Iraqi Provinces Research Articles

Human cytomegalovirus and relationship with abortion among Iraqi females: a systematic review

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) seroprevalence is a significant health problem, especially among pregnant women in lower socioeconomic societies. This study aims to explore the prevalence of HCMV infections among women in Iraq. Methods: A systematic review was designed to collect and summarize articles concerning the relationship between HCMV infection and abortion in Iraq. We identified the titles and abstracts of the publications from 2008 to 2022. A pre-defined keyword was recruited to recognize the publications and filter the articles to eliminate duplication and remove irrelevant articles. In the reviewed studies, the HCMV was detected using diagnostic methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunochromatography (rapid test) or molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction. Results: Twenty-four eligible articles have been included in this review sourced data from about 5442 patients covering 15 of 18 provinces in Iraq. The prevalence of HCMV IgG and IgM was (0%-100%) and (0%-93%), respectively. Many factors influenced the varied results, including the design of the study and sociodemographic and clinical aspects. Conclusion: The high prevalence of HCMV infection indicates a causative relationship with repeated abortion among Iraqi females.

FIRST RECORD for WATERMELON NECROSIS DISEASE on WATERMELON CROP in IRAQ

This research was carried out during a severe unknown disorder epidemic wave was spread out on watermelon crop over all Iraqi provinces that causing significant economic losses to the farmers of this crop. The research included conducting a field survey covering about 183 hectares of watermelon fields during the spring agricultural season in four Iraqi provinces; Baghdad, Kirkuk, Erbil, and Penguin/Sulaymaniyah. According to this survey, the disease occurrence percentage ranged from 70-100% in Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Erbil, while it was around 10-20% only in the Penguin/Sulaymaniyah area. It is also noted that plants growing under the shade of trees or long intercropped crops like sunflower, were escaped from the infection. Despite many watermelon varieties cultivated by farmers during the survey year, no resistant or tolerant varieties were observed, and minor differences in their susceptibility were noticed. The disease is diagnosed as Watermelon rind necrosis (WRN) depending on intensive field and laboratory investigations conducted for this purpose. Bacteria were isolated from necrosis spots in the watermelon rind, but the same was isolated also from the healthy tissues in the watermelon rind with less intensity. A high correlation was found between disease occurrence and the amount of difference between night and day temperature during the first month before the fruit ripening. This research finding is considered the first record of watermelon rind necrosis (WRN) disease on the watermelon crop in Iraq

Isolation and detection of Shigella dysenteriae from patients in Baghdad and Waist Provinces in Iraq

Diarrhea caused by Shigella species was responsible for second causative agent of morbidity and mortality between children in middle and low income east and other countries, in this study 150 stool samples were collected from patients suffering from dysentery in both gender in which attending to Baghdad medical city in Baghdad and Alkarma teaching hospital in Al-Kut/Wasit governorates/Iraq in period between January 2020 to the middle of February 2021 Shigella dysenteriae was isolated from 135 of these samples by using cultured methods and other biochemical tests in which routinely used to isolate these bacteria in addition to that in this study detection the dividing of infections with these pathogen in different age groups and seen that mostly infection (51.85%) in age group (1-5) years olds followed with age group(5-10) in which found (31.1%) them (10.37%) in (10-15) and last one 9(6.66) show in (>15) years old age group. On other hand also antibiotics sensitivity tests was done the results of this research appeared that all isolates was respond to Co-trimoxazole, Cephalotine and Ceftizoxime them Ceftriaxone(98%), Ampicillin(92%), Ceftazidime(90%), Chlormophenicol(84%), Tobramycin(81%), Gentamicin(48%) and the last one was Amikacin(35%) where no isolate appeared any response to Kanamicin.

Isolation and detection of Shigella dysenteriae from patients in Baghdad and Waist Provinces in Iraq

Isolation and detection of Shigella dysenteriae from patients in Baghdad and Waist Provinces in Iraq

Molecular Identification of Giardia Duodenalis Isolates from Children Stool in Diyala Province, Iraq

One of the most prevalent human intestine protozoan parasites in the world, Giardia duodenalis is indigenous to every continent and infects a broad variety of animal hosts. The goal of the current study was to determine the prevalence of infection among Giardia duodenalis isolates from regional hospitals and private clinics in the Iraqi province of Diyala that would be the subject of additional genetic analysis. From the beginning of October 2021 to the end of January 2022, 100 children's stools were collected from hospitals and health centers in Diyala, Iraq. Additionally, Giardia duodenalis cysts and trophozoites were examined under the microscope, and DNA was extracted using Quick-DNA Fecal/Soil Microbe Kits. One hundred of the stools taken from youngsters show symptoms of diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pains Based on microscopic examination and PCR analysis, a 7 percent infection rate was discovered. In addition, genotyping was carried out utilizing G. duodenalis Tpi sequence analysis. The highest infection rate was 10 % in up 4-5 year category and the lowest infection rate 4.65% recorded in up one year category. While, the infection rate was highest in male samples 8.16% than female samples 5.88%. Regarding the giardiasis according to the house system, most people who were infected were living in the city centre at ratio 9.25%, followed by 4.34 % in persons living in the country side. On the other hand, the infection rate of Giardia infection was 6.89%,4.16% and 8.51% to the tap water, Reverse Osmosis(RO) water and filter water respectively. The findings of this study emphasize that area of study was G. duodenalis infection rate with source of infection route and water basis in children in this province. The genetic analysis of the region Beta-giardin and RH11 and TPIA in this study showed that this diagnosis of Giardia duodenalis was made after effective amplification of these regions. Keywords: Molecular, Infection rate, Risk factors, Giardia duodenalis.

The Occurrence and the Characteristics of Liver Injury, and its Impactamong Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients in Basrah City-Iraq

Background: The respiratory system is most affected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV2). However, COVID-19 can appear in a variety of ways. It has found a link between higher liverenzymes and COVID-19 infection, implying that the virus can induce liver damage through direct hepatotoxicinjury, medication toxicity, or an immune-mediated response.Materials and Methods: In the southern Iraqi province of Basra, a cross-sectional observational study is beingconducted in a single center (Basra teaching hospital) to estimate the prevalence of liver damage among hospitalizedpatients and identify those at risk.Results: The study found that most of the patients have a normal liver function test at the time of diagnosisand or admission, but after hospitalization, there is a statistically significant increase in the liver enzymes thatis positively related to the disease severity and cytokine storm and also lead to more extended hospital stayingand further mortality. Fortunately, the degree of liver damage is of mild severity in the majority of patients. Still,the severe form of liver damage was also noticed in some patients, especially those with a higher degree of lunginvolvement and severely desaturates with raised inflammatory markers.Conclusions: Elevated liver enzymes are prevalent, but the majority is mild with COVID-19 disease. Liver functionabnormalities, particularly increased levels of AST and ALT, are not only common in COVID-19, but they are alsolinked to poor outcomes, mainly if severe liver damage has occurred.

Effect of NPK, NPK Organic Fertilizers and Spraying Nano-Vanadium and Nano-Selenium on the Growth and Yield of Rice

The research aims to evaluate the response of rice plant to fertilization with NPK, NPK Organic fertilizers and spraying of nano-vanadium and nano-selenium in some growth and yield indicators of rice (Anber 33 cultivar).A field study was conducted in Al-Tali’a district (41 - Al-Hussainiya, south of Hilla city) Babylon province Iraq, for the period from 15/6/2021 to 26/11/2021.The experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD).The treatments were randomly distributed according to a simple one-way experiment. The experiment was applied by adding NPK fertilizer at two levels (0 and 300 kg ha-1) and NPK Amino Humic Compound fertilizer at two levels (0 and 1000 kg ha-1).While the treatments of spraying with nanomaterials represented by spraying nano-vanadium and nano-selenium at a concentration (100 mg L-1) were two sprays, bringing the number of experimental units to 16 treatments. The results of the statistical analysis of Duncan’s test showed that fertilizing with organic acids fertilizer with nanomaterials gave the highest plant height, reaching (120 cm). While the combination (NPK+NPKOrganic+nano-vanadium) showed the highest chlorophyll index, which amounted to (40.80) SPAD. While quadruple combination treatment of (NPK+NPKOrganic +nano-vanadium+nano-selenium) achieved the highest values in biological yield (15.93 Mg.ha-1) and grain yield (4.30 Mg.ha-1) and harvest index (27.0%) Also, the single (NPK) treatment gave the highest weight of 1000 grains, which weighed (21.37 g).The spraying of nano-selenium and vanadium recorded the highest agronomic efficiency, reaching (1676.7 and 1468.7 kg kg-1) to spray nano-Va and nano-Se respectively, followed by the dual- combination of nano-materials, which amounted to (1202.7) kg kg-1.

Requirements for the movement of trade in Anbar province

The research dealt with the study of the requirements of trade movement in anbar governorate, as it dealt with the study of the border crossings, which number 4, which are the trebil port, the qaim port, the al-waleed port and the Arar border port. It activates the movement of foreign trade, and it was found through the research that the ports of the study area have a major role in the movement of trade, as it was found that the operating ports are the Trebil and Al-Qaim ports. As for the Al-Waleed port, it has been closed since 2015 as a result of the conditions that the governorate has been exposed to. As for the Arar border port, until recently Recently, it was seasonal, it was limited to organizing pilgrimage trips, but it was opened in 2021 for foreign trade, but it is still a weak movement. As for international roads, the governorate owns several international roads, which are Road No. 10, Road No. 11, and Road No. 12 Fazla through 160 Nukhaib. These roads connect the province with neighboring countries on the one hand, and the capital, Baghdad, and other Iraqi provinces on the other.

Optimum γ- irradiation dose for the highest biological nitrogen fixation of bradyrhizobium

This study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of increasing Bradyrhizobium efficiency in fixing biological nitrogen in soil. Bradyrhizobium isolates were obtained from cowpea field in certain Iraqi provinces. Isolates were purified, propagated and authenticated. Isolates were then subjected to a range of Gamma ray dose of irradiation of 0 to 800 Gy. For all isolates number of nodules formed by all isolates increased with the increase of Irradiation dose to 400 Gy after which numbers of nodules of all isolates were markedly reduced. Highest nodules numbers of all isolates were observed under 400 GY irradiation dose. Under the same irradiation dose of 400 GY numbers of nodules differ with different isolates being the highest under isolate No. 2.

Using a hybrid SARIMA-NARNN Model to Forecast the Numbers of Infected with (COVID-19) in Iraq

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute disease that affects the respiratory system which initially appeared in Wuhan, China. In Feb 2019 the sickness began to spread swiftly throughout the entire planet, causing significant health, social, and economic problems. Time series is an important statistical method used to study and analyze a particular phenomenon, identify its pattern and factors, and use it to predict future values. The main focus of the research is to shed light on the study of SARIMA, NARNN, and hybrid models, expecting that the series comprises both linear and non-linear compounds, and that the ARIMA model can deal with the linear component and the NARNN model can deal with the non-linear component. The models were applied in the health sector to predict the numbers of people infected with the Covid-19 virus in Iraq where the data were collected via the website of the Iraqi Ministry of Health through the daily epidemiological situation of all Iraqi provinces for the period (2021\3\28 to 2021\8\15). When analyzing, studying, and comparing these models, the researcher noted that the hybrid model outperformed other models because it had the lowest value for the MSE, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE so it was used to predict future values.

Molecular and histopathological detection of lumpy skin disease in Buffaloes, Iraq

The study aim is to confirm infection of Iraqi buffaloes with the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) using of molecular conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathology. Totally, 150 buffaloes of different ages and sexes at three Iraqi provinces (Wasit, Dhi-Qar and Maysan) were subjected for collection of 5 ml blood samples and for clinical examination for detection of skin lesions and collection of tick samples during 2021 to March 2022. The total positive results for conventional PCR examination of 150 buffaloes was 8 (5.33%) using the blood samples. Among totally 13 suspected LSD skin lesions, only 1 (7.69%) sample was found to be positive. Among 29 tick samples collected from the 29 infested buffaloes, the findings revealed no positive samples in these samples. Histopathological analysis of nodular skin lesion showed that there were edema, hyperemia, acanthosis, severe hydropic degeneration, and hyperkeratosis in the epidermis; whereas in the dermis, there were mononuclear cell infiltration, inclusion bodies, and vasculitis. Conclusion: In Iraq, despite vaccination programs applied since the first outbreak in 2013, LSDV remains large in persistence and distribution among most areas of the country, resulting in apparent morbidities and mortalities.

Identification and isolation of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus from chicken farms in Iraq

The objective of the study was Investigation and isolation of the Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in poultry farms (Broilers and layers) in different provinces in Iraq over the period from August 2020 to June 2021. A total of 241 samples, including (Larynx, trachea & lunge) were collected from 31 poultry farms suspected to be infected with avian influenza and distributed in different provinces including Baghdad, Babylon, Wasit, Karbala & Salahuddin provinces. Collected samples were prepared firstly then viral RNA was extracted by a special viral RNA extraction kit and amplified by using primers for M gene-specific for type A influenza virus and primers specific for H9 gene of LPAI in Real-time RT-PCR which showed that from (31) farms suspected to have low pathogenic avian influenza, six farms (19.35%) were positive H9 LPAI.

Molecular detection of three Coleopteran species found in stored rice from some provinces in Iraq

Insect pest infestations on stored rice cause both quantitatively and qualitatively significant damage and this affects the economy and food security of the country . The samples were collected from different geographic regions which represented by some of the provinces in Iraq; ( Mosul, Baghdad, Saladin, Diyala and Dhi Qar). The current study showed three main beetles that infect stored rice: Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae. showed the highest abundance of Oryzaephilus surinamensis in all stores that investigated , while S. oryzae was the less abundant. The genetic relationships among the local species were studied using molecular techniques. The study was performed using a phylogenetic tree, with the diagnosis confirmed using sequencing of mtDNA COI and 16s rRNA genes. The results showed differences in the nitrogenous base sequences of both genes when comparing the local sample with the reference sequences that published in NCBI as well, there was genetic diversity of species within and between in different provinces appeared in the form ofsubstitution mutations. The tree of genetic relationships between local species was drawn and the results were compared with the standard samples.

Detection of some CC Chemokine Ligands in Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic disease found in many provinces of Iraq. The immune system plays a crucial role in the development or healing of lesions through chemotactic cytokine activity. This study was aimed to detect the levels of two chemokine ligands (CCL2 and CCL5) in Iraqi patients suffering from dermal ulcers, caused by cutaneous leishmaniasis. It was measured in pre and post-treatment state of Pentostam (Pentavalent Antimony 100 mg). Blood serum concentrations of CCL2, CCL5 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay among newly infected patients, two-trial treatment patients and three-trial treatment patients, in comparison with the control group. The result indicated a significant difference in CCL5 level for the three groups of CL patients. Whereas the control (p˂0.5), CCL2 level counterparts showed a significant difference only in newly infected and the thee-trial treatment groups. Moreover, there was a significant difference between all CCL5 patient groups, while no observed difference was detected within patient groups of CCL2.Thus altering the chemokine levels before and after treatment gives insights for parasite role in chemokine expression which may help in new therapeutic approaches for dry or wet CL.

The role of the audit committee to support the quality of financial reporting some lessons from Sox Act

The present study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the internal control system in large economic units as a result of the volume of business they practice. In light of the size of activity practiced by the General Company for the Distribution of Central Electricity through the distribution of electrical energy to six Iraqi provinces, there must be an important role for internal control in monitoring this activity. Hence, the present study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of internal control in the company and its branches in light of the ethical code for senior officials contained in the Sarbanes- Oxley Act in addition to some other requirements that were dealt with by the law. The analysis of the data is based on some requirements in the law In addition to a questionnaire prepared for this purpose to measure the application of the code of ethical conduct for senior officials and to demonstrate the effectiveness of an efficient internal control system. 85 questionnaire forms were distributed to workers in the control, internal auditing, and accounting departments of the company and its branches. 74 forms were suitable for analysis. The present study concludes that there are indications that the internal control system is not independent in the provinces electricity distribution companies and the subsidiary companies. It is mentioned in the organizational structure of the company that the control and auditing department is subordinate to the director of the company and his/her assistants, and that it is not directly related to the official of the control and auditing department at the company's headquarters, which may cause conflict in Interests and lack of coordination in control procedures.

Isolation of Fungi From Oil-contaminated Soil from Maysan Province, Southern Iraq

Maysan province is one of the most important oil-producing provinces in Iraq, therefore, soil contamination as a result of extraction and processing of the oil is one of the most important environmental problems for the soil and the living organisms present in it. Twenty-seven of fungal species were isolated and identified from soil contaminated with crude oil. Among them, 24 species (88.8%.) belonged to Ascomycota (anamorphs stages) and three (11.2%) Zygomycota. A total of 235 isolates were recovered from sites of study. Aspergillus showed a high number of species (6) and 78 isolates, followed by Alternaria (4 species, 64 isolates). Aspergillus niger has the highest occurrence and frequency values (42.5% and 21.70% respectively) and 51 isolates, and Alternaria alternate (39.16%, 20% and 47 isolates), followed by Rhizopus oryzae with a frequency and occurrence of 17.5% and 8.93% respectively and 21 isolates, on other hand, 8 species revealed the lowest occurrence and frequency reaching 0.83%, 0.42 respectively. Eight species were isolated described as new records from Iraq, which are Alternaria tenuissima, Bibolaris australiensis, Curvularia lunata, Nigrospora oryzae, Rhizopus oryzae, Stachybotrys chartrum, Syncephalastrum racemosum and Ulocladium botrytis. The biodiversity of fungi isolated from oil-contaminated soil was compared with previous studies. Brief descriptions of the new recorded fungi were given.

Exploring Work Satisfaction and Characteristics of Iraqi Pharmacist Workforce

The objectives of this study were to describe work characteristics of Iraqi pharmacists, to compare pharmacist job satisfaction between private and public sectors and to assess factors influencing job satisfaction level. This cross-sectional study of pharmacists, their work sites and work satisfactions used an electronic questionnaire that was posted on Facebook pharmacy professional group from June to September 2018. The participants included pharmacists from all 18 Iraqi provinces. We used multiple linear regression to identify predictors of general job satisfaction among 13 pharmacist characteristics. We received 658 usable surveys. Approximately half (47.24%) of respondents indicated dissatisfaction with their primary workplace. Job performance, patient contact, satisfaction with manager, income and expectation satisfactions were significantly related with work satisfaction. Pharmacists working in the private sector had significantly more control over their workplace and higher satisfaction with manager, income and general satisfactions compared to those working in public sector. Pharmacists work in diverse settings across the public healthcare system, community pharmacies, private drug bureaus and academia. About half of them are dissatisfied with their primary workplace. The private sector has more satisfaction rate compared to the public sector. Thus, officials need to improve job environments in the public sector.

Correlation of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 Gene (rs1514283) Polymorphism with the Incidence of COVID-19.

It has been a busy year for coronaviruses, with the most recent one causing severe coronavirus illness in 2019 (COVID-19). It is broadly distributed in many human tissues and organs as the potential SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 provides homeostatic modulation of circulation angiotensin II levels by acting as a physiological counterbalance to ACE. They have been linked to COVID-19 disease acquisition, progression, and severity. As a result, we investigated how ACE2 variations and epigenetic variables affect SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and infection outcomes in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity. Debates raged over the etiology of this occurrence. It is important to note that further research is required to demonstrate the efficacy of human recombinant ACE2 and ACE2-derived peptides in fighting SARSCoV-2 variants. Better recognition of a host genetic, as well as the function of the properties of ACE2 variations, would assist in explaining clinical disparities of infection between individuals and contribute to the development of remedies and managing future SARS-CoV-2 epidemics, an essential function for ACE2 in essential hypertension (EH). We wanted to see how ACE2 gene polymorphisms and enzyme activity correlated with COVID-19 incidence in the Iraqi province of Al-Diwaniya. A total of 63 COVID-19 patients and 70 (NT) controls were genotyped using Sequenom Mass-ARRAY RS1000 for ACE2. Participants' ACE2 rs1514283 SNP was linked to COVID-19.

Evaluation of Gross Alpha and Beta Activity Concentrations and Annual Effective Dose in Drinking Waters of Misan Province-Iraq Using Low Background Gas Flow Proportional Counter (LB- 4110)

In this study, assessment of levels natural radioactivity in drinking water samples of Misan Province of Iraq was carried out. A total of 33 (Tigris river, station and Tap) water samples collected from eleven places in Misan Province of Iraq. The beta and alpha gross radioactivity of the samples water was measured and an average annual effective dose derived of drinking-water ingestion was estimation utilizing new model a LB-4110 low background gas flow proportional counter. The data indicated that the Beta and Alpha gross activities and annual effective dose in samples did not exceed WHO recommended levels (0.5 Bq/L of Alpha gross, 1.0 Bq/L of Beta gross and 0.1 mSv/y for annual effective dose).

Cumulative Effect of Subclinical Mastitis on Immunological and Biochemical Parameters in Cow Milk.

Mastitis is a complex and multifactorial disease that leads to chemical, physical, and bacteriological changes in milk, which is associated with great economic losses. This study was carried out on lactating cows to investigate the effect of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on milk production through the estimation of immunological and biochemical characteristics of milk. Therefore, a total of 200 apparently-healthy lactating cows were randomly selected from different areas in Baghdad and Maysan provinces in Iraq from April to July 2021, and 100 ml of fresh milk was directly collected from each cow. Milk samples were examined by the California mastitis test (CMT), and IgG concentration in milk was estimated by the ELISA method. Moreover, the changes in biochemical parameters and enzymatic parameters were analyzed to determine the prevalence of SCM. Based on the results of the CMT test, the prevalence of SCM was 41.5% with a significant increase in a mild degree of severity (61.45%). IgG antibodies increased significantly in positive cows (4.92± 0.21 µg/ml). Significant prevalence of infection was observed among cows ≥5 years old compared to those <5 years, crossbred ones compared to natives, and those with lower milk production without udder/milk abnormalities, compared to cows with normal milk production. However, a significant difference was observed between the two regions under investigation (i.e., Baghdad and Maysan provinces of Iraq). Results of biochemical and enzymatic parameters showed significant increases in the concentration of Cl, FFA, and Na, and a reduction in LAC and TP, though not in Ca and K. The pH of mastitis milk was significantly higher. Although no significant difference was observed in the values of ALT and LDH, AST was increased in mastitis milk. In conclusion, this study is one of the first reports on the estimated concentration of IgG in mastitis milk samples in Iraq. Increases in the concentration of SSCs and IgG in milk can apply to the detection of intra-mammary infections.