibiotics, namely Amikacin and Gentamycin Amoxicillin. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the isolates under study was compared before and after mixing the antibiotics. The effect of mixing was a synergistic effect for all bacterial isolates. On the other hand, the synergistic effect was clear on the gram-positive isolates of S. aureus between eucalyptus and beta-lactams (and Amoxicillin).

Distribution of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHF) Infections Among Animals and Human in Diyala Province

In this study, 30 blood samples were collected from Human patients infected with CCHF virus residing in Alrazi Hospital, 30 samples from cattles and 30 from goats from the veterinary medical clinic in Baquba city. Also, 15 blood samples were taken from healthy individuals, 15 samples from healthy cattles and 15 samples from healthy goats as control groups. The study was carried out during the period from, 15th January to 30th June 2023 in Diyala Province. According to the results, the (Mean±S.E) of Human anti IgM antibodies was 2.40±0.26 in patients with CCHF and 2.13±0.23 in cattles with non-significant differences, while the (Mean±S.E) of anti IgM antibodies was 1.72±0.15 in goats with a significant difference between goats and humans (p=0.03). The (Mean±S.E) of Human anti IgG antibodies was 1.42±0.11 in patients with CCHF and 1.27±0.12 in cattles with non-significant differences. Also, the mean ±S.E of anti IgG was 1.24±0.11 in goats with non-significant differences between the animals and Humans. The mean ±S.E of anti-IgM Human antibodies was 2.40±0.26 compared to the control group 0.08±0.05 with a highly significant difference p<0.001. The mean of anti-IgG human antibodies was 1.42±0.11 compared to the control group 0.13±0.06 with a highly significant difference p<0.001. The mean of anti-IgM cattle antibodies was 2.13±0.23 compared to the control group 0.08±0.04, with a highly significant difference p<0.001. The mean of anti-IgG antibodies was 1.27±0.12 compared to the control group 0.09±0.04 with a highly significant difference p<0.001. The mean of anti-IgM goat antibodies was 2.13±0.23 compared to the control group 0.08±0.04 with a highly significant difference p<0.001. finally, the mean of anti-IgG antibodies was 1.27±0.12 compared to the control group 0.09±0.04 with a highly significant difference p<0.001.

Antimicrobial Action of Silver Nanoparticles Manufactured from Cinnamon Bark Extract Against Bacteria Isolated from Fresh Sheep Meat in Baquba City

Antimicrobial Action of Silver Nanoparticles Manufactured from Cinnamon Bark Extract Against Bacteria Isolated from Fresh Sheep Meat in Baquba City

Localization of the position of vital anatomical structures in the lateral wall of maxillary sinus during different surgical intervention using cone beam computed tomography

Background: Proper information about the anatomy of the maxillary sinus is required to avoid any unexpected complications that may arise due to the close relation between the maxillary sinus and posterior superior alveolar artery. Objective: To the current study used cone beam computed tomography CBCT imaging to assess the position of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) in relationship to the alveolar ridge and the flour of maxillary sinus. Patients and Methods: A number of 95 Iraqi patients participated in this prospective study (53 females, 42 males; age range 20-49 years). From January 2021 to February 2022, attended a 2nd specialised dentistry institution in Baquba city for CBCT scanning for numerous diagnostic and management purposes. Results: According to our study, we detected the presences of artery in (83.68%) of the sample. females showed higher PSAA prevalence than men on both sides, and the difference was significant overall, Also, the existence of artery for each side and total in the intramembranous locating in females is greater than that in males, which may demonstrate that the probability of Bleeding and other side effects is higher in males, since the existence of artery in the intramembranous area in females will reduce the likelihood of traumatic injury throughout any surgical treatment. Conclusion: This research used CBCT to determine the precise location of PSAA in the Iraqi population. This data could assist in decreasing the likelihood of hemorrhage as well as other complications which may happen throughout any surgical treatment, such as dental implant placement, ridge expansion.As well as other surgical interventions in this region. Keywords: Maxillary sinus walls, posterior superior alveolar artery, cone beam computed tomography

Localization of the position of vital anatomical structures in the lateral wall of maxillary sinus during different surgical intervention using cone beam computed tomography

Background: Proper information about the anatomy of the maxillary sinus is required to avoid any unexpected complications that may arise due to the close relation between the maxillary sinus and posterior superior alveolar artery.
 Objective: To the current study used cone beam computed tomography CBCT imaging to assess the position of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) in relationship to the alveolar ridge and the flour of maxillary sinus.
 Patients and Methods: A number of 95 Iraqi patients participated in this prospective study (53 females, 42 males; age range 20-49 years). From January 2021 to February 2022, attended a 2nd specialised dentistry institution in Baquba city for CBCT scanning for numerous diagnostic and management purposes.
 Results: According to our study, we detected the presences of artery in (83.68%) of the sample. females showed higher PSAA prevalence than men on both sides, and the difference was significant overall, Also, the existence of artery for each side and total in the intramembranous locating in females is greater than that in males, which may demonstrate that the probability of Bleeding and other side effects is higher in males, since the existence of artery in the intramembranous area in females will reduce the likelihood of traumatic injury throughout any surgical treatment.
 Conclusion: This research used CBCT to determine the precise location of PSAA in the Iraqi population. This data could assist in decreasing the likelihood of hemorrhage as well as other complications which may happen throughout any surgical treatment, such as dental implant placement, ridge expansion.As well as other surgical interventions in this region.

Iraqi household cockroaches collected from Diyala Province are potential vectors of medically-important parasites

Household cockroaches constitute a significant public health threat due to their capacity of transmitting medically-important parasites and other pathogens. The role of Iraqi household cockroaches as potential vectors of medically-important parasites was evaluated in the present study. Fifty cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) were collected from different dwelling places of Baquba City, Diyala Province during the period from October to December 2022. The contents of their guts and external body surfaces were examined for the presence of medically-important parasites. The overall prevalence rate of parasitic infestation on the external body surfaces was 60.0%, while the overall prevalence rate of parasitic infection in the guts was 56.0%. Based on capture sites, cockroaches trapped in the toilets had more parasites than those caught from kitchens and rooms. Four species of medically important parasites were isolated from the external body surfaces of the cockroaches; three species were identified as protozoa and only one species was helminth. The protozoan parasites were identified as Blastocystis spp. (36.0%), Giardia spp. (14.0%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (4.0%). In addition, five species of medically important parasites were isolated from the gut contents; four species were identified as protozoa and only one species was helminth. The protozoan parasites were identified as Blastocystis spp. (24.0%), Giardia spp. (10.0%), Cryptosporidium spp. (8.0%), and Entamoeba histolytica/ E. dispar (2.0%). Enterobius vermicularis was the only helminth parasite isolated from both gut contents (2.0%) and external body surfaces (2.0%). In conclusion, the results showed that cockroaches were found to harbor intestinal parasites of public health importance and awareness on the potential role of these insects in the transmission of human intestinal parasites needs to be established

Salt Eruptions and Their Role in the Shaping of the Oil Trapping for Selected Fields in Eastern Iraq

This research had been achieved using 2D seismic sections to study the presence of subsurface salty bodies in the Khashim Al-Ahmer, Galabat, Injana fields as a case study. The selected oil fields is located to the northeast of Baquba city within Diyala Governorate. The study aims to determine the salt accumulations of the selected fields and their role in the formation of oil traps. The interpretation of seismic data was focused on two reflectors Fatha and Jeribe Formations which belong to the lower and Middle Miocene. Structurally, Two systems of reversal faults are affecting the fields, according to seismic sections, the first represents thrust faults affected on the top part of Fatha (Red Beds & Seepage) and the layers above with large displacements and trending in an NW-SE orientation; The separation surface of these faults is the salt bed in the Fatha Formation. the second represents reversal faults affected on the lower section of Fatha (Transition beds) and the layers beneath with high displacements. The research concludes Petroleum flow from the source was directed by the faults created by the broad Zagros tectonism to Miocene and younger traps, also seal fracturing exceeds vertical petroleum flow. The differences in fault types are caused by the presence of a salt bed within the Fatha Formation and the high variation in its thickness at the crest and flanks. So, the main recommendation of research is to implement a 3D seismic survey covering these fields to determine salt body areas.

Correlation of Phylogenetic with Antibiotics Resistance Profiles and Integron Class I in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Baquba City

Correlation of Phylogenetic with Antibiotics Resistance Profiles and Integron Class I in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Baquba City

Epidemiological study of the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and the effect of contraceptive use on infected women in Baquba city

The study was conducted on 118 samples of female who visited the Batoul hospital and private hospitals in north of Baghdad between February 2021 and April 2022. All samples were subjected to direct microscopic examination and method transplantation by appropriate media for the purpose of diagnosis and to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis parasite with identify some of the risk factors of this parasite infection among women. Also, recorded complete information about each woman, including age, hosing, contraceptive use, and whether a woman was pregnant or not. The results of the study showed that the total incidence of the T. vaginalis parasite was 40.6 %. The highest infection rate was in the age group (35-26) by 16.9%, while the lowest rate was recorded in the age group <55 by 1.6 %, while for women in the city, the incidence rate was 28.8% While the rate of infection of rural women 11.8 %. The highest incidence of pregnancy among non-pregnant women was 33.8 % compared to pregnant women at 6.7 %. The study also showed that the incidence increased significantly among female who did not utilized contraception compared to female who used birth control pills (10.1%, 23.7 %) respectively.

Epidemiology of alopecia areata in Baqubah city/Diyala-Iraq

Background: Alopecia areata is a disease scalp and body hair leading to patches of non-scoring alopecia which is heterogeyous ,it is unown as autommutte disease, there is no prevention & hard cure.
 Objective: To determine the prevalence rate according to sex &age and the causative factors of alopecia areata in Baquba city.
 Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was in Baquba Teaching Hospital dermatological clinic from 1st of October 2020 to 31st of March 2022 at Baquabah teaching Hospital /outpatient Dermatology clinic. The study sample (100) patients with different clinical variants of Alopecia Areata, (71) males and (29) females of different age groups.
 Results: This study shows that high prevalence among males (71%) with age group (21-30) years old with single patchy alopecia areata with past history of recurrence and associated psychological history. (100) cases of AA were diagnosed. (25%). Single lesion of AA was the most common manifestation (68%). Recurrence history of AA Positive in (55%). Personal history of stress was associated with AA in (64 %). The most common site of alopecia areata was in head (55%).
 Conclusion: It was concluded that, alopecia areata was more common in male, age (21-30) years, most common single lesion, more in head, with psychological stress history.

Neurodermatitis in Baquba City, Diyala Governorate/Iraq Clinical and histopathological study

Background: Many patients that have itchy thickened skin lesions are lichenified, it's located on the extremities namely on the knees, feet, dorsum of the hands, and /or elbows was being seen bilaterally and may be symmetrically. Objective: To evaluate clinical and histopathological features of neurodermatitis with some similarities to psoriasis in Iraqi patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty- Five patients with neurodermatitis attending Department of Dermatology, Baquba Teaching Hospital were enrolled in this study in time between 1st January 2020 to 31th January 2021. All patients were being examined and full history was taken, including age of the patients, onset and duration of the disease, severity and type of itching. A full examination was done to identify the character, colour, shape, site, and involvement of other body site of lesion. Incisional biopsy specimens from both lesion and adjacent normal skin were obtained from 9 patients and submitted to histological assessment. Results: Ten of the patients (40%) were male and fifteen (60%) were females, their age ranged from 29-70 years, with a mean of 49.5 years. The average duration ranged from one month- 15 years with median 7.5 years. Clinically; patients have severe itchy plaques that distributed bilaterally like those of psoriasis, involvement of the knees (56%), dorsum of the both hands, feet, and elbows, also having ( lichenification ,that is characterized by thickening of the skin and exaggeration of the skin lines ) which characteristic of the individual lesion of lichen simplex chronicus, these plaques were symmetrical, well defined, sharper, more keratotic, violaceous pigmentation, marked accentuation and thickening of skin. Psoriatic scales are not present typically on the plaques of these patients. These plaques mainly located on extremities. Nine specimens' taken for histopathologiacl findings showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, dermal papilomatosis, suprapapillary epidermal thinning. All patients mentioned a severe itching which was paroxysmal in typing, more severe in the evening. Conclusion: ( Lichenified psoriasis) Psoriatic neurodermatitis might be lichen simplex chronicus as a result to repetitive itching and scratching of plaque psoriasis. This was typical neurodermatitis and not psoriasis. Keywords: Psoriatic neurodrmatitis,Lichenification, Plaque psoriasis

Epidemiology of alopecia areata in Baqubah city/Diyala-Iraq

Background: Alopecia areata is a disease scalp and body hair leading to patches of non-scoring alopecia which is heterogeyous ,it is unown as autommutte disease, there is no prevention & hard cure. Objective: To determine the prevalence rate according to sex &age and the causative factors of alopecia areata in Baquba city. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was in Baquba Teaching Hospital dermatological clinic from 1st of October 2020 to 31st of March 2022 at Baquabah teaching Hospital /outpatient Dermatology clinic. The study sample (100) patients with different clinical variants of Alopecia Areata, (71) males and (29) females of different age groups. Results: This study shows that high prevalence among males (71%) with age group (21-30) years old with single patchy alopecia areata with past history of recurrence and associated psychological history. (100) cases of AA were diagnosed. (25%). Single lesion of AA was the most common manifestation (68%). Recurrence history of AA Positive in (55%). Personal history of stress was associated with AA in (64 %). The most common site of alopecia areata was in head (55%). Conclusion: It was concluded that, alopecia areata was more common in male, age (21-30) years, most common single lesion, more in head, with psychological stress history. Keywords: Alopecia areata, prevalence rate, Stress

Neurodermatitis in Baquba City, Diyala Governorate/Iraq Clinical and histopathological study

Background: Many patients that have itchy thickened skin lesions are lichenified, it's located on the extremities namely on the knees, feet, dorsum of the hands, and /or elbows was being seen bilaterally and may be symmetrically.
 Objective: To evaluate clinical and histopathological features of neurodermatitis with some similarities to psoriasis in Iraqi patients.
 Patients and Methods: Twenty- Five patients with neurodermatitis attending Department of Dermatology, Baquba Teaching Hospital were enrolled in this study in time between 1st January 2020 to 31th January 2021. All patients were being examined and full history was taken, including age of the patients, onset and duration of the disease, severity and type of itching. A full examination was done to identify the character, colour, shape, site, and involvement of other body site of lesion. Incisional biopsy specimens from both lesion and adjacent normal skin were obtained from 9 patients and submitted to histological assessment.
 Results: Ten of the patients (40%) were male and fifteen (60%) were females, their age ranged from 29-70 years, with a mean of 49.5 years. The average duration ranged from one month- 15 years with median 7.5 years. Clinically; patients have severe itchy plaques that distributed bilaterally like those of psoriasis, involvement of the knees (56%), dorsum of the both hands, feet, and elbows, also having ( lichenification ,that is characterized by thickening of the skin and exaggeration of the skin lines ) which characteristic of the individual lesion of lichen simplex chronicus, these plaques were symmetrical, well defined, sharper, more keratotic, violaceous pigmentation, marked accentuation and thickening of skin. Psoriatic scales are not present typically on the plaques of these patients. These plaques mainly located on extremities. Nine specimens' taken for histopathologiacl findings showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, dermal papilomatosis, suprapapillary epidermal thinning. All patients mentioned a severe itching which was paroxysmal in typing, more severe in the evening.
 Conclusion: ( Lichenified psoriasis) Psoriatic neurodermatitis might be lichen simplex chronicus as a result to repetitive itching and scratching of plaque psoriasis. This was typical neurodermatitis and not psoriasis.