Basrah Province Research Articles

Serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii in local duck birds, and Gallus gallus in Basrah Province, Iraq

تنتشر المقوسة الكوندية على نطاق واسع في البشر والحيوانات الأخرى، بما في ذلك الدواجن، في جميع أنحاء العالم وتعتمد على مجموعة فريدة من العضيات الإفرازية والهيكلية الخلوية لغزو الخلايا المضيفة. يتم استهلاك لحوم الدواجن المصابة بالمقوسة الكوندية والتي تشمل الدجاج والبط على نطاق واسع في معظم البلدان وهي معروفة كمصدر رئيسي للعدوى البشرية. في العراق بشكل عام وفي محافظة البصرة على وجه الخصوص، نادرًا ما يُعرف عن انتشار المقوسة الكوندية في البط والدجاج المحلي. في الدراسة الحالية، تم استخدام اختبار تلازن اللاتكس (LAT) ومجموعة الاختبار السريع للاجسم المضادة IgM/IgG لفحص الأجسام المضادة لطفيلي المقوسة الكوندية في 40 طائر من البط محلي و 62 دجاج محلي من مناطق مختلفة في محافظة البصرة. تم العثور على الأجسام المضادة لـلطفيلي (LAT) في 14 (35٪) من 40 طائر بط محلي ، و 23 (37.09٪) من 62 من الدجاج المحلي. بينما تم الكشف عن الأجسام المضادة للطفيلي (الاختبار السريع) في 10 (25٪) من 40 طائر بط محلي و 17 (27.41٪) من 62 من الدجاج المحلي. أظهرت النتائج أن التربة ملوثة بالكيسات البيضية للطفيلي التي تمثل مصدراً غذائياً للدجاج والبط المحلي نظرا لتغذية الطيور على الأرض. وتشير الدراسة إلى أن لحوم الدواجن قد تكون مصدراً مهماً للعدوى البشرية بالطفيلي في العراق. تعتبر هذه الدراسة هي الدراسة الأولى في محافظة البصرة للكشف عن داء المقوسات في الدجاج والبط المحلي.

Flowcytometric Expression of CD11b and Detection of Netosis Markers (Calprotectin, Protease 57 and PADI4) in Women with RPL at Basrah Province

Flowcytometric Expression of CD11b and Detection of Netosis Markers (Calprotectin, Protease 57 and PADI4) in Women with RPL at Basrah Province

Seroprevalence of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Cattle in Basrah Province, Iraq

Seroprevalence of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Cattle in Basrah Province, Iraq

Immunohistochemical expression of netosis markers (MPO, H2A, H2B) in placenta of RPL women in Basrah Province

Background. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is a multifactorial disorder significantly impacting women’s health globally. Emerging research has implicated Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in the pathophysi­ology of RPL, suggesting an immunological underpinning to miscarriage occurrences. Aim. The study aim to evaluate the role and expression of NETosis markers (MPO, histones H2A, H2B) in women with RPL in comparison to pregnant women. Methods. This prospective cohort study, conducted from January 2022 to July 2023, included 30 participants (20 RPL patients and 10 controls) from Al Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital. Immunohistochemical technique were employed to detect Myeloperoxidase and histones in placental samples. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p<90.05. Results. Immunohistochemical analysis of placental tissues indicated significant overexpression of Myelo­peroxidase (MPO), and histones H2A and H2B, in RPL patients compared to control, emphasizing the potential involvement of NETs in placental pathology associated with miscarriage. The expression levels of MPO were positive in 80% of RPL patients but undetected in control (p = 0.0001). Histone expressions also differed significantly, with H2A detected in 55% of RPL patients compared to none in control (p = 0.001) and H2B in 70% versus 30% (both p <0.001).

Evaluating the characteristics, trends and challenges of marine fisheries in Iraq

The characteristics, trends and challenges of the marine fisheries of Basrah province, Iraq were studied in this study. Information on fish landings was gathered from the main landing site of the marine fisheries at Al-Fao port from January 2023 to December 2023. The total landing of marine fisheries was 29,446 tons for 28 fish species and two shrimp species. Threadfin bream constituted 10.87% of the landing, followed by Mullets (9.72%) and Emperor (9.39%). Shrimp formed about 13.87% of the total catches. The landings of Threadfin bream and Emperor, as well as shrimp, significantly increased in 2023, while the contribution of historically more important species such as the landing of river shad has decreased to the lowest level. Therefore, from a fisheries management perspective, it is crucial to manage the stock of various species, especially River shad by ensuring the right amount of water is obtained from the upper Tigris and Euphrates Rivers to marine waters through the Shatt Al-Arab River, implementing national fishing regulations to deter illegal fishing methods and safeguard the fish during their migration, reproduction, and in their nursery habitats in inland waters.

Survey of Fish Diseases in Basrah Province Farms During 2018-2020

Survey of Fish Diseases in Basrah Province Farms During 2018-2020

Molecular identification of some species of dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera) using COXI gene and DNA barcodes from Basrah Province, Southern Iraq

The taxonomy of the Odonata group is still poorly understood; therefore, molecular identification has been developed to address the shortcomings of traditional taxonomy, such as misidentification and inconsistencies in reference databases. The mtCOXI gene has been used in animal barcoding studies because of its wide range of phylogenetic signals. Odonata, a diverse group of aquatic insects, has been studied at the molecular level to understand the evolutionary relationships between their species and global species. In the current study in Basrah Province, Iraq, we extracted mitochondrial DNA from adult and nymph Dragonflies and designed species-specific primers to distinguish some of the endemic species at the molecular level. This study identified five species, Crocothemis erythraea, Diplacodes trivialis, Orthetrum sabina, Trithemis annulata and Hemianax ephippiger. The DNA sequences were deposited in the NCBI database for the first time. The nucleotide sequences of the mtCOXI genes were analyzed via BLAST. The similarity results ranged from 91.8% to 100%, indicating related species on the basis of the branches of the phylogenetic tree. The molecular identity of the selected species was confirmed, and DNA barcodes for Anisoptera species from Basrah Province were successfully developed and documented in GenBank and IBIN.

Immunological Study of Aborted Women Infected with Toxoplasmosis in Basrah Province

Background: Toxoplasmosis is regarded as one of the chief sources of miscarriage in pregnant women which caused by an apicomplexan obligatory intracellular parasites called Toxoplasma gondii. it can infect greatest kinds of warm-blooded animals, together with humans. Aim: Assessment some immunological parameter concentration and its relation with aborted women infected with toxoplasmosis by using ELISA method. Methods: A total number (155 ) of serum were collected from women aged between (16-42) years aborted women (75 seropositive with toxoplasmosis, 40 sera negative) were admitted in Basrah hospital for women and children and (40) healthy control women. Results: The results show the concentrations of protein S, C, anti-phospholipid and anticardiolipin (68.11, 63.17, 48.59 and 13.86) respectively with significantly than others group. The rate of strong immune factor such as anticardiolipin, protein-C, and protein-S in frequently aborted females is shown to be related to the changes. Conclusion: Active Toxoplasma gondii infection is more associated with miscarriage than immune factor in this group of experienced females.

Prevalence of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Basrah Province/South of Iraq

Human cystic echinococcosis is one of the greatest significant neglected tropical diseases. It develops and transmits from canines to human. The purpose of this study was to assemble information on the occurrence of human cystic echinococcosis in Basrah province /south of Iraq. Thirty samples of clinical diagnosed patients and the same as control, attended different hospitals, obtained during the period from August 2023 to June 2024. The majority of patients were in age group 10-19 while only 9% were with age group of 60-69. The study concluded that infections in female were about 19(63.3%) while in male were 11(36.7%), Most patients were inhabitant of rural area 16(53.3%) compared to14(46.7%) patients of urban area. Cystic echinococcosis is a condition that is mostly ignored. Medical specialists must work to reduce human cystic echinococcosis by advising people about its prevention and control.

Clinical and Serological Observation of the Newcastle Disease on Commercial Meat Chicken Flocks in Basrah Province, South of Iraq

The current study was conducting to observed Newcastle Disease (ND) in Basrah and evaluated the competence of vaccination schedules used in commercial meat chicken farms. Monitoring of ND was dependent on 20 poultry houses located in Al Zubair, Al Mudaina, Al Qurnah, Garmat Ali Safwan, and Aluhais. The Incidence was recorded based on the clinical history of the disease in the poultry house, clinical signs, and post-mortem findings. ELISA test was estimated to detect Ab titer against ND, including maternal immunity and immune state after vaccination. The results indicated that the Incidence of ND was 80%. ND was not recorded in 20% of poultry houses. Results of the ELISA test showed differences of Ab against ND at different ages of birds, especially at a late stage. Ab titers were very low. The mean of maternal-derived antibodies was 6000 in Belgian, 308 Rose and 2000 for Iranian 501 coop. On the other hand, ND vaccines, available in local markets, showed a good quality (Ma5 + Clone 30) compared with different types, especially ( lasota + IB) Henkar.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in turkey (Meleagris galbpavol) in Basrah Province using Serological methods

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in turkey (Meleagris galbpavol) in Basrah Province using Serological methods

Recording of three species of the Contracaecum genus in Phalacrocorax pygmaeus and Phalacrocorax carbo in Basrah province

A total of 84 pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) and 18 great cormorant (carbo) birds were hunted from the eastern Hammar marsh in Basrah province. These birds were examined, and it was found that they were infected with three types of nematodes: Contracaecum Phalacrocorax sp., C.microcephalum, C.rudolphii. The C.rudolphii species was compared with previous studies, while the other two species were considered new records.

Cognitive Distortions among Secondary School Students in Qurna District of Basrah Province

The research aimed to identify cognitive distortions among secondary school students in Qurna district of Basrah Province. The researchers used the descriptive approach. The research sample was (400) female students of secondary school, out of (8225) students, where the number of schools (17) (intermediate, preparatory, secondary). The researchers adopted a scale (Al Alawy, 2013), which measures cognitive distortions, consisted of (53) points, and presented. These are presented to a group of arbitrators in measurement, evaluation and psychology numbered (25) arbitrators, and extracted the psycho-metric characteristics. The researchers employed statistical means, and the T-test for two independent samples, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the equation of Alpha Cronbach, and the factorial analysis of the scale. The results showed the existence of cognitive distortions among secondary school students, as the arithmetic mean reached (127.55), and a standard deviation (22.09). The results showed that the sample members do not suffer from cognitive distortions. In light of these results a number of recommendations were made, the most prominent of which was the need to focus on the cognitive aspects of secondary school students by promoting creative thinking, and providing opportunities for students to express their ideas freely to know the way they think.

Clinicopathological study of thyroid gland cancer among selected sample Basrah province between 2019-2022

Background. Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most prevalent cancer within the endocrine system and the head and neck region. Its incidence has been on the rise in Iraq over the past few decades, primarily owing to papillary thyroid carcinoma. This study’s objective is to explore the pathological variants, frequency, and demographic characteristics of TC in a sample of Basrah’s population and subsequently compare these elements with data from other regions in Iraq and globally. Methods. This study is a single-institutional retrospective review conducted at the Department of Pathology within Ports Teaching Hospital in Basrah, Iraq. We analyzed slides of thyroid tumors stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and biometric data gathered from histopathological reports. The cases for this study were identified between 2019 and 2022. Results. In this study, 51 cases were examined, comprised of six males and 45 females. The average age and histopathology patterns were analyzed, finding that the most common type of TC was the classic form of papillary thyroid carcinoma, as seen in 16 cases. The study noted a predominant female presence, accounting for 88.2% of the cases, while males comprised 11.8%. The median age among all subjects was 38 years. Conclusions. A review of all slides featuring thyroid tumors stained with H&E, combined with biometric data from histopathological reports, shows an increasing incidence of TC in Basrah City, Iraq. Predominantly, cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma outnumber those of follicular carcinoma.

Efficiency of Antioxidants on Physiological Traits and Growth Curve of Date Palm Fruit Cultivars Barhi and Zamli

The study aimed to investigate the impact of variety factor on the physiological characteristics and growth curve of date palm fruits in a private orchard in the Hartha district of Al-Masheeb, north of Basrah province. Two date palm varieties, Barhi and Zamli, were selected and antioxidants tocopherol and Glutathione were used at three concentrations (0, 75, 150 mg/L) for each. The interaction between these factors was studied in terms of physiological characteristics and growth curves. Results showed no significant differences between the varieties' physiological characteristics, but the spray treatments had a significant effect on the percentage of fruit set. The Glutathione spraying treatment had the highest rate of fruit set (86.60%), while the comparison treatment had the lowest drop rate (77.55%). The interaction treatments also had significant differences in drop rate and non-set fruit percentages. The Zamli variety showed the highest growth curve of physical traits (6 and 12 weeks after pollination), while antioxidant spray treatments had significant differences in the rate of physical characteristics. The interaction had a significant effect on the studied characteristics during the two growth periods

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Heliotropium curassavicum L., 1753 belongs to the Boraginaceae family, and it was recorded for the first time to the Flora of Iraq in Basrah Province, Iraq. Its morphological characteristics have been described with photos; as well as a taxonomical key has been suggested to separate it from other species of Heliotropium that grow in Basrah Province. The geographical distribution of the species was determined, and the results showed that it was grown in five different locations along the southern parts of Shatt Al-Arab. Pollen morphology and anatomy of leaves were studied by using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the species has psilate and hexa-heterocolpate pollen grains, and the leaves were glabrous with anomocytic and hemiparacytic stomata.

Assessment of prevalence and severity of food insecurity among parents/guardians of students in Basrah Province, Southern Iraq

Background and Aim: An individual’s ability to obtain enough nutritious and healthy food to sustain a healthy lifestyle is a crucial indicator of food security. This study estimated food insecurity’s prevalence and levels among parents/guardians of secondary school students in Basrah and describe its consequences. Materials and Methods: The Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) was implemented through a questionnaire survey to evaluate food insecurity. The relationship between financial factors, attitudes, and psychological impacts regarding food accessibility and affordability was studied in detail. The eight food insecurity questions’ responses were measured using the Rasch model approach. Results: Two hundred and fifty-two parents/guardians took part in the survey. The prevalence of food insecurity was estimated as 24% (with a 95% confidence interval of 18.9%–29.8%). Around 50% of the parents/guardians stated that their typical income is middle-income. 28% of respondents reported having sufficient food but not their preferred choices, while 35% paired food shortage with financial instability, 32% could not afford nutritionally balanced meals, and 21% of the parents admitted to cut or skipped their meals to other family members. 21% of parents/guardians were affected by inadequate food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The level of food insecurity included that 50% of the respondents exhibited mild food insecurity, 19.4% had moderate food insecurity, and 4.3% were classified as having severe food insecurity. According to the Rasch analysis of the FIES data, the likelihood of experiencing severe food insecurity is linked to consuming unhealthy food, having food run out, and eating unbalanced meals. Conclusion: The study found that financial constraints, food safety concerns, and limited access to nutritious food explain the widespread food insecurity reported. Significant efforts are required to alleviate chronic food shortages in Basrah, including job creation, strengthening agricultural production, and implementing safety-net policies for affected families. Keywords: food accessibility, food insecurity, parents/guardians, Rasch model.

Prevalence and Impact of Psychiatric Co-Morbidity in Patients with Spinal Pathology in Basrah, Iraq

Background and objective: to minimize complications by proper selection of patients for surgery and to evaluate what is the impact of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients admitted to a spinal surgical unit in Basrah, Iraq. Patients and Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional prospective cohort study was conducted on 247 patients. In Basrah province. During admission complete history was taken in form of identity, complaint, past medical and surgical history, drug history, type of previous and the coming surgery and lastly special emphasis on the questioner to assess patient psychological status using the Patient Health Questioner. Somatic Anxiety Depressive Symptoms (PHQ.SADS) After one week and one-month the same questions were addressed to the patient to check the general condition,and any complications or readmission. Results: Out of the 247 patients: Eight patients refuse to be part of this study, thirty-one patients lost follow up, three patients excluded from the study due to exclusion criteria, five patients their surgery postponded because they were psychologically unstable and advised for psychiatrist consultation. 111 patients (55.5%) of the sample size were male patients. A 90 (45%) patients were at age of 38-57 years, 111 (55.5%) of the sample were male 82 patients (41%) were of moderate degree using the PHQ.SADS. 62 patients (31%) were within the severe scale PHQ.SADS.132 patients (66%) complained from radiculopathy with or without backache,192 (96%) patients discharged safely postoperatively. 41(39.4%) patients were diagnosed with lumber canal stenosis belongs to the severe group. Psychological break down occurs in 10 (5%) patients, 9 (90%) of those patients belong to severe grade category of PHQ.SADS. Conclusion: There was a strong association between pre-operative psychological conditions and post-operative complications in form of repeated visit after surgery and persistence of pain and disability.

New Species of Preussia from Sedimentary Cost in Basrah Province, Iraq

A novel undiscovered fungal species was obtained from brackish environments located in Al-Faw city, situated in the southern region of Basrah, Iraq, through phylogenetic assessments of the ITS and TEF1α genomic regions. Sediment sample was collected from the seacoast of Al- Faw region and cultured on Potato carrot agar (PCA) and Potato dextrose agar (PDA), then incubated at 25 °C for 14 days. It was ascertained that this species clustered within the genus Preussia. Subsequent in-depth examinations of its morphological and anatomical features corroborated its distinctiveness. This previously unknown species is introduced here as P. aseelix. One of its notable characteristics is the absence of a true fruiting body, which is replaced by an asexual state represented by pycnidia.

Managing Dust Mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranchidae) Infesting Date Palm Orchards By Using Lemongrass Extract and Nanosulfur

The dust mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor 1939) (Acari: Tetranychidae) poses a significant threat to date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. productivity in Iraq. To address this issue, a field study was conducted in a private date palm orchard in Al-Zubair district, Basrah province, Iraq, to assess the efficacy of some treatments in controlling the dust mite population on date palm fruits. The treatments included lemongrass extract, nanosulfur, a combination of lemongrass extract and nanosulfur, liquid sulfur, and a distilled water as control treatment. Treatments were applied by spraying on leaves and fruits at three dates: five weeks, eight weeks, and eleven weeks after pollination. Dust mite mortality rates were measured at intervals of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after treatment application. Results revealed that the second date, eight weeks after pollination, exhibited the highest mortality rate of 76.77%, significantly outperforming other dates. Among the treatments, liquid sulfur showed the highest efficiency, with an 87.83% mortality rate, followed closely by the combination of lemongrass extract and nanosulfur (84.14%). Nanosulfur alone recorded a mortality rate of 79.26%, while lemongrass extract alone showed a mortality rate of 49.15%. The mortality rate increased over time, reaching 80.79% after 7 days and 65.76% after 1 day. In conclusion, liquid sulfur emerged as the most effective treatment for controlling the dust mite population on date palm fruits. The second date, eight weeks after pollination, was the optimal time for treatment application. These findings offer valuable insights into sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control strategies for date palm cultivation in Iraq.