Iraqi Population Research Articles

Community’s Mask Wearing Practice and its associated Undesirable Side Effects Among Iraqi Population Group in COVID-19 Era

Community’s Mask Wearing Practice and its associated Undesirable Side Effects Among Iraqi Population Group in COVID-19 Era

Influence of IL-28B serum level and gene polymorphism in a sample of Iraqi patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) represents one kind of advanced arthritis formed via inflammatory stimuli long-term in the spin‘s joints. Interleukin (IL)-29 (interferon- lambda1(IFN- λ1)), interleukin (IL)-28A (interferon- lambda 2 (IFN- λ2)) and interleukin (IL)-28B (interferon- lambda 3(IFN-λ3)) are three interferon lambda (IFN- λs) molecules that have recently been identified as new members of the IFN family. IL-28B expression in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not well understood. 150 male healthy controls ((HC) and 160 males with AS as patients group participated in this study. Serum level and gene polymorphism were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Sanger sequencing for IL-28B, respectively. The results showed significantly lower serum IL-28B concentrations in the AS groups in comparison to the HC groups (both p values equal to 0.003). There was a large difference in IL-28B genotype and allele frequency between the two individuals. IL-28B heterozygote genotype CT of rs12979860 SNP exhibits a substantial correlation with AS (P = 0.008). While the genotypes of rs12980275 SNP were not shown any significant correlation with AS. The findings suggest that serum concentration of IL-28B is a potential diagnostic biomarker in patients with AS, and that the heterozygote CT of rs12979860 SNP serves as a potential risk factor for the onset of AS in the Iraqi population.

Association between Nesfatin-1 Levels and C-Peptide in Sera of Obese / Non-Obese Type 2 Diabetic Women

Objective: The aim of the presented word was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum Nesfatin-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with C-peptide level in obese and non-obese type-2 diabetic women of Iraqi population.
 Methods: A case-control study was performed on 50 type 2 diabetic patients admitted in Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital and Al-Hassan center of diabetes and endocrinology unit / Kerbala health directorate – Iraq and another 50 control individuals, during the period from April, 2022 – Jan. 2023). The T2DM groups were divided into two groups 25 obese and 25 non-obese; also the control group was divided into 25 obese and 25 non-obese as apparently healthy groups. The ELISA Kit was used to measure serum Nesfatin-1 and C-peptide, and random serum glucose was measured by enzymatic colorimetric method, and lipid profile test were measured through spectrophotometric technique, instead of HbA1c% was determined using HPLC method.
 Results: The results observed indicated that Nesfatin-1 levels shown a non-significant decrease in all of type 2 diabetic groups as compared with apparently healthy control group, while the C-peptide were significantly decreased in type 2 diabetic patients when compared with apparently control group. In addition, the random blood glucose and HbA1c% were shown significant elevation in type 2 diabetic patients as compared with apparently healthy control groups. The observed data indicated that Nesfatin-1 and C-peptide levels when comparing between type 2 diabetic patients and control in obese groups shown a risk factors depending upon the odd ratio observed (OR = 1.064 (1.011-1.119), 1.0200 (0.992-1.08)) respectively, but only Nesfatin-1 was shown to be significant. In BMI the levels of Nesfatin-1 and C-peptide, as shown the Nesfatin-1 was significant in obese groups, while the C-peptide as shown significant in normal weight groups. The optimal diagnostic points for Nesfatin-1 were (sensitivity = 98%, specificity = 90%) at a level (Cut-off points) = 39.13, while C-Peptide levels: (sensitivity = 98%, specificity = 94%) at a level (Cut-off points) = 15.99. Both markers have p-values of the AUC were <0.001 and statistically significant.
 Conclusion: Accordingly, it was concluded that a significant relationship between circulating Nesfatin-1 levels and type 2 diabetes. Nesfatin-1 appears to be able to contribute to the treatment of obesity and diabetes because of its anorexigenic and antihyperglycemic effects. In addition, C-peptide is a known biomarker of insulin resistance and beta-cell function. High specificity and sensitivity analyzed results were obtained by ROC analysis for both markers in T2DM.

Forecasting the Ratio of the Rural Population in Iraq Using Box-Jenkins Methodology

In this paper, the Box-Jenkins methodology has been applied and ‎used to forecast the ratio of Iraq's ‎rural population from 1960 to 2019. A sample size of (60) observations of the ‎annually rural population ‎of Iraq has been taken. A combination of ‎some adequate time series models has been prepared and ‎‎obtained and some statistical criteria have been used for comparison and model selection. Results of ‎the study concluded ‎that the ARIMA (0,2,1) is an adequate and best model to be used for ‎forecasting ‎the annual ratio of rural population data in Iraq. ‎During the period 2020 to 2030, the ratio of the rural ‎population ‎will keep decreasing gradually, and the percentage of the rural ‎population of Iraq in 2030 ‎will be (27.732).‎

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Iraqi Herbalist Practicing in the Middle Euphrates Area with a Recognition of their Knowledge, Practice and Attitude(Conference Paper )#

High percentage of the Iraqi population profoundly rely on folk medicine to meet their health needs which makes their safety questionable. This study aims to evaluate Iraqi herbalists' knowledge and practice to ensure the public's safety. This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design between October 2021 and March 2022, using a pretested questionnaire administered to Iraqi herbalists practicing in Middle Euphrates Area. Through face-to-face meetings, participants completed a multicomponent questionnaire comprising 15 items in four sections. The data obtained were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences; Chi-square was used to correlate some variables, and P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. A total of 54 male herbalists from five Iraqi provinces joined this survey, the majority practicing in Kabala. Most herbalists had 10- 20 years of experience, and more than 50% had a university degree. Data showed that 72.2% of herbalists identify their herbal items using their own experience, and 35.2% use this experience as their sole source of knowledge. Only 35.1% use herbal books in conjugation with their experiences, and a few (1.9%( use multiple sources of information. Herbalists with more years of experience (79.6%( evaluate patient conditions properly, follow up (40.7%(, and refer patients to their physicians when needed (42.6%(. Although fifty percent of herbalists educate their patients regarding the storage condition of remedies, most of them refrain from writing the complete ingredients on their final product regardless of their experience. Results also showed that most herbalists do not have a record tracking adverse reaction. Most Iraqi herbalists lack the proper system for prescribing and dispensing their remedies and adequately identifying the sold herbs. The study showed a variation in practice among herbalists using approaches based mainly on their experience.

Self-Medication Towards Antibiotic Use Among Non- Medical University Staff (Conference Paper )#

The use of antibiotics without prescription (self-medication) is growing globally and is associated with increased bacterial resistance, ineffective treatment and adverse reactions. This study aimed at assessing the practice of antibiotic self-medication in the Iraqi population. A cross-sectional study design was adopted in this work. The sample was comprised of 303 staff members from the non-medical colleges in Iraq. An online questionnaire was distributed between the 29th of June to the 14th of September 2021 to collect data including socio-demographic characteristics and questions about antibiotic self-medication. Most of the participants had a university degree and a moderate monthly income. The majority (88%) have practiced self-medication at least once before. A “simple” condition and convenience were the main motivators behind self-medication, which was mainly used for sore throat, fever and cough. Own experience was the most reported determining factor for selecting an antibiotic, and community pharmacies were the main source for obtaining the antibiotics. About 40% of the participants admitted to switching the antibiotic or changing its dose during the treatment course. Self-medication with antibiotics is a major issue in our community and measures have to be taken to reduce its impact on public health through the development of bacterial resistance.

The Association of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Polymorphism and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Iraqi Population.

The quick and advancing prevalence of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 produced a global crisis surge with a profound impact on human health and worldwide economic constancy. The virus is known as one strain of coronavirus, which causes the respiratory infection responsible for the current pandemic of COVID-19. The virus spike protein has a high binding affinity to human ACE2, depending on crystallization analysis and biochemical interaction studies. Studies consistently reveal that rs2285666, a polymorphism found in ACE2, diverse significantly between Europeans and Asians, changing ACE2 expression. The alternating allele TT of rs2285666 SNP increased gene expression to 50%; thus, it may have a role in SARS-COV-2 infection vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate rs2285666 SNP association with SARS-CoV2 infection as a first report in the Iraqi population. Fifty (20 Male/30 Female) Covid-19 patients with severe symptoms with mean age (of 41.5±10.7) and 50 (20 Male/30 Female) healthy people as a control group with mean age (of 41.5±10.7) were included in this study. Sample of a patient tested as a mutant genotype (TT) by RFLP assay. The results reveal a MAF value of 0.3 for this gene in Iraqi samples, more than Europeans (0.2) and less than East Asians (0.55). The codominant model had significant OR of both alleles CT and TT (OR=4.26 & 6.7; P-value=0.012 & 0.023 respectively). In conclusion, there is an association between increased severity of SARS-Cov-2 infection and rs2285666 polymorphism of the codominant genotype model of the Iraqi population. However, several other factors may affect disease severity, such as ethnic group differences, sex, comorbidity, virus strain, and others.

Afro-Iraqi Rituals: Stigma, Discrimination, and Resilience

Afro-Iraqis represent 5% of the Iraqi population (approximately two million people), and Iraq has been their home since the ninth century, as part of forced immigration due to the slave trade. Throughout their history, Afro-Iraqis have been subjected to oppression, racism, and discrimination. Their rituals–assembled from a broad mix of African diasporic lineages–have been disparaged as barbaric and irreligious. In addition to providing a brief history of Afro-Iraqis and anti-Black racism in Arab culture, this paper describes and examines the significance of Afro-Iraqi rituals and Afro-Iraqis’ resilience in facing stigmatization and discrimination in Iraq.

Assessment of acceptance, concerns and side effects towards COVID-19 vaccination among the community: A cross-sectional study from Baghdad, Iraq

IntroductionThe newly developed and marketed vaccines along with concerns about vaccine safety and long-term side effects has been raised an alarming in the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of acceptance, perceptions and concerns towards receiving COVID-19 vaccines and to explore the incidence of vaccines’ side effects among Iraqi population in Baghdad province, Iraq. MethodThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted via direct interviews among a convenient sample size of Iraqi population using a structured validated questionnaire consisting of using 24-item questionnaire to assess acceptance, concerns and the incidence of vaccines’ side effects towards receiving COVID-19 vaccines. ResultsA total of 500 participants with an average age of 27.8 ± 3.7 years were included. Majority were females (70.6%). 43.4% had a history of COVID-19, and 46% received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. 73.4% (P < 0.0001) agreed about the importance of receiving the vaccination to protect the community against the COVID-19.46.8% (P < 0.0001) were unsure about the adverse effects and long-term vaccine safety. 72.8% reported that transmission of COVID-19 infection to family members is the main concern for accepting vaccination. Fatigue (60%), injection site reactions (55.8%) were the most common vaccine's side effects. Young age (P = 0.001), females (P < 0.0001), and university educational (P < 0.0001) were the most significant determents for accepting vaccination. ConclusionThis study highlights that the Iraqi population showed a considerable acceptance rate for the COVID-19 vaccines. However, vaccine safety is considered a high priority concern associated with the willingness of the population to vaccinate.

Frequency of central odontogenic tumors: a retrospective study in an Iraqi population utilizing 2022 WHO head and neck tumors classification

Objectives: Odontogenic tumors occupy an important position among head and neck tumors. Although, rarely encountered in medical practice but they considered increasingly challenging lesions for the clinicians due to their overlapping clinical and histopathological features. This study was designed to determine the relative frequency of central odontogenic tumors in an Iraqi population by utilizing 2022 WHO tumor classification. Material and Methods: Sixty cases of central odontogenic tumors from a total of 1869 case records were retrieved retrospectively from the file archive of the histopathology laboratory in Baghdad medical city from the period of 2016 to 2021. For each individual case, data regarding age, gender, location, and tumor type were collected and analyzed. Results: odontogenic tumors constituted 3.2% of the total cases analyzed mostly benign. The male to female ratio was 1/1. The age of the patients ranged from 11 to 75 years. Most cases were recorded in the third and fourth decades of life (n=31, 51.6%). The most common benign and malignant tumors were ameloblastoma and ameloblastic fibrosarcoma respectively. Most of these tumors located in the mandible (n= 45, 75%). The most common mandibular tumor was ameloblastoma followed by ameloblastic fibroma, and odontogenic myxoma. Regarding maxillary tumors, the predominant tumor was ameloblastoma followed by ameloblastic fibroma, ameloblastic fibrosarcoma, and clear cell odontogenic carcinoma. Conclusions: Odontogenic tumors in an Iraqi population occurred more commonly in the mandible and showed no sex predilection. Most cases were diagnosed in third and fourth decades of life and ameloblastoma was the most frequent odontogenic tumor. The relative frequency of malignant odontogenic tumors was 11.67% of all cases studied mostly ameloblastic fibrosarcoma. KEYWORDS Odontogenic tumors, WHO tumor classification, Frequency, Ameloblastoma.

Genomic analysis of indigenous goats in Southwest Asia reveals evidence of ancient adaptive introgression related to desert climate.

Understanding how evolutionary pressures related to climate change have shaped the current genetic background of domestic animals is a fundamental pursuit of biology. Here, we generated whole-genome sequencing data from native goat populations in Iraq and Pakistan. Combined with previously published data on modern, ancient (Late Neolithic to Medieval periods), and wild Capra species worldwide, we explored the genetic population structure, ancestry components, and signatures of natural positive selection in native goat populations in Southwest Asia (SWA). Results revealed that the genetic structure of SWA goats was deeply influenced by gene flow from the eastern Mediterranean during the Chalcolithic period, which may reflect adaptation to gradual warming and aridity in the region. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis revealed adaptive introgression of the KITLG locus from the Nubian ibex ( C. nubiana) into African and SWA goats. The frequency of the selected allele at this locus was significantly higher among goat populations located near northeastern Africa. These results provide new insights into the genetic composition and history of goat populations in the SWA region.

Evaluation the Usage of Local Materials in HMA Surface Layer

The importance of roads and all the facilities related to the mobility of people, goods, and vehicles in the world exceed the social and economic significance but play a main role in politics and government decisions. As a result of the increasing population in Iraq and the dramatical growth in heavy vehicles twenty years ago and due to the rising percentage of new construction projects in the country, the need appeared to assess and improve the hot mix asphalt layers used in the construction of flexible pavements. In this research, a hot mix asphalt surface layer was used with a 12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size from one aggregate source (Al Nibaie quarry) and one penetration grade type of asphalt binder (40 -50), also in this research work has been added one type of polymers by several percentages namely, Crumb Rubber Modifier (CRM) to enhance the properties of asphalt binder which in turn improves HMA. The evaluation process included the preparation of two types of mixtures (unmodified and modified mixtures) by using the Superpave mix design method and to estimate the ability of mixtures to resist the three main types of failure that may be flexible pavement exposed to, Wheel track test was used to simulate the permanent deformation resistance of mixtures, flexural beam fatigue test to determine the fatigue cracking resistance of mixtures and indirect Tensile Strength test was used to determine the strength to moisture damage for prepared mixtures. Results demonstrated that adding modified waste polymer to the asphalt cement with different percentages significantly improved mechanical and durability properties.

Demographic status of adult leukemia patients in Sulaymaniyah, the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Leukemia is one of the most common cancer types that affects both adults and children. The purpose of current study was to assess the demographic status of adult leukemic patients among Kurdish population in Iraq. The records of 484 adult patients at Hiwa Cancer Hospital in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan region (Iraq) between January 2015 and December 2020 were the subject of this retrospective descriptive analysis. The different types of cancer observed at Hiwa Cancer Hospital were acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). There were 307 male and 177 female cancer patients (ratio 1.734:1), with age range between 16 and 98 years and mean age of 54.49 years. It was found that 291 (60.1%) patients were non-educated, while 109 (22.5%), 34 (7.0%), and 50 (10.3%) patients were tertiary, post-basic and basic educated, respectively. Based on the employment status, 276 (57.0%) patients were unemployed, 145 (37.0%) employed, and 63 (13.0%) were retired. It was found that both educational status and employment status were correlated with leukemia incidence at p value equal to 0.0001 and 0.002, respectively.

Morphometric Measurements of Carrying Angle of the Elbow among Sample of Iraqi Medical Students: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The carrying angle (CA) is an acute angle occurring between the longitudinal axis of the upper arm and that of the extended and supinated forearm. CA allows swinging of the upper limb without hitting the pelvis. It appears to be larger in females than in males and also shows some variation to anthropometric parameters. Knowledge of CAs is valuable for orthopedic surgeons and biomedical engineers as well as for forensic specialists and anthropologists. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the normal range of CA among Iraqi population. Materials and Methods: The CAs of the right and the left upper limbs was measured by a clinical goniometer in 200 medical students. Analysis for differences was performed according to gender, laterality, height, weight, and hip circumference (HC). Results: The mean right CA in men was 9° and in women was 10.75°, while the mean left CA was 8.76° in men and 10.51° in women. The mean CA in females is significantly larger than in males. The mean CA of the right elbow was greater than that of the left. The mean CA shows a positive correlation with the individual height, weight, and HC. Conclusion: The study fortifies the knowledge of the standard range of CA of the elbow in a study population of apparently healthy Iraqi medical students and tries to make a reference value to be used for orthopedic surgeons, biomedical engineers as well as for forensic specialists and anthropologists.

Clinical Pharmacogenetics of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Iraq.

Clinical pharmacogenetics is a rapidly growing field that focuses on the study of genetic variations and their impact on drug metabolism, efficacy, and safety. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to treat hypertension in Iraq but not all patients respond equally to these drugs. This article aims to review the current evidence on the clinical pharmacogenetics of ARBs in Iraq and its implications for personalized medicine. We conducted a literature review of studies on the genetic variations that affect the response to ARBs in Iraq. We also reviewed the prevalence of these genetic variants in the Iraqi population and discussed the potential clinical implications for personalized medicine. The most studied genetic variations associated with ARB response in Iraq are the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene A1166C polymorphism. The angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with variability in response to ARBs, while the angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients treated with ARBs. The prevalence of these genetic variants in the Iraqi population varies widely depending on the region and ethnic group. The clinical pharmacogenetics of ARBs in Iraq suggests that pharmacogenetic testing could improve the selection and dosing of ARBs in Iraqi patients, leading to better patient outcomes and cost-effective healthcare.

The Common polymorphisms in P21 and MDM2 genes as a risk factor for susceptibility and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer in Iraqi population

The Common polymorphisms in P21 and MDM2 genes as a risk factor for susceptibility and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer in Iraqi population

Identification of sexual assault cases by using RSID kit and STR of suspects and victim in some cases in Iraqi population

Identification of sexual assault cases by using RSID kit and STR of suspects and victim in some cases in Iraqi population

The rs568408 variant in the IL-12A gene is associated with risk for COVID-19 in Iraqi patients.

The objective of the current study was to check the link between potential polymorphism in IL12A rs568408 and the possible risk of COVID-19 in the Iraqi population. Allele specific-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was carried out for genotyping and detection of IL12A rs568408 gene polymorphism in a case-control study of 125 severe COVID-19 cases and 60 controls. Patients were admitted to either Marjan medical city or Al-Sadeq hospital's COVID-19 wards between January and June 2022 in Iraq. The diagnosis of COVID-19 in each patient was confirmed by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2-positive reverse transcription-PCR. The distribution of both genotyping and allele frequencies of IL-12A rs568408 revealed significant differences between patients and control groups (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). The IL12A rs568408 AA and AG variant genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 5.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-23.82; P = 0.034) and (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.16-4.94, P = 0.018), respectively, compared with the wild-type GG homozygote. These findings indicate that IL12A rs568408 GA/AA variant may contribute to the risk of COVID-19. This study is the first report about the association of IL12A rs568408 with COVID-19.

Influence of the High Mobility Group A1 genetic polymorphism on indices of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in the Iraqi population: Case-control study

ABSTRACT: The high mobility group A1 gene (HMGA1) rs139876191 variant has been related to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, but data are lacking in Middle Eastern populations. The study aimed to assess whether the HMGA1 rs139876191 variant is associated with metabolic syndrome risk and whether this variant predicts the risk of insulin resistance. This case-control study was carried out at single center in Kirkuk city/ Iraq from February to August 2022. Polymorphisms in HMGA1 and genotyping were identified by Sanger sequencing of genomic DNA obtained from 91 Iraqi participants (61 patients with metabolic syndrome and 30 control). Lipid profile, serum (glucose and insulin), glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference were also measured. The high prevalence of the del/del genotype of rs139876191 was found. Minor allele frequency of rs139876191 was (0.16) in both metabolic syndrome and the control group. A non-significant difference in genotyping was identified between total metabolic syndrome and the control group. The del/ins variant was associated with significantly higher waist circumference, triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein(LDL), very low-density lipoprotein(VLDL), and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) (P=0.03, 0.041, 0.007, 0.034, and 0.001 respectively), and with significantly lower high-density lipoprotein(HDL) (p=0.000). Linear regression analysis showed no significant effect of the variant (del/ins) on developing insulin resistance. Thus, rs139876191 polymorphism with del/ins genotype in the HMGA1 gene was not associated with metabolic syndrome risk but it was associated with indices of metabolic syndrome including waist circumference, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and HbA1c. Besides, this variant did not predict the risk of insulin resistance.

The Degenerative Condylar Change in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder of Iraqi Population and their Variability Based on Clinical Diagnosis

Background: As a multifactorial disorder, temporomandibular joint (TMD) is difficult to diagnose, and multiple factors affect the joint and cause the temporomandibular disorder. Standardization of clinical diagnosis of TMD should be used to reach a definite clinical diagnosis; the condylar bone may degenerate in accordance with these disorders. Aims: Evaluate the correlation between the clinical diagnosis and degenerative condylar change (flattening, sclerosis, erosion, and osteophyte). Materials and Methods: A prospective study with a study group of 97 TMD patients (total of 194 joints) aged 20 to 50. Patients were sent to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the degenerative condylar change. Results: No association was found between the clinical diagnosis of TMD with osteophyte and sclerosis. While there was a significant association was found between flattening and erosion and clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: Disc displacement with reduction was the most frequent TMDs. Erosion and flattening were the most frequent bone change found among the different subgroups of clinical diagnosis. Erosion was frequently seen in degenerative joint disease (DJD) with a significant association. While flattening was mostly found in disc displacement without reduction without limited mouth opening (DDwoR without limited) with a significant association.