Hospitals In Baghdad Research Articles

Synergistic effect of mannan extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae with antibiotics against multidrug resistant Escherichia coli

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR-E. coli) presents a formidable healthcare challenge, continuously evolving resistance to conventional antibiotics. The aim of this study focuses on assessing the synergistic effect and enhance the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics of mannan extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on MDR-E. coli. Clinical samples (n=150) were collected from several hospitals in Baghdad for both sexes between August and December 2022, including 73 urine, 10 catheter, 13 wound, and 54 stool samples. Among the total collected samples, 112 E. coli isolates were obtained, with 54 derived from urine, 9 from catheter samples, 6 from wound samples, and 43 from stool samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) revealed resistance to imipenem (0%) and amikacin (2%), with sensitivity observed for cefotaxime (25%), gentamicin (29%), ceftriaxone (28%), ciprofloxacin (41%), norfloxacin (34%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (48%), and tetracycline (35%). Mannan purified from S. cerevisiae demonstrated inhibitory effects on E. coli growth, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) ranging from 100 to 12.5 mg/mL and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) from 25 to 200 mg/mL. Furthermore, mannan exhibited a synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics, pointedly boosting the efficacy of gentamicin (250%), cefotaxime (160%), ceftriaxone (340%), ciprofloxacin (344.4%), norfloxacin (337.5%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (237.5%). This research addresses the public health threat posed by MDR-E. coli, highlighting the potential of S. cerevisiae mannan as a promising solution for inhibiting E. coli and improving antibiotic efficacy.

Configurational changes of ruptured intracranial aneurysms at the window between pre-operative CTA and the definite clipping surgery

Background: Ruptured intracranial aneurysms may face configurational changes in size and shape resulting from extreme weakness in their wall. These configurational changes are associated with an amplified risk of rupture and surgical challenges as these aneurysms have proven to be unstable. However, to our knowledge, no previous studies have addressed the issue of configurational aneurysmal changes between the patient’s presentation (radiological images) and intraoperative findings. This paper aims to compare aneurysmal size and shape between pre-operative Computed tomography angiography and intraoperative lesion characteristics in a cohort of patients presented to our centre. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on cases admitted to the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, and underwent microsurgical clipping of ruptured aneurysms. Their records were checked for aneurysmal configurational changes by comparing pre-operative radiological images and intra-operative findings. Results: Of the 275 patients, 5 cases were enrolled with aneurysmal configurational changes. Three of them were females, and two were males. The pre-operative aneurysmal shapes based on Computed tomography angiography were (3 unicyst and two conical shapes) and the range of aneurysmal size was (7-11 mm) with a mean of 9 mm. Compared to intra-operative findings, there were total aneurysmal shape changes (connected cyst in 4 patients and spherical aneurysm in one patient). The range of aneurysmal size was (7-11 mm) with a mean of 9 mm. Conclusion: Intracranial aneurysms may undergo configurational changes through the time between pre-op imaging and surgery; early detection of these changes may ensure optimal management of such cases.

A study of Some Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Renal Disease in Children

The current study was carried out in the period from 1 to 25 November 2023. It included sixty-two pediatric patients in the age range of (1-12) years and male and female children: twenty-six pediatric patients with chronic renal failure and thirty-six pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome, who were outpatients and inpatients in the renal diseases unit and dialysis unit of both Al-Mansour Pediatric Teaching Hospital and Child's Central Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. The control group consisted of twenty-six children in the same age range as the sick groups of males and females. Blood samples were collected from patients and controls. Then renal function was evaluated by applying the laboratory tests as urea and creatinine levels were measured in serum, besides blood group and Rh factor tests. Factors that may affect renal disease incidence and progress were recorded, such as socioeconomic status, residence (North, Middle, and South), and family history. The results explained the significant increase in both urea and creatinine concentrations (P<0.001) in serum compared with controls. The blood group and Rh factor had no significant differences among children of both sick groups. The entire affected factors had no significant association with renal disease incidence or progress in the current study. The age and gender of each child patient had no significant effect on the type of renal disease (at P value ≤ 0.01).

Hematological parameters of healthy pregnant women in three trimesters compared with parameters of non-pregnant women

Anemia is a public health problem, especially in developing countries. All over the world iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia, especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women belong to the most vulnerable population group in Iraq.The objective: to determine the impact of pregnancy on hematological parameters and to compare the hematological indicators in different periods of gestation with the indicators of non-pregnant women.Materials and methods. The study was conducted over a three-month period at Baghdad hospitals and medical centers, including Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Al-Karam Hospital, and a health center in Al-Dorrah and Al-Shaab, Baghdad province, from September 1 to December 1, 2022. 60 pregnant women, 20 persons in each trimester, and 25 non-pregnant women (control) aged 18–35 years were included in the study. All participants were examined for hematological parameters: hemoglobin, erythrocytes, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), measured of the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells (MCHC) and determined the level of iron in the blood (serum iron – SI, total iron binding capacity – TIBC, transferrin saturation – TS and serum ferritin – SF).Results. A significant decrease in the hematological indicators of pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women was established – hemoglobin, erythrocytes, PCV, MCH, MCHC. The dynamics of the decrease in the level of these parameters increases in the second trimester, and also progressively decreases in the third trimester, which leads to anemia.Starting from the first trimester and during the second and third trimesters, a decrease in the level of serum iron, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin was found in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women, but the level of TIBC increased. During the second trimester, the need for iron begins to increase and continues to growth until the end of pregnancy. In addition, these research results indicate the importance of iron deficiency in the development of iron deficiency anemia.Conclusions. During pregnancy, anemia and a decrease in the level of some hematological parameters were determined, which progresses with increasing gestational age and is less compared to that in non-pregnant women. A decrease in the level of iron in the blood serum was established from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. The severity of anemia is related to many factors, especially age, education level, low income, type of diet and parity.

Preparation and Effects of Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Against Quinolone-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Hospital Wastewater

Background: The widespread administration of quinolones may have led to an increase in bacterial resistance development. Objective: To synthesize and characterize manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO2NPs) and evaluate their effects on the viability and biofilm formation of quinolone-resistant gram-positive and negative pathogenic bacteria. Methods: We prepared MnO2NPs using the photo-irradiation method and recorded their characteristics using XRD, TEM, and SEM. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from the wastewater of Baghdad hospitals during the period from July 3rd to July 14th, 2023. We used the VITEK2 system to confirm and identify all of the isolates. We conducted biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility tests using nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, aztreonam, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin, and also detected the qnrA and qnrB genes. Finally, we evaluated the effects of the prepared nanoparticles on the viability and biofilm formation of bacterial isolates. Results: MnO2NPs characterizations showed a diffraction peak at 2θ values with 21 nm average sizes; qnrA and qnrB genes were found in three and four isolates, respectively; and significant effects of MnO2NPs against viability and biofilm formation were recorded. Conclusions: The synthesized nanoparticles have antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against a variety of bacteria possessing qnr genes. Even multi-resistant bacterial isolates have the potential to be strong antimicrobial agents against these pathogens.

Detection of SpaP and vicR Genes in Non-biofilm Producing Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Dental Caries and Plaque

Evidence accumulated over many decades has clearly shown that Streptococcus mutans is a major agent in dental caries. S. mutans SpaP gene (Cell Surface Antigen) mediates the binding of these cariogenic bacteria to tooth surfaces. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of SpaP and vicR genes in non-biofilm forming Streptococcus mutant isolated from dental plaques. In this study, 120 clinical samples were obtained from different dental clinics and hospitals in Baghdad. 26 Bacterial isolates identified as Streptococcus mutans by using selective media (Mitis-salivarius agar) and microscopic examination after gram staining then confirmed S. mutans by molecular detection using SpaP genes. Interestingly all 26 isolates were non-biofilm forming after microtiter plate assay based on the crystal violet staining method, and negatively resulted for the detection of vicR gene which responsible for biofilm formation. 10 antibiotics (Doxycycline, Ofloxacin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Vancomycin, Clindamycin, Rifampicin, Imipenem, Amikacin and Cefepime) were used to examine sensitivity of S. mutans isolates, all isolates were multi-drugs resist (MDR) for all 10 antibiotics used. We can conclude that absence of biofilm forming ability does not affecting antibiotic resistance and virulence of Streptococcus mutance.

Dexamethasone in Indonesian Surgery Lowers Post-Op Pain Medication Use

Dexamethasone is commonly used to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting, but its analgesic effects remain uncertain. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of intraoperative dexamethasone in reducing postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair surgery. Methods: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on eighty ASA class I patients aged 15–30 years at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Patients received varying intravenous doses of dexamethasone or normal saline during surgery. Pain levels were assessed using verbal analogue pain ratings, and the time to first analgesic consumption was recorded. Results: Analysis revealed that the dexamethasone group had significantly lower postoperative discomfort compared to the control group, with higher doses showing greater efficacy. Specifically, a single intravenous dose of dexamethasone administered at the onset of anesthesia significantly reduced the need for postoperative analgesia. Implications: This study highlights the potential of intraoperative dexamethasone as an effective adjunct for postoperative pain management in inguinal hernia repair surgery. Further research is warranted to optimize dosing strategies and confirm these findings in larger and more diverse patient populations. Highlight: Efficacy of Dexamethasone: Demonstrated significant reduction in postoperative pain. Intraoperative Administration: Single dose at anesthesia onset proved effective. Clinical Implications: Potential for dexamethasone as adjunct in pain management strategies. Keywoard: Dexamethasone, Postoperative Pain, Inguinal Hernia Repair, Analgesia, Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Sulphur Nanoparticles Biosynthesized from Bacillus Coagulans Extract against S. aureus Isolated from Dermatitis Patients in Iraqi Hospitals

Objective: The goal is to biosynthesize sulphur nanoparticles (Sulphur NPs)from Bacillus coagulans extract and test its bioactivity against S. aureus gram positive bacteri that was isolated from dermatitis patients. Methods: 125 specimens were taken from patients of dermatitis attended two Baghdad hospitals. Among 125 specimens, only 32 of isolates were identified as S. aureus. Five S. aureus isolates biofilm forming(strong) and multi drug resistant(MDR) were selected. Fourteen types of antibiotics from different classes were used and the results showed different patterns of resistance. Congo red agar (CRA) and microtiter plate method (MPT) were used to estimate the ability of MDR isolates of S. aureus to create biofilms. A series of characterization techniques, including UV–vis, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDS, XRD and TEM analysis, have been carried out to characterize the biosynthesized sulfur NPs. The antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activities of sulfur NPs were estimated. Results: Sulfur NPs biosynthesized exhibited antimicrobial activity against examined bacteria with inhibition zone ranged between 12 to 20, 18 to 23 and 22 to 26mm at 100, 200 and 300µg/ml, respectively. Only five strong-biofilm producers and MDR of S. aureus(A5, A8, A9, A11 and A29) were used to assess the ability of sulfur NPs as anti-biofilm agent. No significant differences (p>0.05) in inhibition rate of all strain isolates (A5, A8, A9, A11 and A29) for all concentrations of Sulfur NPs with p=0.886. Conclusions: The antioxidant activity of sulfur NPs were decreased into 81.6, 80.3, 75.2 and 68.9% with using concentrations of 400, 300, 200 and 100ug/ml, respectively, also, nanoparticles had the potential to scavenge DPPH free radicals.

Autism Assessment in Iraqi children with Nutritional Supplements for Developing Social and Communication Skills: Parents' Views on Health Behavior

Objective: This study aimed to know the impact of autism in Iraqi children by conducting a cross-sectional study during 2020-2021, where 110 cases of autistic children were collected and distributed into two groups: 10 control cases and 100 patient cases. Moreover, this study also demonstrated the importance of health behavior for these Iraqi children. Methodology: The demographic information and data were collected in this study from Baghdad Hospitals over one year. This study used two scales (CARS & Vineland 3) to monitor children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to cover both adaptive skills and intellectual skills, as many ASD children may have an associated intellectual disability. Results: The statistical analysis program "IBM SPSS)" was used to find out the mean ages and SDs, which was 6.5 ± 1.6 of the control group. As for the patient group, the mean and SDs were (6.3 ± 1.8). According to the first questionnaire, the psychological state of patients was evaluated on the CARS scale, and low levels were found in all evaluation items, and the total score was 45.8 ± 6.09 / 60 with a diagnosis of severe autism. The same applies to the patient group, as there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Total score 48 ± 5.9 with a diagnosis of severe autism. Conclusion: Patients and control groups were evaluated according to the Vineland Scale 3. In both groups, they did not achieve the required score, and low scores were found, as the total score for the patients' group was 165.65 ± 68.9, while the total score for the control group was 107 ± 65.4. This research demonstrated that the health behavior of children is significant factor for their health improvement.

Impact of Vaccination Status on Chest CT Findings and Disease Outcomes in COVID-19 Era: A Retrospective Study

Background: Computerized Tomography (CT) was extensively used in the COVID-19 era to confirm the diagnosis and follow the patient's response. The vaccine was rapidly introduced to break the disease chain of infection. The current study primarily aimed to examine the relationship between vaccination status and pulmonary CT findings. Moreover, it also aimed to validate the role of CT scan along with other patient criteria in predicting disease outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the radiology department of two Iraqi hospitals in Baghdad. The study enrolled all hospitalized patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis older than 18 years old. Their data regarding demographic criteria, vaccination criteria (the status and types), and radiological CT-scan parameters (including CT finding and severity score index) were collected Results: It was found that 23 percent of COVID-19 patients were immunized. Most of the unvaccinated cases were older than 45 years and were females. There was a significant correlation between the degree and severity of lung involvement and the vaccination status (p < 0.001). The worst radiological sign for severity was the ground glass appearance. The vaccine type showed significant changes in chest CT. Pfizer had the worst severity score, followed by Sinopharm in vaccinated cases. The overall mortality was 4.5%. Moreover, the vaccine significantly reduced mortality among vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated cases (p = 0.03). By logistic regression, the CT score reliably predicted mortality with an odds ratio of 1.31 (1.18 to 1.45; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Vaccines were found to be significantly effective in protecting vaccinated people against severe infection and limiting lung injury, as evidenced by CT scores. Vaccines had a trend effect on reducing mortality. Moreover, CT scores were reliable in predicting the disease outcome.

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

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

Detection of Pyocin S and the Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Cell-Free Supernatants on Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas AeruginosaIsolated from Patients of Baghdad Hospitals

Detection of Pyocin S and the Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Cell-Free Supernatants on Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas AeruginosaIsolated from Patients of Baghdad Hospitals

Study of Biochemical Parameters in Major Thalassemia Patients

Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. This disorder alters some blood and biochemical parameters, leading to anemia and other complications. We conducted a study on 120 thalassemia patients from the Thalassemia Center at Baghdad Hospital in Iraq, from April 2022 to March 2023. The patients had an average age of 13 ± 3.5 years. We measured their hematological and biochemical parameters and compared them with healthy controls. We found that the patients had lower levels of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) than the controls, and higher levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase, and urea. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Our study shows the impact of thalassemia on blood and biochemical parameters and highlights the need for effective treatment and management of this disorder.

Expression level of non-coding (MiR-155) gene as biomarker for severity of Coronaviruses infection among vaccinated and non-vaccinated Iraqi patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, including miR-155, which affects immune cell and virus functions and laboratory biomarkers. T0 evaluates miR-155's role as a biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 detection and monitoring, examining its significance in identifying infection in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals using ROC curve analysis. Blood samples were collected from 70patients who attended Medical City Hospital in Baghdad from June 2022 to April 2023 and were determined to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 (35 patients were hospitalized at the Intensive Care Units due to the severity of their symptoms while the other 35 were left hospital upon treatment.). Additionally, 35samples were collected as a healthy control group. The expression level of miR-155 in the serum of samples showed a high level (fold change: 9.81 ± 5.50) in the severe patients' group in comparison with the moderate patients' group (fold change: 4.17 ± 2.93) and healthy group (fold change: 1.08± 0.01). To assess the performance of miR-155 and laboratory biomarkers, a (ROC) curve was utilized to determine the sensitivity and specificity. The miR-155 gene, overexpressed in SARS-CoV-2 patients, correlates with disease activity and severity, potentially serving as a biomarker for diagnosis and a potential therapeutic target.

Relationship of TNFα-238 G/A (rs 361525) genotypes with TNFα gene expression in liver and pancreas disorders in sample of beta thalassemia major adult Iraqi patients.

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is a crucial physiologic regulator of immune responses, and several disorders have been associated with its dysregulation. This study aimed to understand TNFα gene expression in adult patients with liver and pancreas disorders and examine the impact of TNFα-238 genotypes on this population. At the Ibn Al-Baladi Hospital in Baghdad, blood samples were collected from forty patients who were diagnosed with beta thalassemia together with pancreatic disease, forty patients who were diagnosed with thalassemia together with liver disorder, and forty patients who were diagnosed with thalassemia without pancreas or liver disorder. For the purpose of establishing a control group, forty samples were collected from persons who were of the same age and gender and seemed to be in good health. All of these individuals were deemed to be older than 18 years old. Through the utilization of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the level of TNF-α gene expression was investigated and assessed. The T-ARMS-PCR method was performed for detection and genotyping of TNFα-238 in thalassemia patients and healthy control samples. The result showed that TNF α gene expression assessment showed that group B (thalassemia patients with liver disorder) had higher folding than other groups while the lowest gene expression was in group D (as control group). Furthermore, the relationship between TNFα gene expressions folding with TNFα-238 genotypes in beta thalassemia major patients, discovered a considerable increase at GA genotype patients in TNFα gene expression level, followed by AA genotype compared to the GG genotype. Furthermore, the results of the current study showed an association between the presence of the mutant (A) allele whether heterozygous (GA) and homozygous (AA) with the TNF-α gene expression in thalassemia patients with liver and pancreatic disorders. Based on the results, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the presence of the mutant (A) allele, whether heterozygous (GA) or homozygous (AA) of TNF-α 238, and TNF-α gene expression in liver and pancreatic diseases as well as in patients with thalassemia.

Unveiling the High Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance and Quorum Sensing Genes in Uropathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>

Escherichia coli is considered one of the uropathogenic bacteria with different infection symptoms representing mild illness to acute sepsis. This study aims to detect E. coli in patients with urinary infection and investigate quorum sensing genes (lux S and motA) in multi-drug resistant isolates of E. coli. 200 urine samples were collected from patients with urinary tract infections from several hospitals in Baghdad. The antibiotics sensitivity test showed high resistance of isolates for Ampicillin (100%), Cefazolin (97%), Trimethoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole (83%), Ceftriaxone (77%), Ceftazidime and Ciprofloxacin (70% each of them), and moderate resistance of isolates for Levofloxacin (50%), Gentamicin (47%), Cefepime (40%), while low resistance Piperacillin/ Tazobactam (33%), Cefoxitin (30%), Nitrofurantoin (17%), Imipenem (10%), Ertapenem and Amikacin (7% each of them), and Tigecycline (3%). The results showed an increase percentage of infection in females was 30% in the ages 30-44 years, whereas in ages 15-29 and more than 45 years was 17%. There was a high percentage (57.11%) of resistant isolates in females which are ages 30-44 years. While the ages more than 45 years were 66.4% and ages 15-29 were 34%. While, in males, the percentage was high in ages more than 45 years (35.25%) followed by age groups 30-44 years (31.5%) and 15-29 years (31%). The prevalence percentage for luxS and motA genes in E. coli was 100%. In conclusion, E. coli isolates were multi-drug resistant due to all isolates had quorum sensing genes. Moreover, uropathogenic of E. coli in females was more frequent than in males due to the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.

Exploring the Role of Non-HDL Cholesterol in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Objectives: This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among individuals not recently treated with statins. Methodology: A total of 100 participants with ACS, who had not received recent statin therapy, were selected from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Al-Kadhimiyah Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Controls, matching the eligibility criteria of cases except for ACS symptoms, were randomly chosen from the same hospital. Both groups met criteria including age over 40, and a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and obesity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study found a significant independent association between elevated non-HDL cholesterol levels and ACS, with an average non-HDL level of 154.2 mg/dl (normal: 130 mg/dl) among ACS cases (p < 0.001), compared to 120 mg/dl in controls. Elevated non-HDL levels were also correlated with increased BMI (p = 0.01, r = 0.3) and various lipid markers (p < 0.05), except HDL. Conclusion: Elevated non-HDL cholesterol levels upon admission may serve as a potential indicator of ACS risk. These findings underscore the importance of non-HDL cholesterol assessment in ACS risk stratification and management.

Antifungal Activity of Trichoderma orientale FMR 12486 Crude Extract against Some Human Pathogenic Fungi

This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic fungi and evaluate the antifungal activity of Trichoderma orientale FMR12486 crude extract against pathogenic fungi isolated from patients attending the National Center for Thoracic and Respiratory Diseases (having a history of tuberculosis) and consultant of Dermatology of Baghdad hospital, Iraq. A total of 80 clinical specimens were collected: 20 skin scrapings specimens and 60 sputum specimens. The results of direct examination by KOH 10% and culture showed that 11 (55%) cases from 20 skin specimens were positive for fungal infections, while in the sputum specimens, 28 (47%) cases from 60 were positive. Candida albicans represented the most common fungal infection isolated from sputum specimens which represented 18 cases at a rate of 64.2%, followed by Candida tropicalis 5 (17.9%), Aspergillus fumigates 2 (7.1%), Aspergillus flavus 1 (3.6%), Candida glabrata 1 (3.6%) and Candida krusei 1 (3.6%). While in the skin scrapes, Candida parapsilosis was the common which represented 3 cases at a rate of 27.3%, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophyte 2 (18.2%), Microsporium canis 2 (18.2%), C. albicans 2 (18.2%), Trichophyton rubrum 1 (9.1%), C. tropicalis 1 (9.1%). T. orientale isolates were collected from the gardens soil of the University of Baghdad and were then identified depending on the morphological feature of the colony and microscopic characteristics. To confirm identification, PCR technique was used in which DNA of T. orientale was extracted at a concentration of 54 - 294 μg/2 g wet mycelium with a purity of 1.6 - 1.8. DNA samples were amplified with primers ITS-1and ITS-4, And the results confirmed that the isolate was T. orientale strain FMR12486. This isolate was processed with ethyl acetate using a standard extraction method and the final amount of crude extract being 6 grams. Different concentrations of crude extract 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml were prepared and used against fungal pathogens isolated using the agar-well diffusion method. The results showed high antifungal activity against pathogenic isolates, significantly recording maximum inhibition zones of 20 and 22 mm against C. parapsilosis at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, respectively. It was followed by T. mentagrophyte and C. glabrata. 16, 20, and 16, 20 mm that were recorded at concentrations of 2 and 4mg/ml, a significant maximum inhibition zone was recorded 26 mm against C. glabrata, followed by C. parapsilosis, M. canis and T. mentagrophyte (24, 26; 16, 24 and 20, 24mm respectively). Just Trichophyton rubrum fungus in this study showed resistance to all concentrations of the crude extract where the inhibition zone was zero. The results of the current study showed that T. orientale strain FMR12486 crude extract can be used to make an effective drug to treat human fungal infections.

Gravitational bullet injuries

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

Levels of Interleukin -17, Interleukin-23 and Alkalinephosphatase in Patients Serum with Helicobacter pylori

The study was carried out to detection of H.pylori in (218) patients who attended two teaching hospitals in Baghdad. The diagnosis was done by Immunochromatography methods. Stools and blood samples was taken from each patient as well as other (30) healthy control matching in age. The study included detection the Levels of Interleukin-17, Interleukin-23, and Alkaline phosphatase in sera of patients and healthy control. The result indicated presence of H pylori antigen in 115 cases 59 cases of males and 51 of females, Also, the result indicated increasing levels of IL-17 and IL-23 and Alkalinephosphatase in patients sera in comparison with healthy control.