Iraqi Adults Research Articles

Glycemic Status in Acromegaly Patients Receiving Depot Long-Acting Octreotide

Background: Acromegaly is an uncommon, chronic, debilitating condition characterized by hyperinsulinism, insulin resistance, diabetes and prediabetes. One possibility for managing acromegaly's questionable influence on glucose homeostasis is the somatostatin analogues. Aim: To analyze the frequency and risk factors for impaired glucose homeostasis in acromegaly patients treated with depot long-acting octreotide (octreotide LAR), as well as the relationship between risk and treatment duration. Methods: The study included 52 Iraqi adults with acromegaly receiving octreotide LAR. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected, as well as the duration of Octreotide LAR administration. Growth hormone, IGF-1, and adenoma size were reported retrospectively from patient data. The glycemic state was assessed and classified as DM, prediabetes, or normal. Results: The prevalence of DM was 39% and prediabetes was 40%, with the exception of being male, which was substantially related with prediabetes. DM and octreotide LAR use had a non-significant correlation. However, octreotide use altered 13% of patients from normal glycemic to prediabetes, with no correlation to treatment duration. Other than hypertension and a family history of diabetes, no other variables were found to be significant. Conclusion: Acromegaly patients have abnormal glucose metabolism, which is associated with prediabetes owing to octreotide LAR medication. Hypertension and family history of diabetes are risk factors.

Prediabetes: profile of hematological indices in Iraqi patients

Prediabetes has been a target for research to understand good predictors of prediabetes. this cross-sectional study sought to analyze the predictive significance of WBC and neutrophil counts, as wellas NLR prediabetes in Iraqi adults. Three groups of individuals have included: 30 apparently healthy individuals (normoglycemia), 125 prediabetics, and 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Results revealed that fasting blood glucose(FBG) median was significantly higher in prediabetics (106.6 [IQR: 103.7-112.5] vs.80.2 [IQR: 77.1-86.1] mg/dL; p < 0.001) or diabetics (157.14 [133.0-181.2]vs.80.2 [IQR: 77.1-86.1] mg/dL; p < 0.001) than in normoglycemic. The Hb1Ac showed a similar significant increase in prediabetics and diabetics compared to normoglycemic. It was also noted that both parameters were significantly elevated in diabetics compared to prediabetics. The total count of WBCs was significantly higher in prediabetics and diabetics compared to normoglycemic (7.5 ± 2.1 and 8.0 ± 2.4 vs. 6.5 ± 1.3 ×109/L; p = 0.020), while there was no significant difference between prediabetics and diabetics in this context. A similar pattern of a significantly increased count of neutrophils was observed in prediabetics and diabetics compared to normoglycemic. The NLR was significantly higher in prediabetics (1.67 [IQR: 1.30-2.22]; p = 0.016) and diabetics (1.65 [IQR: 1.33-2.32]; p = 0.021) than in normoglycemic (1.40 [IQR: 1.12-1.72]), while the NLR showed no significant difference between prediabetics and diabetics (p = 0.577). ROC curve analysis revealed that the NLR had an approximated area under the curve in prediabetes and diabetes (0.641 and 0.674, respectively), but the sensitivity and sensitivity were slightly higher in prediabetes than diabetes (58.4 and 60. 0% vs. 55.2 and 56.7%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the NLR was associated with a similar risk in the development of prediabetes (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.12 - 6.07; p = 0.027) and diabetes (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.07 - 8.68; p = 0.067), but the p-value in diabetes was not significant.

The relationship of childhood maltreatment to deviant behaviours among young Iraqi adults: A cross sectional study

The exposure to stressful events during childhood may have prolonged effects and is associated with a higher risk of psychopathology during adulthood. To assess the relationship between exposure to childhood maltreatment and the occurrence of deviant behaviours among Iraqi young adults. A cross-sectional study was done from October 2018 to April 2019. A non -random convenient sample that consisted of young adults of age between 18 and 20 years. The childhood maltreatment was measured by Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, while the deviant behaviours were assessed by Deviant Behaviour Variety Scale. The participants were 401. There was a positive correlation between ACE score and deviant behaviours score. The male subjects had higher mean of deviant behaviour variety score compare to that of the female subjects. The linear regression model showed that exposure to physical abuse (β = 0.180, p < 0.001), sexual abuse (β = 0.138, p = 0.003) during the first 18 years of age significantly predicts the variety of deviant behaviours. Childhood maltreatment was associated with high risk for deviant behaviours among young Iraqi adults. The physical abuse was the main predictor for deviant behaviours in adulthood.

Anatomical histological structure of the cerebellum in the Iraqi frog Rana ridibunda ridibunda

The current study was designed to investigate the histological structure of the cerebellum in the Iraqi frog Rana ridibunda ridibunda. The cerebellum was removed surgically from 20 Iraqi frogs, Rana ridibunda ridibunda, and preserved in fixative of 10% formalin solution for a period of 72 hr, then the histological sections were prepared by the method of paraffin. The results of the study showed that the cerebellum of the adult Iraqi frog is one of the rhombencephalon regions, and consists of three layers, molecular layer, purkinje cells layer, and granular layer. The present histological findings suggest that the cerebellum of the Iraqi frog is very similar to that of other vertebrates, Therefore it represents the basic rule in understanding the histological formation of the cerebellum.

Microscopic and morphometric study in trachea and lungs of adult Iraqi pigeon (Columba livia)

The study applied light to investigate the microscopic and macroscopic results of the trachea and lungs in adult Iraqi pigeons (Columba livia). Age of the pigeons was (8-12) months. Our study was carried out 12 adult pigeons. These pigeons were supplement from local market of Baghdad city, Iraq. The morphological study of adult pigeon observed that the trachea included long tube of cartilaginous structure is extended from larynx until enters to left and right lungs with runs alongside the esophagus inside the thoracic cavity. This trachea was characterized by flexible bulk, non folded ring and numerous series of thin complete cartilage ring. The statistics analysis was used for grossly morphological organs, where was number of thin cartilage rings average range (67-70) complete rings. The study used the morphometric measurements for length of the trachea was (10±0.6) cm. and diameter of ring lumen about (0.6±0.12) cm.. Either the lungs results of adult pigeons were showed pink color, spongy mass and trapezium- like. The lungs were located inside thoracic cavity and connected by ribs with appearance costal impressions on the dorsal surface of the lungs. The morphometric study were included statistic analysis of lungs, weight of lungs were about (6±0.01) mg. and length was ( 3.32±0.2) cm. . Histological study showed tracheal ring of Columba livia was thin complete. The study observed histological layers included tunica mucosa, submucosa and adventitia, the first portion of mucosa is called epithelia, it’s characteristic by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells, lamina properia has loose connective tissue which it is rich blood vessels. Submucosa is a beneath layer of mucosa, and contains tracheal cartilaginous tube, large blood vessels and numerous seromucous glands. Pigeon’s lungs were formed than parabronchi, it’s located in center of pulmonary lobule and separated by septa (connective tissue) named interlobular wall, which is originated from secondary bronchi and united with other. The epithelia lined the parabronchi by simple squeomous cells to help gaseous exchange inside the lungs .

Lip Thickness with Tongue Space Area Assessment By Cephalometric Analysis for Iraqi Adult Sample with Class II Dental and Skeletal Pattern

Background: With different skeletal classes, there may be some variability among the lip thickness andtongue space area that could be the causative factor for skeletal malrelationship so that this study was aimedto determine the tongue and the available boundary space area with lip thickness and correlate them togetherin sample with class II skeletal pattern.Methods: Seventy Iraqi adult subjects (32 males and 38 females) with cl II skeletal pattern who haveincreased over jet and ANB angle greater than four degrees. The cephalometric measurements include upperand lower lip thicknesses with height and length of tongue and position of tongue base and hyoid bonefrom the cervical line. The cephalograms were analyzed using AutoCAD program to measure demandedareas. Results: This study revealed that a significant gender difference was found between T-Area, V-TT,TH, V-FP, AH-CL, AH-FP, and upper and lower lip thickness in which higher mean value in males thanfemales. The correlation between all the measured variables of present sample with SNA, SNB and ANBangles a non-significant difference was found except for V-CL which shows significant difference. Strongcorrelation was found among the T-Area with V-TT, TH, V-FP, AH-CL, AHFP, upper lip thickness and lowerlip thickness.Conclusions: In skeletal class II, the associated cranial base angles shows independent association from theboundary soft tissues so that these variations not always contribute to be the causative factor for skeletaldisharmony

Association of Liver and Kidney Dysfunction with Beta-Thalassemia Patients

Beta-thalassemia is a category of hemoglobin synthesis disorders that are recessively autosomal. The most important cause of mortality and morbidity is these patients with thalassemic is organ failure related with shortened red cell life span, rapid iron turnover and tissue deposition of excess iron. The present study was carried out on a total of 50 thalassemic patients to evaluate liver function levels (GOT, GPT, ALP, TP, Alb) and kidney function such as (Urea, Uric acid and Creatinine). Seventy individuals of Iraqi adults were divided into two groups: 50 thalassemic patients (28 male and 22 female) (group 1) and 20 normal individuals (10 male and 10 female) as control (healthy group) (group 2). The results show a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) in (GOT, GPT and ALP) while also showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.01) in T.p and Alb levels of thalassemia patients compared with control group. The mean values of Uera, Uric acid and Creatinine in thalassemic patients were (42.75 ± 3.37, 9.27 ± 0.63 and 1.31 ± 0.13) mg/dl respectively as compared with control group (22.25 ± 1.41, 4.90 ± 0.23 and 0.623 ± 0.04) mg/dl respectively. Also, the results showed the effect of duration of disease on (GOT and Urea) level in thalassemic patients (p ≤ 0.05). Also, this study has no significant differences between male and female patients in all parameters study and also the effect of age on parameters was studied.

Serum Magnesium in a Sample of Iraqi Adults with Essential Hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular problem across the globe. Electrolytes like magnesium are linked with the pathophysiology of essential hypertension by various studies. Objective: To evaluate the serum magnesium in patients with essential hypertension compared to healthy control. Methods: A case-control study recruited 45 patients with essential hypertension and 45 matched healthy control. The study was conducted in the Medical Outpatient Clinic in the Medical City Teaching Complex, Baghdad, from July 2016 to November 2016. Serum magnesium measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers (AAS). Results: Serum magnesium was significantly lower in patients with essential hypertension when compared to healthy control. Female had lowest serum Mg in the patients’ group. Mg was low in obese hypertensive patients. Serum Mg tends to be lower with longer duration of hypertensin ( r value-0.227) but it didn’t reach statistical significance (p value 0.133). Conclusion: Serum magnesium levels were found to be low in hypertensive patients when compared with normotensive persons. Keywords: Hypertension, magnesium Citation: Athab AK, Al-Taee HA, Ali AS. Serum magnesium in a sample of iraqi adults with essential hypertension. Iraqi JMS. 2020; 18(2): 117-122. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.18.2.5

Macroscopical Anatomy and Radiographic Study of the Non-Lactating Udder of Adult Local Iraqi Cow (Bos taurus)

The purpose of this study was to describe some anatomical and radiological features of the non-lactating udder of adult local Iraqi cow. Eight udder of local breed cow clinically appeared healthy and aged between 2-5 years were obtained from a local slaughterhouse located at Baghdad province. Five udders were used for anatomical study and the rest 3 udders were used for the radiological study. The study primed to describe the macroscopic anatomy of the udder and investigate the udder’s normal blood supply using red-colored latex. The mammography method was to describe the duct system of the glandular tissue of the mammary gland which was performed using the iodine compound and barium sulphate as contrast media. The results showed that the udder was located in the inguinal region and covered by pigmented skin with fine hair and composed of four quarters. Each quarter has one teat which was long, cylindrical in shape, opened with one orifice; and internally has longitudinal folds in its mucous membrane. The blood supply of udder by the external pudendal arteries (left and right) branched into cranial and caudal mammary ones. The radiological study showed that the glandular tissue of udder was composed of complex ducal system which included the teat canal (long narrow), teat sinus (spindle-shaped cavity), lactiferous sinus (large round structure), lactiferous ducts, cistern ducts, interlobular duct, intralobular duct and alveoli (round sac like).In conclusion, this study is considered as an important contribution of describing the anatomical features, main blood supply and a pathway of the intraglandular duct system of the non-lactating udder in local cow breed which is necessary for surgical operations in several cases of the udder.

Cognitive Implications of Usage-Based Approach

Tremendous efforts have been exerted to understand first language acquisition to facilitate second language learning. The problem lies in the difficulty of mastering English language and adapting a theory that helps in overcoming the difficulties facing students. This study aims to apply Thomasello's theory of language mastery through usage. It assumes that adults can learn faster than children and can learn the language separately, and far from academic education. Tomasello (2003) studied the stages of language acquisition for children, and developed his theory accordingly. Some studies, such as: (Ghalebi and Sadighi, 2015, Arvidsson, 2019; Munoz, 2019; Verspoor and Hong, 2013) used this theory when examining language acquisition. Thus, the present study implies adopting Tomasello's approach represented by his usage-based theory when examining Iraqi adults’ English language acquisition. The participants, who were (20) in number, were asked to watch series and show what they learn through re-enacting scenes. The Data were collected qualitatively through observations, focus group discussion, peer review, and interviews. Results have shown that: a remarkable progress in the participants' performance, the participants' responses to using English through increasing their language stock, the ability to use language during the development of their linguistic repertoire increased their self-confidence to participate in conversations they were trying to avoid. As a result, the experiment achieved its objectives by finding that use-based theory is a cognitive linguistic approach that can facilitate the learning tasks.

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs7908486 of the TCF7L2 gene is highly associated with obesity in the Iraqi population

This study was conducted to assess the possible association between polymorphisms of the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene and obese Iraqi adults. DNA was obtained from 158 obese subjects and 142 controls. Two specific PCR fragments were designed to incorporate two highly frequent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)s within TCF7L2, rs11196208 and rs7908486. Both amplified loci were genotyped by PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) followed by sequencing. Logistic regression analysis was performed to detect the association between both genetic variants and obesity. Concerning rs11196208-based amplicons, PCR-SSCP genotyping showed homogeneous banding patterns for all investigated samples. In contrast with rs11196208, three SSCP banding patterns in the rs7908486-based amplicons, GG, AG and AA, were observed. Individuals with the AA genotype showed significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and insulin values than those with either AG or GG genotypes. Association analysis revealed that individuals with the A allele exhibited a greater risk of obesity than individuals with the B allele. Data indicate that rs7908486 SNP exerted a tight association with obesity. The study suggests implementing TCF7L2 rs7908486-based genotyping in the early detection of obesity.

Anthropometric Determinations of Umbilical Position in Iraqi Adults.

Introduction Umbilicus is an important surface landmark on the anterior abdominal wall in addition to its aesthetic and psychological effect. Objectives The objective of the study is to determine the position of umbilicus in Iraqi adults to provide a guide for the neoumbilicus in abdominoplasty. Subjects and Methods This is an observational study performed on 100 volunteers with no abdominal wall abnormality. Measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), distance from xiphoid to umbilicus, distance from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis, distance from xiphoid process to both anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), distance from pubic symphysis to umbilicus and from pubic symphysis to xiphisternum, distance of umbilicus to both ASIS, and distance of umbilicus to interspinous line and to inter-anterior hypochondrium line. Results The study included 100 volunteers, with 50% male and 50% female whose age ranges between 18 to 60 years. The results were a follows: distance from xiphoid process to umbilicus and distance from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis were 18.03 ± 3.25 cm and 32.21 ± 4.64 cm, respectively; distances from xiphoid process to right ASIS and left ASIS were 25.95 ± 5.72 cm and 25.84 ± 6.02 cm, respectively; distance from pubic symphysis to umbilicus was 17.66 ± 3.12 cm; distance of umbilicus to interspinous line was 9.25 ± 1.84 cm. The distance from umbilicus to inter anterior hypochondrium line was 9.905 ± 2.19 cm. Conclusion These measurements can determine the neoumbilicus position, reduce practical mistakes, and improve postsurgical outcomes.

Cephalometric standard values of Iraqi Arab population - A cross sectional study

Is to find the accurate stranded cephalometric norms among the most significant sample of Iraqi adult's population and to see the racial variability between the Iraqi population cephalometric normative values and their counterparts of Caucasians population. A cephalometric analytic studies of Iraqi adults for period confined between 1988 to 2017 was conducted—twenty-seven studies from ninety-two. Collected studies were met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies have involved the published master theses, all of them exhibit numerical data for both genders of the Iraqi Arab population who have class I skeletal pattern with normal occlusion. Selection of 35 parameters took place, included most used skeletodental cephalometric measurements to be evaluated and compared. Statistical tests were applied to describe the means and SD, also to find out the statistical ethnic difference between the Iraqis Arab and Caucasians population. Study show standard norms of many cephalometric parameters exhibited a significant gender difference in Iraqi adults' individuals, with higher linear hard tissue measurements in males, while non-significant gender differences appeared in facial soft tissue profile. On the other hands, most of the elected cephalometric parameters showed statistically significant differences between the Iraqi Araband Caucasians compares.Generally, the Iraqis had smaller craniofacial dimensions, maxillary and mandibular skeletal retrusion, and more convex profile. Apparent sexual dimorphism in addition to significant ethnic difference requires the adoption of gender as well as ethnic specified standard norms during the cephalometric analysis of Iraqi Arab adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment, to reach an accurate diagnosis and treatment objectives.

The Outcome of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 109 Adult Iraqi Patients.

While many studies addressed the outcome of adult ALL in developed Western countries, there is paucity of such prospective studies from developing Mediterranean ones. This is a prospective cohort study conducted at Hiwa Cancer Hospital in Sulaimani city and Nanakali Hospital in Erbil city-Kurdistan Iraq from March 2012 to August 2017. The main characteristics of adult ALL patients, type of therapy and risk factors were analyzed to assess their impact on treatment outcome and survival status. A total of 109 adult ALL patients were included with a median age of 24years and male to female ratio of 1.7:1. B-ALL accounted for 76.1% of the cases, while the rest were T-ALL. BCR-ABL rearrangement was encountered in 12% of B-ALL. Complete remission (CR) rate was 81.7%, the overall 5year survival (OS) was 38%, Relapse Free 5year Survival (RFS) was 49%. Younger adults (< 35years) had significantly higher CR rates and OS compared to the older group (P < 0.001 each). On the other hand, gender, high leucocyte count ≥ 50×109/L, immunophenotype (including B and T ALL subtypes), and clinical risk status did not predict a poor outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that only age < 35years and BCR-ABL rearrangement were significantly associated with better OS. Despite some limitations, the outcomes of Iraqi adult ALL is comparable to those reported in Western developed countries, with particularly favorable outcomes in younger patients. The need to improve outcome in adult ALL remains an important priority in our country as it is throughout the world.

Vitamin D Level Status and Hypertension among Old Adult Iraqi People in Al Hillah City

Vitamin D Level Status and Hypertension among Old Adult Iraqi People in Al Hillah City

Evaluating the Clinical Outcomes of Three Medication Regimens for Treating a Sample of Iraqi Persistent Asthmatic patients

Abstract&#x0D; Asthma is a complex disease defined by chronic airway inflammation and airflow limitation causing variable respiratory symptoms which include shortness of breath (SOB), wheezing, chest tightness and cough. Asthma guidelines advocate adding a second long acting bronchodilator to medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) rather using high doses of ICS alone to control moderate to severe persistent asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of three medication regimens indicated for Iraqi patients suffering from persistent asthma. &#x0D; This study was interventional randomized clinical study conducted on a sample of adult Iraqi asthmatic patients in Baghdad City. The study composed of three visits distributed over eight weeks; baseline visit followed by first follow up and second follow up visits after four and eight weeks respectively. The study enrolled 78 adult patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma as diagnosed by specialist physician according to patient history and baseline pulmonary function test (PFT) and allocated them randomly to three groups (each group included 26 patients) to receive equivalent medium doses of budesonide inhaler in addition to either formoterol inhaler, oral modified release aminophylline tablets or tiotropium inhaler (first, second and third group respectively). Sixty four patients completed this study. The mean ages of patients were above 35 years with slightly more male predominance.&#x0D; The study groups developed significant increase of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values at the first follow up visit compared to baseline values (p&lt;0.001). Thereafter, the first and third groups achieved significant higher values at the second follow up visit compared to first follow up visit (p&lt;0.001), while second group produced no change. All the groups developed significant improvement of Mini asthma quality of life questionnaire (MiniAQLQ) scores and percentage of symptom free days (SFD) at first follow up visit and continued further significant improvement at the second follow up visit (p&lt;0.001). Generally, between groups comparison according to extent of change of study parameters revealed that third group produced the greatest improvement over the entire study period followed by the first group, whereas the second group was associated with the least extent of improvement.&#x0D; This study concluded that all groups caused significant improvement in study parameters compared to baseline values and also concluded that the third group of inhaled [tiotropium/budesonide] was associated with the highest extent of improvement followed by first group, while the second group was the least. &#x0D;

Https://hmu.edu.krd/edjjournal/index.php/journal/article/view/79

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is assessment of the canal morphology of mandibular anterior teeth, the gender differences and between right and left side of them in adult Iraqi Kurdish people using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Subjects and methods: CBCT). Subjects and methods: A retro and prospective study of canal configuration of mandibular anterior teeth by CBCT of a total of 194 subjects 72 males (37.1%) and 122 females (62.9%). Mandible anterior teeth including six teeth for each of 388 central incisor, lateral incisor and canine were analyzed in the database. For classification of morphology of the root canal, Vertucci method was used. Results: There was a non-significant difference between genders. Percentage of more than one canal was 33.1% in central incisors, 33.1% in lateral incisors, and 9.2% in canines. The most common root canal morphology type in all mandibular anterior teeth was type I. Type III was the second most common type in mandibular incisors. Type V was the second most common type in mandibular canines. Conclusion: Canal configuration is subjected to racial and ethnic variations and studying it is important for dental practitioner to understand the variations in root canal morphology of anterior teeth in order to overcome problems when performing endodontic treatment. More studies are needed to further define morphological characteristics of roots of mandibular anterior teeth in Kurdish population.

Human Vermiform Appendix Of Different Age Groups

Background: Many works have been carried out related to the worm-like vermiform appendix in humans. It is characterized by a large number of lymphoid tissues. The important feature of this structure at a young age is the presence of large and numerous lymphoid follicles in both layers of mucosa and submucosa. Objective: The aim of the present investigation was to find out the age and sex-related changes among adult Iraqi vermiform appendix anatomically. Materials & methods: Fifty normal human cadavers were selected. Of the total number of cadavers, 30 males and 20 females were included. All the cadavers were divided into age groups. For each cadaver, weight, length, and width were measured. Results: appendix weight in males was higher than females for all age groups. The length of the appendix was also more in males than in females. External diameter varied from the base towards the tip. The diameter of the base was higher in the middle and the tip regions. These values were more in males than in females. Conclusion: The weight, length, and diameter of the vermiform appendix in males were more than in females. The diameter of the appendix is more at the base than at the middle and the tip regions.

Vitamin D and its Association with the Severity and / or the Control of Asthma among Adult Iraqi Asthmatics

Background: asthma is one of the common chronic diseases with variable presentations and pathogenetic mechanisms. Vitamin D is thought to influence the expression as well as the severity, control and treatment responses in some asthmatic patients. Aim of study: to examine the possible association between asthma severity and level of control with vitamin D level in a sample of Iraqi adult asthmatics. Method: randomly selected 50 patients with asthma diagnosis were evaluated for medical factors of asthma harshness and control with measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum level (mean age ± SD: 48.5 ± 14.05 years, 30% males, FEV1:1.44 ± 0.63 L, 60 % severe, 60% poorly controlled). Results: most of asthmatic patients (96%) were found to have vitamin D level of less than 30 ng/ml (17.66 ± 7.06 ng/ml) and this was related to severity of airway obstruction (mild: 28.71± 5.52 ng/ml, moderate: 19.9 ± 4.56 ng/ml, severe: 13.81 ± 4.22 ng/ml, p < 0.001) as well as control of asthma (controlled: 27.13±6.12 ng/ml, partly controlled: 20.62±4.21 ng/ml, uncontrolled: 17.66±7.06 ng/ml, p < 0.001). In addition, the 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with history of ER visits and hospitalizations. No significant association between the gender, age, BMI, the presence of allergic rhinitis and the status of vitamin D level. Conclusions: low levels of 25(OH)D were common in this sample of Iraqi adult asthmatics and was most prevalent and severe in those with severe and/or uncontrolled asthma. This finding supports the hypothesis of possible vitamin D role in asthma.

A comprehensive assessment of the nasal profile among Iraqi adults with different skeletal classes: A retrospective study

AimThis study was performed to investigate differences in the nasal profile of Iraqi adults with different skeletal class groups. Materials and methodsCephalometric radiographs of 90 subjects of Iraqi origin, with the age range of 18–25 years. The collected radiographs were divided into three groups (n = 30) according to the skeletal discrepancies. Different lines and angles were measured and analyzed to determine the size, shape, and position of the nose relative to other facial structures from lateral cephalometric radiograph of each subject. ResultsA number of statistically significant changes were found between cephalometric measurements that reflected differences between the three skeletal class groups. Significant male-female differences were found in the measurements of nasolabial angle and the horizontal distances relating the nose to the incisal edge of the most prominent maxillary central incisor and to the chin. The angular measurements of the nasal tip projection angle, nasomental angle and nasofacial angle were also considerably varied among the three skeletal class groups alongside the vertical distances relating the nose to the upper lip, the incisal edge of the most prominent maxillary central incisor and to the chin. ConclusionThis study adds valuable information about the impact of the size, shape of nose and its relative position to other craniofacial structures on the nasal profile in patients of Iraqi origin with different skeletal classes. Therefore, the results of the present study are useful guidance for cosmetic surgeons and orthodontists during diagnosis and planning for cosmetic rhinoplasty and orthodontic treatment in Iraqi adults.