Journal of Contemporary Medical Sciences

Molecular Identification and Detection of Virulence Genes Among Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Burns Infections

Reem Polse — 2024-02-26

Objective: Virulence factors are substances produced by pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa that contribute significantly to the etiology of disease. These virulence factors are encoded by virulence genes found on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa chromosome.

Methods: Between July 2021 and June 2022, 71 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were identified from burn wounds at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Hospital in Duhok, Iraq. The lasB and toxA genes were identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Results: Only 26.36% (29/71) of the 71 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were found in males, whereas 38.18% (42/71) were found in females. Furthermore, 76.06% (54/71) of the isolates were multidrug resistant. They demonstrated greater resistance to piperacillin, 98.59% resistance rates. Among the isolates analyzed, 35 (64.81%) were positive for toxA and 27 (50%) were positive for lasB genes.

Conclusion: Due to the limited number of effective medications against this bacteria that are currently available, all isolates must undergo antimicrobial susceptibility testing. By doing this, you can help manage the treatment plan and stop the emergence of resistance in burn units.

Potential of Collagen/PLA-based Nanofibrous Scaffold to Support PC12 Cells and Neural Repair

Muhammad Aseer — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study attempts to modify Polylactic Acid (PLA) with the natural polymer Collagen (Coll), to develop materials such as an electrospun scaffold that have better mechanical stability and biocompatibility. Retinoic acid (RA), a bioactive material that promotes nerve growth, is to be added to the nanofiber scaffolds as part of this project.

Methods: One of the most important methods we employed in this work to create nanofibrous scaffolds was electrospinning.

Results: The synthesized nanofiber scaffold exhibited a diameter of 255±40 nm and a tensile strength of 175±10.4 N, providing sufficient support for native peripheral nerve repair. The inclusion of Coll enhanced the scaffold's hydrophilic behavior (contact angle: 56±4°), ensuring stability in aqueous solutions. In addition, cell adhesion and proliferation are demonstrated to be improved by PLA composite nanofibers based on Collagen, while PC12 cell adhesion and proliferation are further improved by RA.

Conclusion: Based on their biodegradability, robust mechanical properties, and porous structure, these scaffolds are excellent choices for nerve tissue engineering, according to our findings. The significant increase in PC12 cells' adhesion and proliferation upon the addition of RA demonstrates the cells' potential for nerve repair.

Using a Rapid, Accurate, and Cost-Effective QiaXcel Advanced Platform for Microsatellite Instability Detection in Colorectal Carcinoma in North of Iraq

Nigar A Abdalrahman — 2024-02-26

Objective: The objective of this investigation was to address the limitations of the most popular microsatellite instability (MSI) detection
method, which uses fluorescent capillary sequencers.

Methods: Using the QiaXcel Advanced system (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) based on capillary electrophoresis, the MSI status of 53 Iraqi
Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) CRC samples was examined. BAT25, BAT26, BAT40, D2S123, D5S346, D17S250, NR21, NR22, NR27,
Mycl1, TPOX, and TH01 were among the panel of twelve polymorphic markers that were used.

Results: Using a QiaXcel Advanced platform was successfully established to determine the MSI status. Among 53 cases of CRC, MSI was
observed in 12 cases (22.64%) who had MSI-H.

Conclusion: Due to MSI’s significance in the progression of cancer, this quick and inexpensive PCR-based technique can enhance the
clinical management of CRC, which may further alter the patient’s outcome.

Moexipril Improves Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Adult Male Rats

Esraa H. Alsaaty — 2024-02-26

Objective: The goal of this study is to see if moexipril can protect rats against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods: Overall twenty-eight males of rats were divided randomly into four groups (7 rat each group). Sham group: Except for ischemia
induction, these rats underwent IP anesthesia and surgery. Induced group: This group rats were anesthetized and given a midline
laparotomy to induce bilateral renal ischemia for 30 min and 2 hours of reperfusion. DMSO group: Rats received DMSO IP injection 30 min
before ischemia and subjected to 30 min bilateral ischemia and reperfusion for 2 hours, DMSO is a vehicle of moexipril and considered as
control. Moexipril group (pretreated group): moexipril was given in a dose 0.3 mg/kg I.P. injection 30 min before ischemia.

Results: Renal IRI as indicated by a significant increase (P < 0.05) in urea, creatinine, NF-KB P65, IL-1β, and caspase-3 level, while GSH,
SOD, and Bcl-2 levels significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in Renal tissues of rats in the induced group compared to sham group. Moexipril
pretreatment significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorate RIRI as suggested from significant lowering in urea, creatinine, and inflammatory markers
(NF-KB P65 and IL-1β). The renal level of oxidative marker (SOD and GSH) and anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 were significant decreased
(P < 0.05) and also significantly increase (P < 0.05) in caspase-3 level with moexipril group in comparison to induced group.

Conclusion: By inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and the apoptotic pathway, moexipril significantly protect from renal ischemia
reperfusion in rats.

The Relationship between Vitamin D, Body Mass Index and some Dietary Products with Acne Vulgaris; A Case-Control study in Baghdad/Iraq

Sarah Haider Zalzala — 2024-02-26

Objective: To investigate the association of vitamin D level and moderate to severe acne as a primary outcome, and its association with BMI, dairy products, and chocolate consumption.

Subjects and Methods: A case-control study was conducted in a dermatology outpatient clinic. Patients, diagnosed with moderate to severe acne vulgaris that warrant treatment with oral antibiotics, and had global acne grading system (GAGS) score of >=19 were eligible to be selected as cases. Aged matched, with no or mild cases of acne were eligible to be selected as controls. The participant height, weight, BMI, and serum circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were measured. A modified food frequency questionnaire was used for dietary history.

Results: Comparing Cases (N = 101) and Control (N = 134), the mean of vitamin D level in cases were lower than that in the controls, however no statistically significant difference is observed. There were statistically insignificant differences between the studied groups regarding milk (whole, low fat, skimmed and any type of milk), cheese, yogurt, other dairy products, and chocolate consumption. However, a statistically significant disparity in weight is noted, but not in BMI.

Conclusion: The results did not reveal any statistically significant associations between vitamin D level, BMI, dairy and chocolate consumption, and moderate to severe acne. However, it is important to note that this does not definitively rule out the possibility of any potential relationships or effects.

Vildagliptin Nephroprotective Effect in Rats Model with Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abeer T. Watife — 2024-02-26

Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective effect of vildagliptin against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods and Materials: Twenty-eight male rats have been divided into four groups: Control (received distal water), cisplatin treated group (received single dose of cisplatin (7mg/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) on day eight), vildagliptin plus cisplatin treated group (received vildagliptin 10mg/kg/day orally for 14 days, seven days before and seven days after the dose of cisplatin on day eight), and vildagliptin treated group (received the same dose and duration of vildagliptin mentioned previously). At the end, blood samples were collected to evaluate tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), urea, and creatinine. The serum levels of these biomarkers were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Additionally, kidneys were fixed in formalin for histopathological examination.

Result: Vildagliptin treatment significantly reduced the serum levels of TNF-α, caspase-3, urea, and creatinine as well as increased the TAOC level in rats treated with vildagliptin plus cisplatin when compared with cisplatin treated group. Histopathological examination further supported the nephroprotective effect of vildagliptin in rats with cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion: Vildagliptin improved kidney function and reduced cisplatin nephrotoxicity which may highlight the nephroprotective effect of this DPP-4 inhibitor against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Promoting Healthier Futures: A Six-Month Program for Childhood Obesity Reduction and Lifestyle Enhancement

Sabah Mohammed — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a six-month family-based intervention and follow-up intervention on the body mass index and children's lifestyle in Erbil City among 5 to 19 years old. The intervention specifically targeted parents to the educational program and intended to reduce the Body Mass Index of children and change sedentary behavior. On the other hand, the educational program included minimizing the consumption of high-fat and carbohydrate-containing, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and soft drinks. In addition, it assessed exposure to multi-screen devices and evaluated sleep quality.

Methods: Weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured by portable stadiometer and weight-calibrated electronic scales and BMI was calculated at the baseline and after six months of intervention. The research employed various methodologies and conducted a family-based educational program through a printed booklet. The questionnaire was used at baseline and after six months of intervention, and IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used for data analysis, paired sample t-test and MacNemar Chi-square were used.

Results: The BMI was reduced after six months of intervention. The mean difference was 0.435, however, there were no more differences for hip and waist circumference, on the other hand, the sedentary behaviour lifestyle was changed from poor daily lifestyle practice to good practice.

Conclusion: The results of this research suggest that the implementation of a complete intervention produces favourable outcomes in terms of lifestyle modifications and a decrease in BMI among children who are obese or overweight. Although, daily practice was notable changed from poor daily practice to good practice.

Evaluate The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on The Prevention of Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity in Rats.

Ola Sadeq AL-Shimaysawee — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study will evaluate the potential protective effects of coenzyme Q10 on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in female rats, manifested by changes in biochemical parameters in tissue and serum samples histopathological differences, and compare their changes.

Methods:24 female rats were divided into three groups based on weight. The first group received saline, the second group received a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg of DOX via IP injection, and the third group was pre-treated with CoQ10 before receiving DOX. The data were analysed using a one-way ANOVA test with a Bonferroni post hoc test to compare the markers and histopathological changes in different groups. The GraphPad Prism version 8.1 was used to do the statistical analysis.

Results: As indicated by a statistically significant increase (P<0.0001) in TNFα and ICAM-1 level, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Additionally, the level of GSH, SOD, and caspase-3 did not differ significantly between the DOX+CoQ10 group and the control group. Furthermore, lesions and histological alterations were induced by the substance. Significant reductions in cardiotoxicity were observed with the administration of coenzyme Q10, as indicated by notable increases (P<0.0001) in SOD, GSH, and TNFα and significant decreases (P<0.0001) in caspase 3 when compared to the DOX group. Also, the CMYO score and lesions exhibited a substantial improvement.

Conclusion: In this investigation, coenzyme Q10 exhibited cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced damage to the mouse heart. This phenomenon potentially pertains to inhibiting and safeguarding against oxidative stress, the pathway of apoptosis, and the inflammatory response.

An Analysis of Medical Students’ Learning Experiences in Small Group-Based Teaching in Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Mahmoud Ali Abdi — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the learning styles, activities, and experiences of medical students within the context of small groupbased teaching in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2022 at Zakho College of Medicine, involving students from various medical colleges in the region. A pre-designed questionnaire was administered both in-person and online. Comprising two main parts in addition to demographic information, the questionnaire assessed students' learning styles based on O'Brien's modality learning channel preference and their preferences and experiences in small-group settings.

Results: The sample included students from the 1^st to the 5^th stage, totaling around 400 participants. The cohort was predominantly female (60.05%) and largely from the 2nd stage of medical education (55.03%). Visual Learning was the most common learning style, particularly among female students. Significant variations in learning styles were noted across different academic stages and universities. Small-group activities and formative assessments were generally favored. While most students were either "satisfied" or found it "natural" concerning group size, dissatisfaction was prominent regarding available teaching resources. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences in learning styles, preferred teaching methods, and feelings about the learning environment.

Conclusion: The study offers critical insights into the diverse learning preferences and experiences of medical students in small-group settings. Despite a general preference for Visual Learning and small-group activities, significant variations exist, warranting a nuanced approach to educational strategy. Given the diverse learning preferences and significant dissatisfaction with available resources, a multifaceted educational approach is recommended, including diverse teaching and assessment methods and increased investment in teaching resources.

Evaluation of Pregnant Knowledge and Adherence Regarding Supplemental Iron, Folic acid, Calcium, and Vitamins During Pregnancy

Walaa A. Karim — 2024-02-26

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the knowledge as well as the rate of adherence to supplement medications.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at a teaching hospital for obstetrics and gynecology in Karbala with 100 pregnant women at the second trimester, data were collected using two questionnaires, one about knowledge and other about adherence to micronutrient supplementation, laboratory tests were used to determine the levels of Hemoglobin and plasma level of calcium, and vitamin D.

Results: the overall adherence rate to supplement medication among pregnant women was low in spite of good knowledge score. Biochemical laboratory results showed more than half of participants were found to have haemoglobin

Less than normal level. Most of participant confirmed to have deficiency of plasma 25-Hydroxy-vitaminD, and more than two third of them have normal calcium level.

Conclusion: the present study revealed that most pregnant women have a poor adherence to micronutrient supplementation, therefore there is a need for interventional strategies to optimize adherence.

Effect of Some Metals Ions on Hemolysin Production from Clinical Isolates of Escherichia Coli

Eman Khadum Juda — 2024-02-26

Objective:This study aimed to determine effect of some ions metals (Ca⁺², Mn⁺², Mg⁺², Fe⁺², K⁺, Na⁺, Zn⁺²) on hemolysin production was performed.

Methods: Eighty Three (83) E. coliisolates collected from different clinical sources from Baghdad Hospitals, performed by using cultural traits, morphological features and biochemical tests, confirmation of identification was done by Vitek 2 system.And it was detected on ability these isolates to production hemolysin by two methods liquid media and agar media.

Results: The results showed that: In agar medium revealed that 6 (7.23 %) isolates of E. coli had the ability for producing this enzyme and 77 (92.77%) did not produce hemolysin. The same results were found in liquid medium. Used the microtitration plate method to study the effect these ions metals on hemolysin production.According to the effect of ions metals, the results also showed that MIC value of ions metals was 500μg/mL, hemolysin production was increased after addition each of(Ca⁺²,Mn⁺², Mg⁺²,Fe⁺²,K⁺,Na⁺) the percentage of hemolysis (96.0 %, 93.4 %, 93.2 %, 93.3%,94.2%, 93.7%) respectively while hemolysin production decreased after addition of Zn⁺² with the percentage of hemolysis 0.3%.

Conclusion: Based on the influence of metal ions, the findings indicated that hemolysin production exhibited an increase following the addition of each of Ca2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, K+, and Na+ when compared to the control group. Conversely, the introduction of Zn2+ led to a decrease in hemolysin production.

The Validity of Computed Tomography Guided Lung Tru- cut Biopsies in Achieving Accurate Tissue Results

Basim Mohammed Khashman — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy of CT-guided true-cut biopsy as a less invasive and cost-effective diagnostic technique for peripherally placed lung lesions.

Methods: fourty patients with solitary lung nodule were involved in this study, true cut biopsies under Ct guide was taken then processed for routine H&E staining.

Results: different pathological features can be identified with different pathological features giving primary diagnostic screening for lung cancer

Conclusion: CT guided thoracic lesion biopsy is very efficient, cost-effective and less invasive technique when compared with the thoracic surgery

Unveiling the Mediating Role of the REJ Region: PC1 and Extracellular Matrix Dynamics in ADPKD

Aljazi Abdullah Alrashidi — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interactions of PC1 with extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) to gain insights into its role in ADPKD onset. This exploration objective is to unravel the significance of these interactions in both the healthy development of kidneys and the underlying mechanisms of ADPKD, potentially identifying therapeutic targets.

Methods: We cloned and expressed the receptor of the egg jelly (REJ) domain as a maltose-binding protein-fusion protein (PET21-MBP(TEV)-REJ). Subsequently, we utilized this construct in a pulldown assay involving HEK 293 cells. In vitro, pull-down assays were conducted to evaluate the binding of the REJ fusion to various ECM components.

Results: The REJ fusion protein effectively binds to vitronectin, Fibulin-1, and actin filament-associated protein (AFAP) 1. These findings indicate that the REJ region acts as a mediator for the interaction between polycystin-1 and the ECM, shedding light on the functional role of polycystin-1 in both cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions.

Conclusion: The detailed characterization of REJ-ECM interactions offers a valuable foundation for future research aimed at systematically studying the effects of disease-causing mutations within the REJ module of human PC-1.

The Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms in (STIM1 and ORAI1) on Erythropoietin Resistance in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure on Hemodialysis in Iraq

Farah f. Alsabbagh — 2024-02-26

Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between genetic polymorphisms in store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) signaling and resistance to erythropoietin treatment in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Anemia is a significant complication of CRF, and understanding the genetic factors contributing to resistance could provide insights into potential mechanisms influencing treatment outcomes. Specifically, the focus is on exploring the relationship between SOCs, a pathway activated by erythropoietin, and resistance to address the challenges associated with anemia in CRF patients.

Methods: In this study, a single nucleotide polymorphism in each STIM1 and ORAI1 gene was selected. Genotyping was done by using allele specific polymerase chain reaction technique and the data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. 112 patients with CRF on hemodialysis were enrolled 58.9% of them were men and the mean age was 50.94±13.42.

Results: We found that CC genotype of ORAI1 gene has a higher hemoglobin level, AA genotype of STIM1 has a higher EPO level, the interaction of the two genes showed that CCGG group has a higher Hb level and is considered good responder but represents only 4.5% of the patients

Conclusion: After all the genetic polymorphisms of SOCs genes ORAI1 and STIM1 have no significant impact on erythropoietin resistance in patients with CRF on hemodialysis in Iraq.

Genetic Insights: Examining CNTNAP2 rs7794745 Gene Polymorphism and Its Impact on ABLLS Assessment in Middle Euphrates Children in Iraq with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Safaa R. M. AL-Safar — 2024-02-26

Objective: examine the effect of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphism on behavioral therapy response in Iraqi children with autism spectrum disorder using ABLLS-r.

Methods: In this study, 150 samples for autism spectrum disorder were obtained from AL-SIBTEIN ACADEMY, however owing to many challenges, the final number of samples was 50 patients. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction refers to a technique that combines the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction enzymes to amplify and analyze certain DNA sequences. Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to genotype the CNTNAP2 gene at rs7794745. All 25 ABLLS-R repertoires and all four primary components had their dependent parameters determined by aggregating and converting the ABLLS data to a percentage. This provided us with the proportion of finished assignments from each repertoire.

Results: After correlating the genotype data (AA/AT/TT) with the behavioral therapy response as indicated by ABLLS-R, we only discovered a statistically significant difference between the frequency of AA/TT genotypes in the rs7794745 variant in patients and the social interaction domain. Conversely, the remaining 24 subdomains exhibited no discernible correlation.

Conclusion: This research topic could provide significant information on targeting and categorizing which skill areas need to be developed based on genetic models' influence.

A Review: Hospital Acquired Infection in Some Gram Negative Pathogenic Bacterial Strains

Hamad S. Alkhowaiter — 2024-02-26

Objective: This review aims to update healthcare workers on the current scientific understanding of hospital-acquired infections, with
a focus on describing the pathophysiology and patterns of antimicrobial resistance, particularly concerning Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Methods: Data on hospital-acquired infections were collected globally, with a specific emphasis on the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, Europe, and the Western Pacific regions. Infection rates, predominant pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance patterns were analyzed to provide insights into the current landscape of nosocomial infections.

Results: Hospitals in the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia regions reported the highest rates of nosocomial infections (11.8%
and 10.0%, respectively), while rates in Europe and the Western Pacific were 7.7% and 9.0%, respectively. Infections typically arise from
invasive medical equipment and surgical operations, with lower respiratory tract and bloodstream infections being particularly hazardous. Gram-negative bacterial infections, notably, exhibit worrisome antibiotic resistance patterns, potentially developing multiple mechanisms against various antibiotics.

Conclusion: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance presents a significant threat to patient safety, compounded by challenges in
discovering new antibiotics. Factors such as high costs and lengthy drug development processes contribute to this concern. Healthcare
workers must remain abreast of evolving antimicrobial resistance patterns, especially concerning pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, to implement effective infection control measures and preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobial agents.