KUFA MEDICAL JOURNAL

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages; occur due to the genetic exchange or mutation within the fragile X gene or other environmental factors. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) child has frequently experience behavioral and physiological symptoms. Objective: The goal of this study was to measure serum vitamin D and ionized calcium level among children with ASD. Methods: This is case control study conducted in Al-Sharif Comprehensive Center for Special Needs in Wad Medani, Gezira State, Sudan from May to August 2017. Eighty individuals were included forty were ASD as cases group and forty healthy-matched children as control group. Blood sample were collected and serum ionized calcium level was measured by using (Cobas 9180)electrolyte analyzer also serum vitamin D was measured, as 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Cobas e411 Analyzer both automated analyzer were from (Roche Diagnostics Roche Diagnostics Corporation 9115 Hague RdIndianapolis, IN 46256USA) that utilizes Elecsys reagent kits. Data were collected through designed questionnaire and performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The average of serum vitamin D level (ng/ml) among ASD children was decreased when compared with healthy control (29.4 ±11.3) via (36.8 ± 5.9) with significant differences (p value = 0.001).On the other hand, result showed significant decreased in serum ionized calcium level (mg/dl) of ADS patients (4.06 ± 0.46) when compared with control group (4.56 ± 0.53) with (P. Value = 0.000). Measuring ionized calcium and vitamin D routinely in ASD children, in additional to giving vitamin D and calcium as nutritional supplement for ASD and pregnant women highly recommended.
Conclusions: Autism Spectrum Disorder children had a decreased serum ionized calcium and vitamin D.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effect of a psycho-educational program on reducing social stigma among parents of children with epilepsy. The research was conducted on two groups (intervention and control), each consisting of 50 participants from the Psychiatric Diseases Center at Al-Hakim General Hospital in Najaf, Iraq. Three assessment tools were used to measure the level of social stigma before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant decrease in social stigma levels among the intervention group who received the psychological program, compared to the control group who received no intervention. It is concluded that psycho-educational programs effectively contribute to improving the psychological and social well-being of parents of children with epilepsy.

Background: Dermoscope is a non-invasive innovation in the field of dermatology. It emerged as an aid in the diagnosis of cutaneous malignant tumors like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, and pre-malignant conditions like actinic keratosis. In the last years, the utility of the dermoscope had extended beyond the established boundaries. It may also act as a supportive tool for the examination of nail changes associated with various dermatological conditions. Aim of the study: This study was planned to evaluate the dermoscopic findings in psoriatic finger nail and to compare them with clinical findings and determine the relationship with disease severity. Patients and methods: Forty-four patients were included in this study; demographic data, including the name, age, gender, duration of the disease, other current medical illnesses or systemic medication, as well as the type of psoriasis, were recorded. Disease severity was determined according to PASI score. Patients’ finger nails thoroughly cleaned with spirit to remove debris, dirt or external applications. Then were examined by naked eyes and dermoscopically. Nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI) scores were calculated both clinically and dermoscopically, both specific and non-specific findings of nail psoriasis were recorded. Results: The most common clinical and dermoscopical finding was pitting (77.27%, 86.36% respectively), there was no statistically significant difference between clinical and dermoscopical NAPSI (p=0.45). There was positive correlation between PASI and NAPSI scores both clinically (r=0.458, p<0.001) and dermoscopically (r=0.421, p<0.002). Oil spots and splinter hemorrhages were seen more frequently with the dermoscopy (p=0.031, p<0.001 respectively). Oil spots was found more frequently during Onychoscopic examination of patients with severe cutaneous disease (PASI>10). Two novel Onychoscopic findings were described for the first time during this study. Conclusion: Nail dermoscopy should be considered as a preferable method in examining a patient with nail psoriasis, and as a supportive and non-invasive procedure in cases of isolated nail involvement where clinical diagnosis of nail psoriasis is suspicious.

Background and objectives: Lysosomal storage diseases are a set of single-gene disorders that is
attributed to insufficient certain lysosomal hydrolase activity or non-enzymatic proteins vital for
typical lysosomal functions. Imperfect lysosomal performance will result in cellular malfunction,
sequentially multiple organ impairment and evolution of clinical characteristics. Our study
worked towards evaluating the types and molecular analysis of lysosomal storage diseases in the
Kurdistan region. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study concerned 243 patients with
suspicion of lysosomal storage diseases. As stated by the clinical properties, a specific enzyme
activity was tested as the first step in laboratory evaluation. Ultimately, patients with diminished
enzyme activity status were further assessed via genomic analysis to prove a conclusive diagnosis
of lysosomal storage diseases. Results: The age group (5-9) years was reported in (22.6%) of
cases. Mucopolysaccharidosis was recounted in (40.8%) of lysosomal storage disease cases.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type-6- was observed in (51.6%) of subtypes of mucopolysaccharidosis.
Infantile-onset type was noted in (88.5%) of Pompe disease cases. The genetic structure
“c.864dupt” was remarked in (40.0%) of Fabry cases. Conclusion: The premier lysosomal
storage disease was mucopolysaccharidosis, followed by Gaucher disease.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI had the highest ranking among all subtypes of
mucopolysaccharidosis.

Background: Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital heart defects in children, with
secundum ASD being the most prevalent. While surgery was once the main treatment, catheter-based
closure now offers a less invasive alternative. Treatment choice depends on factors such as the child’s
age, defect size and location, and overall health. The aim of the study: is to identify the optimal ASD
closure strategy in children by comparing the effectiveness and complication rates of surgical and
transcatheter closure approaches Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 114 children (ages 2–
20) with ASD who underwent surgical or transcatheter closure at Sulaymaniyah Cardiac Hospital and
Anwar Sheikha Medical City between 2007 and 2023. Transthoracic echocardiography guided
diagnosis and follow-up. Outcomes assessed included procedural success, complications, mortality,
hospital stay, recovery time, recurrence, and reintervention. Results: This study included 114 children
with a median age of 5 years; ASD was more common in females, particularly with larger defects.
Most patients were from Sulaymaniyah, and over half had large ASDs. Treatments included
transcatheter closure and surgery. The majority had no postoperative complications, though
complication rates were slightly higher after surgery. Treatment selection depended on defect size,
with larger ASDs typically managed surgically. Surgery was mainly performed in public hospitals,
offering lower costs but potentially longer wait times. Conclusion: Surgical ASD closure was
associated with higher costs and more complications than transcatheter closure. Larger defects were
more often treated surgically, highlighting the need for personalized treatment based on defect size,
patient factors, and resource availability.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the compliance level with the wear of contact lens in a
sample of students in Iraq. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire1 was used to collect data
from the designated respondents group. The questionnaire consisted of 34 questions that cover 5
main subjects, these are: general information, usage, care, hygiene and storage. Results: There
were 400 students that participated in the study. Of the study population 36 (9.0 %) were males
and 364 (91 %) were females. The average age of the research participants was 22.8 (± 3.7). The
study population had a high compliance rate of 31.25 % on 5 behaviours, these are: not sleep
while wearing, not showering while wearing, not using saliva to clear, removing when eye gets
red and not sharing lens case with friends. Moderate level of compliance rate was 56.25 % and
reported in the following aspects: not sharing between users, not overuse solution after its expiry,
not using water to clean, clean lens after its removal, adherence to instruction of cleaning,
soaking more than 4 hours a night, checking for damage and hand washing before using.
However, low levels of compliance rate were 12.5 % and reported in: not rubbing lens with
fingers and cleaning and rinsing lens case. Conclusion: Participants indicated high to moderate
compliance. It is advised, however, that improved strategies be used in order to further raise
levels of compliance among Iraqi university students who wear contact lenses. Even though this
study focuses on university students who use contact lenses, a larger sample of contact lens
wearers from the general lay population is suggested to be investigated in future.

By using a longitudinal panel data approach, this study assesses how task-shifting affects
maternal, infant, and child health outcomes in underdeveloped Nigeria. An analysis was done of
data from administrative health records, national health surveys, and reports from the Federal
Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WHO. By means of a difference-in-differences (DiD)
econometric technique, the study aims to estimate the impact of task-shifting by analyzing health
results before and after implementation in institutions with and without the intervention. Key
dependent variables are maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, under-five mortality rate,
and immunization coverage. Independent variables include the degree of training given, the
number of non-physician health care providers, and the status of task-shifting implementation.
Regional fixed effects, facility characteristics, and socioeconomic variables are among the control
variables. In facilities where task-shifting was applied, the outcomes show a statistically
significant decrease in maternal and child death rates as well as an increase in immunization
coverage. The validity of the results is confirmed by robustness checks including placebo tests and
sensitivity analyses. Task-shifting is shown in the research to be a successful tactic for bettering
health results in rural areas with limited resources. It recommends policies to strengthen training
and support for non-physician healthcare workers and urges more widespread adoption of taskshifting
initiatives to more effectively improve maternal and child health.

Background: The nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal, and paranasal areas are affected by several non -neoplastic and
neoplastic disorders. Determining whether the lesion is neoplastic or non-neoplastic is challenging. Therefore,
histopathological analysis is crucial for both the pathologists and surgeons. Objective: This research aimed to assess
the pathological analysis of the diseases occurring in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharyngeal area
according to their frequency, age, sex, and distribution by site Methods: The current study with cross-sectional
design was performed in the histopathological department of Shahid Ghazi Al-Harery Teaching Surgical Hospital in
Baghdad Medical City over a three-year period from December 2021 to December 2024. Tissue samples were
collected and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. The material was processed as routine. Five-micron-thick
sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Among 299 patients, 96 were females and 203
were males. The majority of the affected age group in this study was from the 2nd decade to the 4th decade. Among
299 cases; 169 were non-neoplastic lesion cases and 130 neoplastic lesion cases of which 60 were benign and 70
were malignant. Out of 169 cases of inflammatory and non-neoplastic lesions, inflammatory nasal polyp (81 cases)
was the most common lesion. Out of 60 benign neoplastic cases, sinonasal papilloma (24 cases) was the most
common benign neoplastic lesion. Out of 70 malignant cases, nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the commonest
histopathological type, constituting 35 cases. Conclusion: Since the majority of nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, and
nasopharyngeal lesions can appear as polyp-like lesions; a histopathological analysis of these lesions can assist
surgeons in diagnosing a condition and choosing the best course of therapy for the patient.

Aim: to assess role of Red Blood cell Distribution Width as predictive factor in Hodgkin lymphoma. Patient,
material, methods: the study to assess Iraqi patient including male and female with Hodgkin lymphoma age
between (16-55 years) by compare RDW level at time of diagnosis then after 2 cycle and lastly at the end of
chemotherapy. We enrolled in this study for period from Dec.2021 to Dec.2022 in Baghdad medical city. All patient
included was send for full laboratory evaluation before beginning and during follow up. Result: The mean age
of the patients was 30.49±11.24 years (range 16-55 years). Males were more common than females (56%
vs. 44%). The most common disease stage was IIB stage accounting for 42%, followed by IVB stage
(36%) and IIIB stage (24%). B-symptoms present in 82% of the patients, while bulky disease (>10cm)
was reported in 18% of them .The mean RDW-SD in patients with complete response at diagnosis and
after two cycles therapy was 48.02±9.66 fl and 51.17±9.8 fl, respectively which was much higher than
that of patients with progressive disease/partial response (28.83±10.23 fl and 43.03±11.37 fl,
respectively) with significant differences. Furthermore, patients with complete response demonstrated
higher mean value of RDW-CV and RDW-SD at the end of treatment (17.66±3.5% and 52.0±6.6 fl,
respectively) than those with progressive disease/partial response (14.67±2.45% and 36.87±12.71 fl),
with highly significant differences Conclusion: High RDW CV and SD showed no significant association
with high disease activity. Higher RDW showed significant association with anemia and low albumin.
patients with complete response demonstrated higher mean value of RDW-CV and RDW-SD at the end
of treatment than those with progressive disease/partial response with highly significant differences.
RDW showed no significant correlation of these parameters neither with age nor with the disease stage

Background: Accurate measurement of blood pressure is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment
of cardiovascular diseases. Automatic non-invasive blood pressure devices are now widely used
for the measurement of blood pressure of patients at home and even by the doctors in emergency
room in Iraq due to their ease of use. However, the accuracy of these devices had been a matter of
debate. Aim of the study: Our study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the automated wrist and
upper arm devices in blood pressure measurement. Methods: The study was a cross sectional
study involved 75 patients who were undergoing cardiac catheterization. Blood pressure was
measured using two types of automated devices, Rossmax upper arm and wrist devices. Their
readings were compared simultaneously with the readings of an intra-arterial catheter to assess
their accuracy. Results: The automated upper arm device measured a significantly higher value
(p<0.05) of diastolic and mean arterial pressures than those measured by intra-arterial catheter
with means of differences of 6.79 mmHg and 6.57 mmHg respectively. While the systolic blood
pressure was not significantly different (p>0.05) from those measured by intra-arterial catheter.
The automated wrist device measured a significantly higher value (p<0.05) of systolic, diastolic
and mean arterial pressures than those measured by intra-arterial catheter with means of
differences of 11.32 mmHg, 18.30 mmHg and 15.98 mmHg, respectively. Both devices exhibited
good reproducibility. Conclusion: Rossmax upper arm and wrist devices overestimate blood
pressure. They are inaccurate and should not be relied upon for critically ill patients and in the
emergency room.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a typical autoimmune illness distinguished by the development of many autoantibodies against various cellular components. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a powerful proinflammatory cytokine that has a key role in host immunological defense, tissue healing, and the etiology of inflammatory diseases. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the significant role of IL-17 in SLE patients and compare its level between SLE patients and healthy controls. Methods: 126 participants were enrolled, including SLE patients with ages 10 to 60) years assembled from Merjan Teaching Hospital and AL-qassim general hospital during the period from 1 August 2024 to 31 January 2025. and matched healthy controls. Demographic data and IL-17 levels were collected and analyzed using appropriate non-parametric statistical tests to identify significant differences between groups. The concentrations of IL-17 were assessed using a sandwich (ELISA) test and a standard arc. The results were as follows, as stated by the enterprise (SUNLONG). This kit has been pre-coated with an antibody specific to IL-17. Results: Consistent with previous reports, the majority of SLE patients were female (96.8%) and primarily in the 21–40-year age range. While the sex distribution was similar between SLE cases and controls, a significant difference in age distribution was observed (p = 0.027). IL-17 levels (90.30) pg/ml are significantly higher in SLE patients compared to controls (36.70) pg/ml (p < 0.001), suggesting a foundation for future therapeutic strategies targeting this cytokine. The results was obtained by the chi-squared test. Appropriate analytical software (IBM SPSS V26) was used to show the descriptive analysis and statistics Implications: Further investigations should explore the synergistic effects of IL-17 with other inflammatory cytokines, particularly in lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric SLE. Since the study suggests that IL-17 expression correlates with organ involvement, targeted therapies could be tailored to patients exhibiting IL-17-driven inflammation. Additional materials: the research was approved by the local Department of Ministry of Health, Babylon Health Directorate committee:1542. Conclusion: research demonstrates a strong association between IL-17 and lupus nephritis and its contribution to neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE. IL-17 is a possible biomarker for disease severity, emphasizing its involvement in chronic inflammation mediated by T-helper 17 (Th17) cells. By elucidating the inflammatory pathways driven by IL-17, this study advances the body of scientific knowledge on SLE pathophysiology and provides a foundation for future therapeutic strategies targeting this cytokine.

Background: Asthma is a long-term respiratory disease that results in signs including coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath due to inflammation and airway narrowing. Th2 cells, a subtype of T helper cells, are particularly attracted to the inflammatory region by novel asthma biomarkers, consisting of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17, which functions as an indicator of the severity of illnesses and the treatment's efficacy. Objective: This study assesses the association between serum concentration of (TARC)/CCL17 and asthma severity in adult patients. Patients and methods: Respiratory physicians diagnose Asthmatic patients based on the Global Initiative for Asthmatic Patients (GINA)guideline. Classified patients with asthma, according to GINA guidelines, the asthma control test (ACT), and serum biomarkers (TARC) are evaluated using an ELISA kit. Of the 140 participants, ranging in age from 18 to there were 70 cases and 70 controls in this case-control study were matched in age, and six to six cases. Result: Higher serum levels of TARC in the case, but no statistically significant p-values (0.528). Considering the correlation between study indicators' serum levels along with ACT, GINA, and duration, p-value>0.05, these differences were not statistically significant. Patients with a family history of asthma appeared to be significant in asthmatic individuals. Conclusion: There are differences between the patients and control groups, but no significant apparent differences. Significant variations were not found in correlation with GINA, ACT, or asthma duration, while significant with family history, indicating the biomarker is not correlated with the severity and control of asthma.

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, characterized with a lifelong adverse reaction to eating gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is a multifaceted pro inflammatory cytokine essential for vital functions such as host immunological defense, tissue healing, and the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Aims: This study aimed to characterize the demographic and clinical profiles of CD patients and compare IL-17A levels between CD patients and healthy controls. Subjects and Methods: This case- control study enrolled 80 patients aged 4 -55 years diagnosed with CD from three hospitals: Imam Hassan Al- Mujtaba Hospital, Pediatric Teaching Hospital and Imam Al-Hussein Medical City Hospital, in Karbala, Iraq from September 2024 to (31st) January 2025 and matched with 48 of apparently healthy controls. The ELISA test was applied for determining serum concentrations of anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG), including IgA and IgG, anti- gliadin antibodies (AGA) including IgA and IgG and IL-17A in both patients and control groups. The data were collected and analyzed using appropriate non-parametric statistical tests to identify significant differences between groups . Results, the study showed that serum IL17A levels were higher in CD patients compared to healthy control, but the difference was non-significant (P= 0.230). Among CD patients, serum IL-17A levels were significantly higher in the anti-tTG IgA-negative group compared to the positive group (P = 0.002). Additionally, IL-17A levels were significantly elevated in patients with a disease duration of more than one year and in those adhering to a gluten-free diet. Conclusion: The results indicate that IL-17A may have a role in the inflammatory mechanisms associated with celiac disease, especially in those with prolonged disease duration. Further investigations should explore the synergistic effects of IL-17 with other inflammatory cytokines considering factors like disease duration and diet.

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. This condition occurs due to the destruction or dysfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, pigment that gives skin its color. Purpose: To assess and compare the serum levels of interleukin-2 and vitamin D3 between patients with vitiligo and healthy individuals, in order to investigate their potential role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Method: Case-control study was conducted on 120 subjects, divided into two groups: the patient group included 60 individuals diagnosed with vitiligo, and the control group consisted of 60 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected from all participants after obtaining verbal consent. Serum level of interlukin-2 and vitamin D3 was measured using ELISA (Bet Lab/China). Results: In this study) I found that the mean level of interleukin-2 was significantly higher in vitiligo patient (0.66044±0.039136) compared to healthy controls (0.96919±0.125146) with a statistically significant difference (P- value =0.020) However the two clinical types of vitiligo the clinical types of vitiligo (localized and generalized), no statistically significant difference was observed. The mean level in localized vitiligo was (0.56941±0.032243) and in generalized vitiligo was (0.72113± 0.059873) (P-value =0.057), also This study, according linear scatter plot showed no statistically significant relationship between the duration of vitiligo and the level of IL-2. Vitamin D3 levels no statistically significantly between patients of vitiligo compared to controls, the mean levels (0.85717±0.041315) for patients with vitiligo, while the control (1.01195±0.115793), was (p-value= 0.211). Statistically significant difference was found between localized (075233±0.042477) and generalized (0.92706±0.060467) types of vitiligo (p-value =0.037). Conclusion: The study showed a significant increase in interleukin–2 levels among patients with vitiligo compared to healthy individuals, suggesting a possible role of this cytokine in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. However, IL-2 levels did not significantly differ between localized and generalized types of vitiligo, which may indicate that IL-2 is more related to disease onset rather than its clinical distribution.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition distinguished by inflammation and the rapid proliferation of skin cells, leading to scaly, red patches. Methods: A case-control study was executed on 110 individuals, the patient’s group, which included 60 psoriatic patients with a mean age of (37.23 ± 8.26) years old, and 50 volunteers without psoriasis were control group, with a mean age of (35.32 ± 7.53) years old. Study was implemented at Merjan Teaching Hospital in Hilla City, Babylon Province. The data were collected from October 2024 to January 2025.Blood specimens were obtained from all research participants after acquiring verbal permission. ELISA measured the concentration of LL-37 in serum from (Bioassay Technology Laboratory Co/ China). Results: the mean levels of LL-37 were significantly elevated in psoriasis individuals compared to that of control subjects (p=0.001). Also, the mean levels of LL-37 were significantly associated with psoriatic severity (p=0.026). In contrast, the mean levels of LL-37 were non-significantly associated with complications. Conclusion: Serum level of LL-37 was significantly elevated in psoriasis patients and significantly associated with the severity; therefore, it could be used as a predictor of psoriasis progression and severity.

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a persistent autoimmune disorder stimulated by gluten consumption in genetically susceptible people. Several studies have focused on the importance of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the development of CD. MCP-1 is a chemokine that has a crucial effect in attracting monocytes, dendritic cells, and memory T-cells to the inflammation site. In CD, elevated MCP-1 levels have been detected in the intestinal mucosa, contributing to immune cell infiltration and tissue damage. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 has been linked to the amplification of inflammatory responses, promoting cytokine production and perpetuating mucosal injury. Methods This is a case control study, comprised 128 participants, divided into 64 cases with celiac disease apparently and 64 healthy individuals. The study was conducted at Al-Husainyah Hospital, Al-Hassan Al-Mojtaba Hospital, and Imam Al-Husain Medical City. After taken the consent, all participants in this study donated a five mL of venous blood, which was then deposited in 6 mL gel tubes. Then, this blood is centrifuged for ten minutes at 3000 rpm. By the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we estimated the serum level of MCP-1. The Patient's information was collected using questionnaires. People with concurrent other immunological or GIT problems were eliminated from the present study. Results: The findings of the current study indicated elevated levels of serum MCP-1 in celiac disease patients compared to the control group, Also, patients who following a diet have lower levels of MCP-1. The males group has higher levels of MCP-1 than the Females group. Conclusion: The current study results showed that, the serum level of MCP-1 is increased among patients’ group of CD more than controls, Also, greater levels of MCP-1 are showed in males more than in females. Patients who do not follow a strict diet free from gluten possess more levels of MCP-1 than treated patients.

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Certain populations have identified the TCF7L2 gene, particularly the rs7903146 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), as a major genetic risk factor. In this study, we aim to investigate the impact of the TCF7L2 rs7903146 polymorphism on T2DM in Middle Euphrates region of Iraq. Methods: A case-control study design was conducted with 300 total participants, 150 T2DM patients and 150 healthy controls. Genotypic data was collected using tetra-primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) and biochemical parameters included fasting blood glucose, serum insulin levels, lipid profiles, and HbA1c. Statistical Analysis incorporated Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium, logistic regression, Bayesian statistics, and Bayesian analysis. Results: In our research, it seems that the rs7903146 SNP had no impact on the risk of developing T2DM in the participants. There was no significant difference in the T-Allele frequency of the polymorphism where case T2DM patients and controls T2DM (23 % vs. controls 20 %, p = 0.45). There were no significant differences on the studied diabetic and control groups regarding the allelic and genotypic distributions under all genetic models. Moreover, no significant difference in insulin resistance or lipid metabolic profiles was observed among the different genotypes of rs7903146, indicating that this SNP polymorphism may have limited impact on this local population. Conclusion: The information obtained about the middle Euphrates people suggests that rs7903146 polymorphism within TCF7L2 gene is not one of the main candidates factors for the development of T2DM and its associated disorders in this population. The results emphasize the need to focus on specific features of the population of the patients being studied, including the genetic and environmental factors when investigate T2DM.

Background Preterm neonates are the most critical cause of death in infants, Kangaroo Mother Care is an important early distinctive care with the least expensive piece of equipment to permit the health and well-being of infants born, by holding neonates on the mother's naked chest with skin-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding involved with early home discharge. WHO recommended KMC for all neonates, especially preterm. Methods: A prospective cohort, observational design study of preterm infants, the study included a sample of 100 neonates (50 of them subjected to kangaroo groups, the remaining 50 were control group) delivered in AL-Zahraa teaching hospital with birth weight of less than 2000gm and gestational age of 28–35 weeks of both group, Consecutive sample was used to collect the data, all mothers of preterm babies were involved and interviewed with a predesigned questionnaire to take information about her and the neonates, after discharge home each preterm neonates were followed-up for six months age, comparison have been occurred between preterm admitted to kangaroo mother care unit and preterm neonates who didn’t admit. Result: KMC infants as opposed to control group demonstrated Weight gain by (90%) RR 1.55(95%CI 1.2-1.99). and (90%) length increment RR 2.50(95%CI 1.7-3.5), (100%) exclusively breast fed, infant's developmental activities revealed (100%) RR 2.77(95%CI 1.9-4.0), the mean duration of hospital admission of Kangaroo group was (7.47±1.05) while, the case group (11.28±5.05), a P-value of all these follow up variations are statistically significant (<0.001). Conclusion: Results yield that KMC is one of the essential, inexpensive methods; it has the potential effects that significantly improve the newborns' physiological outcomes, increase neonatal survival, improve maternal-infant attachment, and encourage early hospital discharge.

Background: Periodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of the tooth’s supporting tissues, and its etiology is multifactorial. Defense against pathogens depends on the host's immune response, since both innate and adaptive immune cells contribute by releasing their substances and modes of action to preserve harmony in periodontal tissues. Bacterial persistence and immune system dysregulation, characterized by an exaggerated response, can exacerbate periodontal disease. Thalassemia major is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for the β-globin component of the hemoglobin molecule, resulting in either absent or reduced synthesis of this protein in erythroid cells. Individuals with thalassemia major exhibit significant immunological impairments, increasing susceptibility to infectious and inflammatory conditions. The current review aims to explore the relationship between this systemic disease and its effect on the gingival health. The details about gingival health and disease, as well as thalassemia major-associated complications and therapy, have been discussed in this review. Conclusion: Patients with thalassemia major exhibit a greater likelihood of gingival inflammation compared to systemically healthy individuals.

Background:Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen associated with hospital acquired infections in AL-Zahraa Educational Hospital in Najaf, Iraq. All samples are being collated during the period from November 2024 to the April 2025 including 250 clinical samples from sputum collected from Asthmatic childhood patients with respiratory infections in Najaf/ Iraq. The present study is designed to detect Gyrase B, AdeB and NDM-1, genes strain. Aim of study: To isolate and identify bacterial species isolated from sputum samples of children with asthma and respiratory infections for the purpose of determining the bacterial types associated with or contributing to asthma conditions. As well as to perform molecular detection of housekeeping genes and antibiotic resistance genes such as (NDM-1), which are known to play a major role in carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, also to identify the housekeeping gene (gyrB and Ade-B), and use it as a molecular reference for bacterial identification and comparative genetic analysis among isolates. Results: Thirty-six of A. baumannii were diagnosed using the VITEK system and molecular detection (PCR) revealed that most isolates of A. baumannii were positive results to the gyrB gene and Ade-B gene (36/36, 100%). The specific primer (gyrB) gene for A. baumannii bacteria was designed in this study by using bioinformatics programs with NCBI website. NDM-1 gene was positive result in 42% of isolates. Conclusion: Presence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in childhood asthma patients, with detection of key resistance genes (Ade-B, NDM-1, and gyrB). These findings highlight the serious treatment challenges and the importance of molecular diagnostics and antimicrobial stewardship.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the commonest cause of neurological impairment among young adults. MS is multifactorial, heterogeneous, autoimmune disease that is caused by complex environment–interactions. purpose: is to study the seroprevalence of human herpes virushttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 6 (HHV-6 )in MS Iraqi patients. Methods: a case-control study includes 100 subjects: 50 patients previously diagnosed as MS or newly diagnosed without treatment and 50 healthy volunteers, we examined the presence of anti-HHV-6 IgM and anti-HHV-6 IgG antibodies by using ELISA technique Results: When comparing the participants with MS group to the control group, there was a significant rise in the level of HHV-6 IgM in patients 31.91 ng/L when compare to control group 12.62ng/L, respectively (p < 0.001). Also, the comparison of HHV-6 IgG level of MS group to control group revealed significantly rise in the level of HHV-6 IgG, 19.78 ng/L versus 9.5 ng/L, respectively (p < 0.001). there was no correlation between HHV-6 antibodies and age, sex, duration of disease and EDSS. Implications: MS patients have high level of seroprevalence of HHV-6 antibodies compare to control which mean positive correlation between MS disease and HHV-6 infection. Controversially, HHV-6 infection has no role in MS severity. CONCLUSION: MS patients have high level of seroprevalence of HHV-6 antibodies compare to control which mean positive correlation between MS disease and HHV-6 infection. Controversially, HHV-6 infection has no role in MS severity.