College Of Medicine Research Articles

Nerve conduction, latency, and its association with hand function in young men.

The median and ulnar nerves have been suggested to play a significant role in hand function; however, there are insufficient data to determine the strength of this association. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between hand function as measured with the Grooved pegboard test (GPT) and conduction velocity and latency of the median and ulnar nerves. We collected convenience samples in the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS. We used GPT to characterize hand function and performed measured nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and latency of the ulnar and median nerves of both hands. We used the Edinburgh handedness inventory (EHI) to determine hand dominance. We recruited 28 healthy medical students aged 20-29 years (mean: 21.46 ± 1.62 years). Most were right-handed (n = 25, 89.3%), with a mean EHI score of 302 ± 210. The mean GPT time was significantly faster in the dominant (65.5 ± 6.4 s) than in the non-dominant (75.0 ± 9.6 s) hand. The NCV for the ulnar nerve of the dominant hand was significantly correlated with GPT (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) while median nerve was not correlated (0.24, p = 0.21). Regression analysis and collinearity test showed that the ulnar NCV explained 20% of the variance in GPT of the dominant hand (R2 = 0.203, p = 0.016). The ulnar nerve conduction velocity, explained 20% of the variance in GPT times of the young men. Performance on this biomarker of neurological health seems to be more influenced by other factors in healthy young individuals.

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

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

Ceramide As A Potential Tumor Marker For Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer And Its Association With Lipid Profile

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent type of malignancy cancer among men worldwide. Ceramides are fatty acid derivatives of sphingoid bases, and formed not only through the de novo biosynthetic pathway, but also from the degradation of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) and ceramide-1-phosphate. Dyslipidaemia is part of metabolic syndrome, characterized by an alteration of the plasma lipid profile, including Cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Objective Evaluate serum ceramide as tumer marker of prostate cancer and its association with lipid profile. Method This case- control study was carried out at Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad and at Urology department, Ghazi Al-Hariri Hospital for surgical speciality during the period from March 2022 to May 2023. It included 120 men patients, 60 men patients who newly diagnosed to have primary prostate cancer (PCa), and 60 men were apparently healthy men. Investigations included serum measurements of ceramide by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and also measurement of lipid profile by using semi-auto biochemistry analyzer.Results The results of the present study showed that there was a significant differences in ceramide in prostate cancer patients as compared with the control group The results also showed that the S.Cholesterol, and S.Triglyceride were higher in the patients group compared to the controls group with significant statistical difference. Conclusion. According to the results obtained we can suggest that higher levels of ceramide, Cholesterol and Triglyceride may be associated with risk of prostate cancer.

The Influence of the PERMA Model on EMP Students’ English Speaking Performance

Despite gaining great concerns in English language teaching (ELT), students’ wellbeing and the role of the Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning in life and Accomplishment (PERMA) model has not been thoroughly explored in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and especially English for Medical Purposes (EMP). In Vietnam, the PERMA model has also been understudied, especially in ELT. These gaps trigger this study to examine the increased importance of student wellbeing in academic settings, with a particular focus on English learning and speaking performance. Conducted at a university of Medicine and Pharmacy in the Mekong Delta, the mixed-methods research involved 675 students who completed a questionnaire via Google Forms and five volunteers who attended face-to-face interviews to provide triangulated data. The sampling technique and data analysis methods used in the study included the convenience sampling technique, the Descriptive analysis of the SPSS version 22, and the thematic analysis. The results show that the PERMA model has a moderate to high impact on EMP students’ speaking performance. The aspects of the PERMA model were ranked in order of influence as follows: Accomplishment, Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationship, and Meaning in life. Based on these findings, it is recommended that EMP lecturers and ELT teachers integrate this model into their teaching methods for English speaking. These findings will inform the development of PERMA-based learning activities in future EMP English speaking lessons, supporting a larger ongoing project. Recommendations for further studies and related stakeholders were also made.

Application Value of a Machine Learning Model in Predicting Mild Depression Associated with Migraine without Aura.

Aims/Background To investigate the application value of a machine learning model in predicting mild depression associated with migraine without aura (MwoA). Methods 178 patients with MwoA admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to March 2024 were selected as subjects. According to their inpatient medical records, 38 patients were selected as the validation group by random number method, and the remaining 140 patients were included in the modelling group. According to the diagnosis results, the patients in the modelling group and validation group were further divided into a MwoA with mild depression group and a MwoA without mild depression group. Results The results of univariate analysis and Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender, course of disease, attack frequency, headache duration, Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS), and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) score were independent influencing factors for mild depression in MwoA patients (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results showed that the area under the curve of the established prediction model for MwoA patients with mild depression in the modelling group and the validation group was 0.982 and 0.901, respectively, the sensitivity was 0.978 and 0.857, respectively, and the specificity was 0.892 and 0.929, respectively. Conclusion Gender, course of disease, seizure frequency, headache duration, MIDAS score, and HIT-6 score are independent influencing factors for mild depression in patients with MwoA. The model displays good performance for the prediction of mild depression in patients with MwoA.

VITAMIN D STATUS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF ADEN- YEMEN

Vitamin D deficiency is not only associated with rickets and osteomalacia, but with several chronic diseases, such as cancer, ischemic heart disease and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. Worldwide, an estimated one billion people suffer from vitamin D deficiency. One of the major reasons for the worldwide spread of this disorder has been deficient awareness about the importance of vitamin D, its benefits on health, and prevention of deficiency state across different populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female medical students regarding the importance of vitamin D and to determine its correlates among female students in Aden, Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 70 adult female students aged 19-30 years enrolled in Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Aden in the period April to October 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information for participants data such as age, place of residence (urban or rural), skin color (pigmentation) and applying of sun protection creams. Blood samples were taken to investigate serum 25-(OH)D3 level for all participants through laboratory examination using Roche Cobas e 411 Automatic Analyzer, after recruiting their sociodemographic, health and lifestyle. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were classified as normal (&gt;30 ng/ml), insufficiency (10-30 ng/ml) and deficiency (&lt;10 ng/ml). The data statistically analyzed using SPSS version 24. The mean age (SD) of participants 22.4 ± 2.01years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among all participants was 34.3% while 65.7% had vitamin D insufficiency. low concentrations of serum vitamin D is highly prevalent among female medical students. It is advisable to increase their consumption of foods rich in vitamin D. the incidence of VDD among growing girls is concerning and necessitates preventive intervention. Importantly, health strategy plan requires considerations of more promotion of safe sun exposure practice, sufficient vitamin D supplements and vitamin D fortification of foods.

The Rule of CTLA-4 +49 G/A Gene Polymorphism Association With T2DM

The existing study has been designed to consider relationship among polymorphism of CTLA-4 +49 A/G (rs231775) in patients through diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D). The training has stayed directed on adult at the subdivision of College of Medicine, AlQadisiya University throughout the period prolonged as of October, 2023 to April, 2024. Fifty patients with 50 control healthy assigned to 2 equal groups, collection blood samples with EDTA tubes. The study enrolled 50 Type 2 Diabetes patients and 50 healthy subjects, with no important variances in age, gender, or residency. Demographic appearances displayed no important alteration among the two groups. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension, were found to be highly significant between patients and control subjects. Hypertension rates were higher in patients than in control subjects, while liver disease rates were higher in patients. Heart attacks were upper in sick than in controlling issues, and hyperlipidemia rates were higher in patients. Drug types and treatment periods were not statistically significant among T2D patients and healthy control. Genomic DNA stayed removed from blood testers by means of a gSYAN DNA kit withdrawal kit and checked using a Nano drop spectrophotometer. The polymorphism of CTLA-4 +49 A/G (rs231775) displayed that the AG genotype and the A allele were more frequent in the type 2 diabetes patients compared to controls, indicating they may be risk factors for developing T2D.

Current Status and Challenges in Radiology Education at Traditional Chinese Medicine Colleges

The importance of bridging the gap between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)'s holistic approach and Western medicine's diagnostic technologies, particularly in the context of medical imaging. In this paper, we discussed the challenges faced by TCM colleges in radiology education in China include philosophical differences, resource constraints, faculty expertise variations, and language and cultural barriers. We advocate for the implementation of multifaceted strategies, such as enhancing the comprehensiveness of the syllabus, optimizing the radiology curriculum, and enriching internship experiences. These measures are designed to elevate the quality of radiology education, enhance student engagement, and improve learning outcomes within TCM colleges.

The use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of patients with chronic dorsalgia

Background. The purpose of the study is to assess the clinical effectiveness of using platelet-rich plasma for functional recovery in patients with chronic back pain. Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the clinical units of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Transport Medicine and Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University in 2020–2023. Sixty patients with chronic dorsalgia were examined. Results. During the entire course of treatment, patients who received local platelet-rich plasma therapy did not experience any adverse reactions or intolerance, did not require adjustment or change of treatment regimen. After 2 weeks of therapy, compared to the initial level, a significant decrease in the severity of the pain syndrome according to the visual analog scale was found, by 2.1 ± 0.2 points in the main group and by 1.5 ± 0.3 points in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions. After the treatment, the functional capabilities of patients in the main group improved significantly — Neck Disability Index decreased from 51.9 ± 2.2 % to 34.5 ± 1.3 % in the main group and from 53.3 ± 2.4 % to 45.8 ± 2.4 % in the controls, and Oswestry Disability Index — from 68.8 ± 2.3 % to 49.6 ± 1.8 % and from 66.7 ± 2.6 % to 55.8 ± 1.6 % (p &lt; 0.05), respectively.

Pulse transmission time and amplitude of digital pulse wave determined by fingertip plethysmography as a surrogate marker of brachial artery flowmediated dilatation.

To assess the changes in blood vessel stiffness and digital pulse wave amplitude because of flowmediated dilatation, and to explore how these two variables change when endothelial dysfunction is experimentally induced. The experimental study was conducted at the departments of physiology at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, and the College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq, from October 14, 2021, to May 31, 2022, and comprised healthy young males who were subjected to the flow-mediated dilatation technique on the left brachial artery. Pulse transit time and the amplitude of the digital pulse wave were measured during reactive hyperaemia for 2.5 minutes from the left middle finger using a piezoelectric pressure sensor and a simultaneous Lead I electrocardiogram. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was induced by oscillatory and retrograde shear rates. The correlation between variables was calculated in Excel running on the Windows operating system. There were 10 second-year medical students with mean age 22±0 years and mean body mass index 25.7±4.8kg/m2. During reactive hyperaemia, pulse transit time was significantly increased by 3-5% in both normal endothelium and experimentally induced endothelial dysfunction relative to the pre-occluded artery, and the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Digital pulse wave amplitude increased significantly in normal endothelium relative to the pre-occluded artery (p<0.05), but not in experimentally-induced endothelial dysfunction (p>0.05). The pulse transit time and digital pulse wave amplitudes of the photo plethysmography signal may be used to detect changes in vessel wall diameter and tone throughout the reactive hyperaemia process. Digital pulse wave amplitude was better able to detect experimentally-induced endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by the flowmediated dilatation protocol, than pulse transit time.

Melasma removal using Q-Switched Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet laser toning and high-intensity focussed ultrasound.

To evaluate the effectiveness of combining high-intensity focussed ultrasound and a Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet 1064nm low-fluence toning laser in the treatment of melasma. The experimental study was conducted from November 2020 to August 2021 at the medical physics laboratory, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised individuals of either gender aged >25 years having mixed form melasma in malar and forehead areas. Each participant received high-intensity focussed ultrasound treatment on the right side. After 2 weeks, Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet 1064nm low-fluence toning laser was applied to the melasma patches 4 times at one-week intervals. Melasma area and severity index scores were noted at baseline and at each visit for each patient. Visual analogue scale was used for objective evaluation. After the 4 laser sessions, all the patients completed a 3-month follow-up. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 25 subjects, 15(60%) were females and 10(40%) were males. The overall mean age was 41.6±8.46 years (range: 22-60 years). There was a significant improvement with high-intensity focussed ultrasound (p<0.05). In the 3rd laser session, there was a significant difference in melasma area and severity index score of 2.48 for the right side and 3.12 for the left side (p<0.05). In the 4th session, there was a significant difference in melasma area and severity index score of 1.68 for the right side and 2 for the left side (p<0.05). No post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or rebound was noted. High-intensity focussed ultrasound combined with toning laser was more effective than Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet 1064nm low-fluence laser alone in removing difficult melasma from the malar area in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th sessions, and from the forehead in the 3d and 4th sessions.

Evaluation of concurrent use of Vitamin C and Niclosamide against methotrexate-induced liver injury in mice.

To examine the effect of using vitamin C and niclosamide together on liver damage caused by methotrexate. The study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department and the Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetics Research, College of Medicine, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2020 to July 2021, and comprised albino mice who were randomly assigned to 5 groups. Group 1 comprised controls, groups 2 to 5 was received methotrexate, niclosamide 70mg/kg/day, vitamin C 100mg/kg/day, and a combination of niclosamide and vitamin C, respectively. Mice in groups 3, 4 and 5 also received an intraperitoneal injection of methotrexate 20mg/kg to induce hepatotoxicity. After 48 hours of the injection, the mice were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Cardiac blood samples were drawn for biochemical examination. The liver, after being washed, was divided into two parts; one part was taken for histological examination, and the other was preserved in formalin 10% for histopathological analyses. Data was analysed using SPSS 16. Of the 35 mice, there were 7(20%) in each of the 5 groups. The overall age ranged between 9-12 weeks and weight between 18-38gm. The results show significant hepatoprotection ( p-value <0.05) produced by both niclosamide and Vitamin C separately, reflected by a decrease in ALP, ALT, and LDH, while the combination of (niclosamide and Vitamin C) showed no additive effect (p>0.05) on enhancement of liver function. Niclosamide alone was found to be superior than in combination with vitamin C for treating methotrexate-induced liver damage.

The value of concomitant testing of cutaneous silent period with sympathetic skin response and heart rate variability in Type-2 diabetes patients: An electrophysiological study.

To explore the association among cutaneous silent period, sympathetic skin response and heart rate variability in diabetes patients. The case-control study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Al- Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 1, 2020, to May 20, 2021, and comprised 24 healthy controls in Group I and 49 patients of type 2 diabetes in Group II who were recruited from the neuroelectrophysiological unit of Al-Imamain Al-Kadhmean Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. Both groups were subjected to cutaneous silent period, sympathetic skin response and heart rate variability testing. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 73 subjects, 24(32.9%) were in Group I and 49(67.1%) were in Group II. Cutaneous silent period mean latency values were significantly increased in Group II compared to Group I (p<0.05), and a negative sympathetic skin response in the right lower limb was significantly different between the groups (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between Cutaneous silent period and sympathetic skin response values (p>0.05). Heart rate variability was significantly increased in diabetic patients with negative sympathetic skin response compared to those with positive sympathetic skin response (p<0.05). Simultaneous measurement of cutaneous silent period, sympathetic skin response and heart rate variability should be done as there were no strong correlation among the tests in diabetic patients.

Effect of body fat on temporal dispersion of ventricular repolarization duration assessed by QT variability index in healthy females.

To assess the impact of age as well general and central adiposity indices on QT variability index. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from September 2020 to April 2021, and comprised healthy adult females having regular menstrual cycle. QT variability index and its association with age, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-height ratio were worked out. Data was analysed using SPSS 14. There were 55 women with mean age 37.4±10.5 years. QT variability index correlated significantly and positively with age, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-height ratio (p<0.05). Aging and obesity increased QT variability index, and could contribute to ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Histological assessment of the effect of 50mW red laser on retina at variable time intervals: animal model.

To assess the histopathological effect of 50milliWatt red laser pointer on mice retinal tissue at variable exposure times. The experimental study was conducted in the Postgraduate Laboratory of the Unit of Medical Physics, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2020 to April 2021, and comprised albino mice. Histopathological effects on the retinal tissues were evaluated microscopically using conventional haematoxylin and eosin stain just after being exposed to commercially available 50 milliWatt red laser pointers with 630nm wavelength at 1, 2 and 3 minutes, grouped as R1, R2 and R3, respectively. The laser beam was focussed on the right eye of the mice sedated with sodium pentobarbital, reserving the left eye for use as a control group. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 12 mice, 4(33.3%) were in each of the 3 groups. There was significantly destructive effect of red laser on retinal outer cellular layers in all the groups compared to the controls (p<0.05). The effect was significant between R1 and R2 (p=0.0001), and between R2 and R3 (p=0.02). The handheld commercial red laser pointers could harmfully affect a wide range of mice retina and choroid.

Determination of Serum Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a tumour Marker in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).

To evaluate the efficacy of serum myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase levels as tumour markers in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients after one-year treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The case-control study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, in collaboration with the National Centre of Haematology, Baghdad, from December 2019 to April 2020. The cases comprised chronic myeloid leukaemia patients aged ≥18 years who had completed one-year treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor. They were divided into two groups on the basis of major molecular response. Group 1 patients had major molecular response >0.1%, while group 2 patients had major molecular response <0.1%. Group 3 had healthy controls matched for age and gender. Serum myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 88 subjects, 32(36.4%) were in group A with mean age 44.9±12.6 years, 26(29.5%) were in group B with mean age 48.23±10.6 years, and 30(34%) were in group C with mean age 43.1±9.3 years. There was a significant increase in myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase levels in patient groups compared group 3 controls (p<0.05). Between the patient groups 1 and 2, the difference was significant for myeloperoxidase (p<0.05), but not for lactate dehydrogenase (p>0.05). There was higher oxidative stress in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients.

Simultaneous determination and association between serum levels of irisin and chemerin in PCOS.

To determine the serum levels of irisin, chemerin and insulin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and to compare their levels with respect to bodyweight and body mass index. The case-control study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Chemistry, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from December 2020 to February 2022, and comprised healthy controls in group I who were matched for bodyweight and body mass index with polycystic ovary syndrome women in group II. Subjects and cases were inducted using purposive sampling technique Subgroups were also formed on the basis of normal body mass index, and overweight-obese status. Serum irisin, chemerin, insulin and free testosterone levels, anthropometric measurements, lipid profile as well as hormonal and biochemical parameters were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 88 subjects, 32(36.4%) were in group I with mean age 25.1±4.7 years, and 56(63.6%) in group II with mean age 25.0±6.3 years (p>0.05). Both the groups were divided into two equal subgroups A and B. Group II had significantly higher mean body mass index (p=0.007) and adult body fat (p=0.018). Group II women had significantly high fasting serum insulin levels (p<0.001) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance values (p<0.001). Serum irisin had significant positive correlation with serum chemerin (p=0.014) in group II. Serum free testosterone, irisin and chemerin were significantly higher (p<0.001) in group II compared to group I except for chemerin which showed no significant differences among women with normal body mass index (p=0.071). Serum levels of irisin and chemerin could serve as biomarkers of polycystic ovary syndrome.

The efficacy of combined Intense pulsed light plus high-intensity focussed ultrasound with two different powers in the treatment of atrophic and Icepick acne scars.

To determine the clinical efficacy and suitable power of high-intensity focussed ultrasound combined with intense pulsed light to treat acne scarring. The prospective study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, from September 2020 to March 2021, and comprised patients of either gender with atrophic or icepick scars. They were divided into atrophic scar group A and icepick scar group B. Both groups were first treated with intense pulsed light and then with high-intensity focussed ultrasound using 30J/cm2 and 40J/cm2 power. There were overall 4 sessions with an interval of 4 weeks. The outcome was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 22 patients with a mean age of 20.86±3.22 years, there were 11patients in group A; 7(70%) females and 4(30%) males with a mean age of 20.5±2.06 years. There were 11patients in group B; 7(70%) males and 4(30%) females with a mean age of 21.27±4.19 years. There was a significant difference between baseline and postintervention scores for both groups (p<0.05), and power 30J/cm2 was significantly better compared to 40J/cm2 (p<0.05). The developing technique using high-intensity focussed ultrasound and intense pulsed light was found to be effective in treating scars with 30J/cm2 power.

Assessment of neonatal glycaemic status and comorbidities in infants of diabetic mothers admitted to the neonatal care unit of Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for maternity and childhood, Iraq.

To assess neonatal and maternal characteristics, glycaemic status and comorbidities in the neonates of diabetic mothers. The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Mustansiriyah, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised healthy women. Samples were raised by simple random technique. Digital pulse waves were captured using a fingertip pulse wave transducer. Lab Chart Pro version 7.2 was used to automatically detect and quantify the amplitude of A, B, C, D and E waves expressed by the second derivative. QT interval of each beat was recorded by electrocardiogram, and was calculated automatically via Lab chart Pro version 7.2 without averaging. Data was spread out on Microsoft Office Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 26. Among the 70 mothers, aged between 18 to 44 years, gestational diabetes was the commonest type 52(74.3%), and, among the 70 neonates, 52(74.3%) developed mild hypoglycaemia, 12(17.1%) hypocalcaemia, 26(37.1%) congenital heart disease, 50(71.4%) respiratory distress syndrome, 24(34.3%) hyperbilirubinaemia, 2(2.9%) congenital anomalies, 6(8.6%) prematurity, and 4(5.7%) developed birth asphyxia. Prematurity, female gender and low birthweight were significantly associated with hypoglycaemia (p<0.05). No significant differences were detected in terms of neonatal complications between pregestational and gestational diabetic mothers (p>0.05). Diabetic pregnancies were linked to a higher risk of neonatal complications.

A comparison study of 589 and 650 nm on improving stored whole blood stability by irradiation with a low-power diode pumping solid-state laser.

To assess the effects of diode-pumped solid-state laser irradiation with 589nm and 650nm wavelengths on the stability of stored red blood cells in vitro. This is an intervention study that was conducted from April to July 2021 at the Physiology and Medical Physics Laboratory, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised samples of healthy, adult human blood that were put in tubes with citrate-phosphate dextrose-adenine as an anticoagulant. The blood sample was divided into eight equal aliquots and stored for 21 days at 4ºC. The stability test was done on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of storage time for non-irradiated and radiated aliquots. For 15 minutes, the irradiated aliquots were subjected to a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a wavelength of 589nm or a laser with a wavelength of 650nm at frequencies of 30, 50 and 70 J/cm². Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Exposure of the whole blood to 589nm and a radiation dose of 70J/cm², 50J/cm² and 30J/cm² was associated with a significant reduction in the percentage of haemolysis that ranged 23-42% throughout the whole storage time. Exposure of the whole blood to 650nm wavelength low-level laser therapy and a radiation dose of 70J/cm², 50J/cm² and 30J/cm² was associated with much less reduction in the percentage of haemolysis that ranged 5-9% throughout the whole storage time. Both 589nm and to some extent 650nm low-level laser irradiation generally reduced haemolysis. The wavelength of 589nm lasers had a more effective influence than the 650nm counterpart in improving the stored red blood cells.