Hospitals In Baghdad Research Articles

IL-6 (rs1800797) Variant as an Immunomarker for Children's Adenovirus Respiratory Infection: A Prospective Insight

Background: One important cytokine that modulates the immune response during infections is IL-6. Gaining knowledge about the correlation between IL-6 genetic variants and susceptibility to disease can be quite beneficial in understanding the pathophysiology of various illnesses. Objective: Present study aims to explore the relationship between the polymorphisms IL-6-174 G/C and IL-6-597 A/G and their potential role in disease susceptibility and progression. Methods: A 210 adenovirus respiratory patients at Baghdad Hospital. Patients with comorbidities or previous respiratory infections were excluded. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and tested for adenovirus using PCR. From the specimen, genomic DNA was isolated. Genotyping PCR-RFLP was used to genotype the Interleukin-6 (-597 A/G, rs 1800797) polymorphism. Results: Interlukin-6-174 G/C polymorphism and illness sensibility are strongly correlated, according to the study's findings. More precisely, it was found that both a worse development and a race probability of contracting a severe COVID-19 infection were analogous with the IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism. In addition, it was linked to the periodontitis probability. Discussion: Current studied results point to the potential importance of the IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism in disease vulnerability, especially in cases of acute COVID-19 infection and periodontitis. However, as there is no proof of a strong association between the IL-6-597 A/G polymorphism and type 2 diabetes or malignant tumors, its significance in detected disease susceptibility remains unclear. Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential role of IL-6 genetic variations, including IL-6-174 G/C, in the development and vulnerability of illness. To understand how these genetic polymorphisms affect the course of disease and their molecular relationship, more research is required.

The Impact of Methamphetamine on Liver Injury in Iraqi Male Addicts

Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful stimulant that affects neurochemical processes controlling heart rate, appetite, blood pressure, body temperature, and wakefulness, making it highly susceptible to abuse. Liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT are crucial for liver function. Albumin, a protein synthesized by healthy liver cells, serves as an indicator of chronic liver disease. Additionally, hepatocytes produce bile acids, which are essential for the secretion of bile salts into the bile canaliculi. Disruption in this secretion results in the accumulation of bile salts in the canaliculi, leading to intrahepatic cholestasis. METH-induced liver toxicity involves disruptions in hepatic metabolism, oxidative stress, and increased body temperature, affecting cellular processes such as cell division and the cell cycle and potentially accelerating liver cell apoptosis. The study explores the link between liver toxicity and hepatocyte damage in Iraqi males suffering from addiction. This is a case-control study, conducted at Ibn-Rushed Psychiatric Hospital in Baghdad from July 2023 to February 2024, involved 196 males, with addiction durations exceeding 24 months with varying degrees of methamphetamine (METH) addiction. The study included 187 healthy male controls with no history of drug addiction. Participants were aged 18 to 40 years. Diagnosis was confirmed using a drug test screening card administered by a specialist. The study included liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT), total bilirubin, and albumin concentration assessments. Significant differences were observed between the addicts and controls, particularly a marked decrease in serum albumin concentration in the addicted males. The ROC curve classification model at various thresholds demonstrated that liver enzymes, especially ALT, ALP, and GGT, exhibited increased sensitivity to METH addiction. A histopathological examination was conducted on a deceased 38-year-old male who had a six-year history of chronic amphetamine addiction to confirm liver injury and the resulting elevation of liver enzymes. The findings of this study indicate that METH greatly affects liver function, suggested to the importance of following a preventative measures and effective treatment approaches for monitoring METH addiction progress.

Molecular Identification of Microsporum canis Isolated from Infected Children with Tinea corporis and Tinea capitis in Baghdad

Microsporum canis is considered one of the filamentous fungi that cause surface fungal contagion in the humans and animals. The present study aimed to diagnose M. canis via the molecular method and differentiating its local Iraqi isolates from global isolates. Microscopic examination showed 55 specimens with M. canis from 130 specimens collected from children aged between 4-10 years suspected of dermatophytes who attended Medical City Laboratories and Baghdad Hospital in Baghdad city from 1/12/2022 to 1/3/2023. The results showed that the frequency of M. canis infections was 55/130 (42.31%). The results demonstrated significant differences in the animals' contact (p <0.0001), lesions (0.03) and habitation area (p =0.002). Whilst the ages appeared with non-significant differences (p =0.6). In order to confirm the microscopic examination and compare the Iraqi isolates with other global ones, the 55 positive results with M. canis were further diagnosed by using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 4 universal primers with a size of 550 bp for PCR amplicons. PCR amplicons sequencing showed only one isolate of M. Canis that differed from global isolates registered in the database of NCBI. The Iraqi local isolate of M. canis was registered with accession number: OM185328. In conclusion, the PCR technique using ITS rDNA aided in confirming the detection of dermatophytes.

Prevalence of Keratoconus and Keratoconus Suspect among a sample of Iraqi Children with Refractive Errors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a chronic, bilateral, non-inflammatory degenerative condition with severe consequences. Objective: To assess the prevalence of KC and Keratoconus Suspect (KCS) in a pediatric population with astigmatic error ≥1 diopter (D) and non-axial myopia. Methods: Between March and October 2022, a cross-sectional study was done with a group of 6–18-year-old kids with an astigmatic error of ≥1 D or non-axial myopia who went to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic at Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, for regular checkups. All patients got a thorough eye examination and corneal imaging using the Corneal Tomography System (CSO) Sirius equipment and Scheimpflug technology. Results: The majority of patients were females aged 110–14 years (55%). The frequencies of KC and SKC were 13.5 and 119.6%, respectively. The proportion of KC was substantially higher for those above the age of 14. Patients with KC exhibited considerably larger cylinder and axis measurements. Participants with inferior cones and an asymmetric Bow Tie exhibited greater rates of KC (51.2% and 29.4%, respectively). Except for Pachy-Thin and corneal volume mean values, all other metrics were considerably greater in KC and KCS patients than in control patients. Conclusions: The high prevalence of KC and KCS emphasizes the importance of this issue and the necessity for a systematic strategy for screening in pediatric age groups with refractive error.

Synergistic Effect of Purified Protease Enzyme with Antibiotics on Pathogenic S. Aureus In-Vitro and In-Vivo

Objective: The goal of this study is the detection of the P. aeruginosa isolate for production the protease, the optimal conditions for produce, extraction, purification and characterization of the enzyme and study the synergistic effect of protease with antibiotics on S. aureus. Method: Among (110) isolates from clinical sources, only (74) isolates identified as P. aeruginosa isolated from Baghdad hospitals. Detection of the optimal isolate for production the protease enzyme and the optimal conditions its produce, purification of enzyme by using ammonium sulfate, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration, enzyme characterization of PH and temperature activity and stability, the study of synergistic effect of protease with antibiotics on S. aureus. Results: The optimal conditions to produce protease is pH (8), (37) ºC, (BHI) broth, and during (48 hrs.). The precipitation saturation ratio (80%). Ion- exchanges (DEAE and CM) Cellulose and Gel filtration have specific activity ((121.25), (161.6), (660.53)) units/ mg)) respectively. The characterization done by pH and temperature activity purified protease was active in (138.51units/ ml) at pH (8), and stable in pH (8), the temperature for protease activity is (158.21 units/ ml) at (37) ºC. The synergistic effect of purified protease with antibiotics on S.aureus in- vitro,was detected using the agar diffusion method, the effectiveness of the prepared hydrogel types, the results showed S.aureus was more sensitive isolate to prepare (Gel & Protease & Ceftriaxone) the diameter of the inhibition zone reached (44 mm) ,the synergistic effect we noticed when using a (Gel & Ceftriaxone & Protease) healing was observed in time (five days) with wound healing without effect. Conclusion: In this study, it was discovered that mixing (protease + hydrogel + Ceftriaxone) accelerates the wound healing without leaving traces.

Microbial Sampling and Analysis Taken from Fingerprint System Devices Located at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad - Iraq

Biometric devices (BDs) are nowadays common in use for a variety of purposes. This system involves physical contact between the skin and surface of the device, which is likely to be contaminated by microorganisms of multiple users. However, it can be a source of multiple microbiological contaminations. This study was done at AL-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital-Baghdad- Iraq, during the period started from 15th November 2023 till 15th March 2024. It was designed to find out the most common bacteria and fungi that might contaminate the fingerprint devices and performing antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Forty-six sterile swab samples taken from Twenty-three fingerprint system devices distributed in twelve different hospital departments. From each device we took two swabs, one before sterilization other after, and tested sensitivity patterns against 16 antimicrobials. Four Gram positive bacteria scored on fingerprint devices, in Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedics and Obstetrics & Gynecology departments represented by Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS). Response to sensitivity test for antibiotics, especially Moxifloxacin, Linezolid, Teicoplanin, Vancomycin, Tigecycline and Rifampicin, 100%, as well other antibiotics but in varying degrees, and not any type of fungi were isolated. In conclusion, Gram positive bacteria population was the most common organisms, and highly response in varying degrees to the most Sixteen antibiotics used in sensitivity test, however, should proper maintenance and educational practices must be applied to minimize contamination.

Molecular diagnosis of E.coliO157:H7 Which Isolated from Children with Diarrhea by using Multiplex PCR

A total of 96 stool samples were collected from children with bloody diarrhea from two hospitals in Baghdad. All samples were surveyed and examined for the presence of the Escherichia coli O157:H7 and differentiate it from other Non -Sorbitol Fermenting Escherichia coli (NSF E. coli). The Bacterial isolates were identifed by using morphological diagnostic methods, Samples were cultured on liquid enrichment medium, incubated at 37C? for 24 hrs, and then cultured on Cefixime Tellurite -Sorbitol MacConkey Agar (CT- SMAC). 32 non-sorbitol fermenting bacterial isolates were obtained of which 11 were identified as Escherichia coli by using traditional biochemical tests and API20E diagnostic system without differentiation between serotype O157:H7 and other NSF E. coli isolates . Four special biochemical tests were done for serotype O157:H7 differentiation from other NSF bacteria. Only 3 isolates belonging to the serotype O157:H7 were obtained . Latex agglutination test for O157 and H7 showed that the 3 isolates gave positive results with both tests. The Bacterial isolates were identifed by using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (MPCR) technology for the presence or absence of 4 genes (Stx1, Stx2, hlyA and eaeA) that encode for main virulence factors to diagnose E. coli O157:H7 isolated By using specific primers in MPCR . The result showed that one E. coli O157:H7 isolates contain all 4 genes , other isolates contain 3 genes: Stx2, hlyA & eaeA.

Detection of BRCA1and BRCA2 mutation for Breast Cancer in Sample of Iraqi Women above 40 Years

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women worldwide. Different studies have dealt with the etiological factors of that cancer aiming to find a way for early diagnosis and satisfactory therapy. The present study clarified the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes and some etiological risk factors among breast cancer patients in Iraq. This investigation was carried out on 25 patients (all were females) who were diagnosed as breast cancer patients attended AL-Kadhemya Teaching Hospital in Baghdad and 10 apparently healthy women were used as a control, all women (patients and control) aged above 40 years. The Wizard Promega kit was used for DNA isolation from breast patients and normal individuals. By this method suitable quantities of DNA approximately (50 µl) with purity ranged from (1.7-1.9) were obtained from 100-200µg of fresh biopsy which had been taken from women breast patients. The extracted DNA was successfully used in amplification of BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes by PCR and some mutation were detected. The outcome of genetic analysis indicated that the percentage of 185delAG mutation was 16 (4 patients) whereas, the percentage of 5382insC mutation was 32 (8patients) in BRCA1 gene and the third mutation 6174delT in BRCA2 present in 3 patients only (12%). The study demonstrated that the frequency of BRCA1 mutation (48%) was higher than BRCA2 (12%) in this sample of Iraqi women with breast cancer.

Exogenous Insulin Effect on the Initiation of Breast Cancer in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background: Growing evidence has indicated that women with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. However, as a major adjuvant treatment, the influence of hormone therapy such as exogenous insulin on type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary breast-cancer remains controversial. Objective: To explore the relationship between different types of hypoglycemic medications for diabetes and the factors that may contribute to the initiation of breast cancer. Methods: The study included 80 blood samples taken from 80 females recruited from Ibn Al-Bitar Center for Cardiac Surgery Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between November 2022 and February 2023. They were within the age range of 40 to 70 years. They were divided into three groups according to the treatment strategy and duration of disease as follows: Group 1: (20) patients who take insulin only, Group 2: (20) patients who take metformin with insulin, and G 3: (40) patients on metformin only for less than one year. An enzymatic oxidation technique was used to test the following biochemical parameters for all research groups: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Using the Friedewald formula, the very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. Using an enzymatic process, Insulin levels and Insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1), Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) levels, and breast cancer susceptibility protein 1 (BRCA1) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was measured with a sandwich immunodetection method. Finally, The Homeostasis Model Assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated according to the specific formula. Results: The values for HbA1C%, FBS, and lipid profile showed non-significant differences when compared between study groups. While BRCA-1, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), insulin, insulin growth factor IGF-1, and HOMA IR All showed significant differences among all groups. Conclusion: Taking metformin only for less than one year seemed to contribute to higher levels of BRCA-1.

The Role of Arginase and some Parameters in Diabetic Type 2 Patients with and without Retinopathy

Background: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus by damaging cellular organelles and enzymes in blood such as arginase1, insulin and glutathione s-transferase; increasing lipid peroxidation such as malondialdehyde and increasing insulin resistance which can lead to diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Objectives: To explore the relationship of oxidative stress to the development of diabetic retinopathy by measuring the levels of Arginase1, the activity of glutathione s-transferase enzyme, and the levels of malondialdehyde as a secondary product of lipid peroxidation (biomarker for oxidative stress). Patients and MethodsThis study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 at the Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital in Baghdad, the University of Baghdad / Department of Chemistry and the National Diabetes Centre for Treatment and Research at Al-Mustansyrriah University. This study was conducted on 120 subjects distributed as follows: 40 non-diabetic obese controls, 40 type 2 diabetics with no retinopathy, and 40 type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients, between 30 and 65 years of age. All groups were subjected to tests: measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol), serum total arginase1, malondialdehyde glutathione s -transferase, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: Mean arginase1 levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in diabetic retinopathy and control groups (p ≤ 0.05). The mean xidative stress marker malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher in diabetic retinopathy patients than in type 2 diabetics and the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The mean glutathione s-transferase activity in diabetic retinopathy patients was significantly higher than in the control group and type 2 diabetics (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between oxidative stress and the development of diabetic retinopathy, where the levels of arginase1 and malondialdehyde increased and the activity of glutathione s –transferase enzyme increased as a result of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with complications of type 2 diabetes.

Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination from Medical Wastes Ash of Baghdad Hospitals

Abstract One of the complex problems that many countries suffer from is how to deal with medical waste because of its harmful and devastating effects on humans and the environment. Hospitals around the world use and consume many different products. These products are composed of various materials, and many of them contain heavy metals in their production and manufacturing, which are ultimately emitted into the environment, posing a major danger and risk to human health. This work focused on assessing the contamination levels of medical waste ash after the incineration process. Ash samples were collected from major hospitals in the capital, Baghdad. The health risks resulting from heavy metal pollution were calculated. Medical waste ash was collected at different times from three major hospitals within the capital, Baghdad, and tested for contamination with heavy metals. To measure the bottom ash samples, X-ray spectroscopy (XRF) technology was used to determine heavy metal concentrations. The results showed the presence of more than twenty elements in the ash of medical waste, including the heavy metals found in Baghdad hospitals. Work was done on eight of these heavy metals due to their high concentrations. These selected elements are considered highly toxic and dangerous if exposed to them, including zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), and copper. (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg). To evaluate the health risks of this pollution. All of these elements are a major problem if exposed to them. The amount of contamination was calculated using the contamination factor (CF). The results showed that the percentage of As, Cd, Hg, Zn, Pb, and Cu was very high. Meanwhile, the concentrations of Co and Ni were moderate values in medical waste ash. Adult health risks were calculated using the non-cancer health risk ratio (HL). The calculated values show values higher than the safe level in Imam Ali Central Hospital, indicating a potential high health risk. Meanwhile, other hospitals (Sheikh Zayed and Dhari Al Fayyad) recorded risk values below the safe level, indicating no health risks. The health risk assessment indicated that there are three main routes of human exposure: “ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.” The cancer risk index (Risk) was also calculated. The values obtained were within the acceptable range. An analysis of the metal pollution index was also conducted, and it was found that heavy metals pose a non-cancerous risk. But the harmful effects of pollution from ash disposal have been particularly serious because they may contain high concentrations of heavy metals.

Isolation and Diagnosis of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Patients with Meningitis in Child Protection Hospital in Baghdad

Environmental contamination has been estimated to account for up to 20% of all hospital-acquired illnesses. Acinetobacter baumannii has recently become the predominant pathogen, posing a significant risk to human health. In present study, two hundred fifteen CSF samples were collected from children between the ages of new born to 14 years who were visiting child protection hospital in Baghdad. For the period from first of Oct 2023 to the end of Jan 2024, and the samples were sent for diagnosis. Isolates were identified after culturing them on MacConkey agar, blood agar, and mannitol salt agar. A number of biochemical tests were performed to detect Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria. The results indicated a negative oxidase reaction, a positive catalase reaction, a negative indole reaction, a negative methyl red reaction, a negative Voges-Proskauer reaction, and a positive citrate reaction, which were performed for the samples and for final diagnosis the Vitek-2 Compact system was used. After cultivation and diagnosis, 7 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii were obtained out of 40 samples that showed positive culture results with bacterial growth.

Assessment Outcomes Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Cardiovascular Diseases

The apolipoprotein E4 allele is a genetic risk factor that has a negative impact on the quality of life of people with cardiovascular disease. Our current study aimed to evaluate the effect of apolipoprotein E4 allele in cardiovascular patients (n=85). A total of 85 elderly patients with cardiovascular disease were enrolled in the study, which was conducted at hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq, between 18 January 2022 and 27 October 2023. Comprehensive cardiovascular examinations were performed on each patient, including blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital sign measurements. APOE genotype analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact on the patients. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to assess the quality of life of patients with cardiovascular disease. In terms of clinical outcomes, chest pain was identified as the most prevalent symptom among patients, with a total of 38 cases. Additionally, the E3/E4 genotype of the APOE gene was observed in 41.18% of patients, which was associated with an increase in serum lipid-lipoprotein levels in terms of SBP (145.39 ± 27.46) mmHg and DBP (87.89 ± The mean values for the variables were as follows: glucose (3.11 ± 1.12) mg/dL, triglycerides (224 ± 46.25) mg/dL, LDL-C (167.29 ± 12.92) mg/dL, and HDL-C (14.82 ± 3.82) mg/dL. The adverse findings revealed that 23 cases involved heart attacks, and 30 cases involved strokes. Patients with CVD who carried the apolipoprotein E4 allele exhibited negative impacts on their quality of life, as evidenced by the following scores: physical functioning (46.38 ± 14.26), energy/fatigue (53.25 ± 12.29), and emotional problems (62.10 ± 10.29). In general, patients with the apolipoprotein E4 allele exhibit elevated levels of lipid profiles, which signify an elevated risk of severe complications in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The Role of CD279 and CD274 Gene Polymorphisms in Iraqi Patients with Multiple Sclerosis by using Real-time qPCR HRM Technique

Multiple sclerosis continues to be a major cause of neurological dysfunction, especially in young adults, due to the disease's extremely varied course and the development of persistent impairment in many patients. According to previous studies the PD-1 (CD279) and PD-L1 (CD274) genes play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases, so the genetic variations in these genes may be one of the factors affecting the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the role of some genetic variations of PD-1 and PD-L1 in Iraqi MS patients. The number of samples for the current case-control study was 120. Blood samples were collected for the period November 2021 to February 2022 from the Medical City Hospital in Baghdad, DNA was extracted and the High-resolution melting (HRM) technique was used to determine the genetic variation. The genotype of CD279 (rs2227982) located in the 2KB upstream variant of the gene revealed that the heterozygous genotype and the mutant genotype were linked to an increased susceptibility to the disease whereas the T allele of CD274 SNP (rs1411262) and the mutant genotype (TT) were risk factors that increased the chance of susceptibility to the disease with a probability of predicting its occurrence. In conclusion, polymorphisms of both CD279 and CD274 genes were associated with increased risk and may act as predicting factors for MS in the Iraqi population.

Immunohistochemical investigation of SOX2 expression in Iraqi patients with high-grade glioma

Background. Gliomas, particularly high-grade gliomas, are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognosis. Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) is a transcription factor responsible for stem cell maintenance and differentiation and has been implicated in glioma progression and recurrence. The present study investigated SOX2 expression in Iraqi patients with high-grade glioma and assessed its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Methods. Sixty-four paraffin-embedded samples from the Neurological Hospital in Baghdad were analyzed, including 34 high-grade glioma cases (21 males and 13 females) and 13 benign controls (10 males and 3 females). Immunohistochemical staining for SOX2 was performed, and staining levels were categorized using a scoring system. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in SOX2 expression between genders and between patient and control groups. Results. There were highly significant differences in SOX2 expression between patients and controls (p ≤0.01). However, no significant difference was observed between male and female patients (p ≤0.01). Additionally, there were significant differences in SOX2 expression distribution between genders, with p-values of 0.0022 for males and 0.0061 for females. The highest distribution percentages for males were at scores 2 and 3, with values of 38.10 and 47.62%, respectively. In contrast, females had distribution ratios only at scores 2 and 3, with values of 30.77 and 69.23%, respectively. Conclusion. SOX2 is highly expressed in high-grade gliomas, supporting its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Future studies with larger cohorts and detailed sex-specific analyses are needed to elucidate SOX2's role in glioma pathogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Effect of Growth Conditions on Hemolysin Production from Clinical Isolates of <i>Escherichia Coli</i>

Background: Escherichia coli belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and is found in the digestive systems of humans and various animals as normal flora. Objective: This study aims to identify the optimal conditions necessary for the synthesis of hemolysin by E. coli isolated from a variety of clinical contexts. Methods: A total of 120 specimens were collected from different clinical sources in Baghdad Hospitals. Screening for hemolysin production was done by plate and Spectrophotometric methods. Furthermore, many conditions for producing hemolysin from clinical E. coli isolates were investigated including temperature, pH, incubation time, inoculum size, culture medium, and aeration. Results: Six isolates of E. coli exhibited hemolysin production. Optimal conditions for hemolysin production were determined: the temperature was 37 °C with an optical density of 0.931, the pH was 7 with an optical density of 0.976, the incubation period was 24 hours with an optical density of 0.885, 1% inoculum resulting in an optical density of 0.558, brain heart infusion as the best medium with an optical density of 1.697, and a shaker method showing superior results (optical density of 1.235) compared to static aeration (optical density of 0.988). Conclusions: This study identified the optimal conditions necessary for the synthesis of hemolysin by E. coli. By understanding these optimal conditions, researchers may be better equipped to develop strategies for managing and controlling the spread of these pathogenic bacteria.

The Role of Serum Level of Col2a1 and Hyaluoronic Acid in Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex condition in which affected tissues experience changes in metabolism, structure, biochemistry, and function. This condition arises when chondrocytes fail to balance the synthesis and degradation of extracellular components like proteoglycans and collagens, leading to inflammation of the synovial membrane and joint capsule. Aim of the study: This study was designed to evaluate the serum levels of Type II Collagen alpha 1 (coll2a1) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in diagnosis of early stage of knee osteoarthritis in Iraqi patients Subjects and Methods: This case- control study was carried out at Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad and at Rheumatology Department , Baghdad Hospital / Medical City, during the period from September 2022 to March 2023. It included ninety volunteer males and females subdivided into subgroups: Group 1consisted of 50 patients who have had early stages of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and group 2 involved 40 apparently healthy subjects who served as control group. The diagnosis of KOA was made by a consultant rheumatologist using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Moreover, patients were sub- classified according to their BMI (normal weight, overweight and obese) and KOA severity (grad1 and grad 2). Investigations included serum measurements of Human serum coll2a1( type II collagen alpha I) and Human serum HA (Hyaluronic Acid) in all patients and controls by ELISA technique. Results: The mean (±SD) values of Coll2a1, HA, of KOA patients were significantly higher than those of controls (for all, p <0.01). There was significant positive correlation between. The mean value of serum hyaluronic acid was significantly increased in grad 2 KOA when compared with grad 1 KOA patients (p < 0.004). The results found that fibulin-3 has the highest receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and area under curve (AUC=89.2% ) at cutoff (7.50 ng/ml) with sensitivity 80.0 and specificity 80.0 in diagnosis of KOA. Also, serum Coll2a1 has high diagnostic utility (AUC=88.6%) at cutoff (286.00 pg/ml) with sensitivity 82.0 and specificity 80.0 . Conclusion: Assessing non-invasive serum levels of coll2a1 (with a cutoff of 286.00 pg/ml) offers a new biochemical marker for diagnosing the early stages of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) potentially before changes become visible on X-rays. Additionally, measuring serum hyaluronic acid levels could serve as an indicator of disease severity, helping to differentiate between various grades of KOA.

Gene expression of psID gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical causes

One hundred clinical samples were collected from Baghdad hospitals including Teaching Laboratories Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Ghazi Hariri Hospital including burn infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections, otitis media from May 2022 to September 2022, The samples were identefied by microscopic, phenotypic and culturale on MacConkey agar and by biochemical tests including oxidase, catalase, citrate utilization test, triple sugar-iron test (TSI), gelatinase test, motility test and ornithine decarboxylation test. After diagnosis, we received 19 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . To detection biofilm genes used PslD gene, we all (19) isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa have these genes in percentage 100% with a molecular weight of 295 base pair. The gene expression study was done to evaluate the gene expression of the PslD biofilm gene using three concentrations of cefotaxim antibiotic (2, 4 and 8) μg/ml. Only two concentrations 2 and 8 μg/ml of cefotaxim had gene expression results of psID gene, 19.32 at RNA concentration when treated with 2 μg/ml of cefotaxim, 22.56 at RNA concentration when treated with 8 μg/ml of cefotaxim and undetermined at RNA concentration when treated with 4 μl/ml of cefotaxim.

A profile of emergency departments in Baghdad hospitals.

To assess the structure as well as availability of essential equipment and medicine at emergency departments in Baghdad hospitals. The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021 after approval from the ethics review committee pf the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised emergency departments of general and teaching hospitals in the city. Evaluations were done using the World Health Organisation checklist and the guidelines of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine related to Emergency Department Design. Of the 26 secondary care hospitals in Baghdad, 13(50%) were evaluated. Triage was not available in 8(62%) hospitals, resuscitation room in 10(77%) and waiting room in all the 13(100%). An obvious shortage of medicines and vaccines was noted in 11(85%) hospitals. Coronary care unit and intensive care unit were not close to the emergency department in 7(54%) hospitals, and liaison psychiatry and social work links were not available in all 13(100%) hospitals. There is a need to improve service delivery at emergency departments functioning at hospitals in Baghdad.

Prevalence of breakthrough COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in Baghdad.

To determine the prevalence and severity of breakthrough coronavirus disease-2019 infection among health workers, and to assess health workers' post-vaccination adherence to preventive guidelines. The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to March 2022 at 2 major hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised physicians, pharmacists, dentists and paramedical staff present at time of data collection. The participants were classified according to vaccination status with history of infection. Unvaccinated meant infected before vaccination; partially vaccinated meant infected after the first dose; and fully vaccinated meant breakthrough infection after the second dose. Data was analysed using SPSS 28. Of the 506 participants aged 20-59 years, 327(64.6%) were females, 247(48.8%) were physicians, 72(14.2%) were smokers, and 21(4.1%) had asthma. All the 506(100%) participants had been infected after vaccination; 430(85%) after the second dose, and 76(15%) after the first dose. In 445(88.6%) cases, the infection was mild to moderate, while admission was required in 21(4.1%). With respect to adherence to preventive guidelines, 229(45.3%) subjects were always wearing masks before the vaccination, but 119(23.7%) continued doing that after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. The majority of the participants had fallen victim to breakthrough coronavirus disease-2019 infection. Adherence to preventive guidelines was found to be reduced after the second dose of the vaccination.