Journal Port Science Research

Association of KALRN gene polymorphism SNP rs9289231 and Kalirin serum levels with early-onset coronary artery disease: a case-control study in Iraq

M. K. Mahmood, E. S. Saleh, Ghassan M. Mahmood — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major global contributor to mortality and morbidity. Genetic susceptibility plays a significant role in its etiology, particularly when CAD occurs prematurely. However, the relationship between premature CAD (PCAD) and specific genetic polymorphisms in the Iraqi population is still unclear. This aim of this study to assess the relationship between the KALRN gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs9289231T>G) and the development of PCAD in Iraqi patients. It also assesses the potential of serum Kalirin protein levels as a biomarker for PCAD. The study included 92 participants divided into two groups. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the KALRN SNP (rs9289231T>G), and the PCR products were analyzed via Sanger sequencing. Kalirin protein serum levels were measured using the ELISA technique. An association with statistical significance was found between the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the KALRN SNP (rs9289231T>G) among the study groups, following a dominant genetic model. There was also a relationship between the genotypes of the KALRN SNP and CAD severity. Kalirin serum levels were significantly elevated in participants with CAD and were associated with the KALRN SNP genotypes. The KALRN SNP (rs9289231T>G) is associated with premature CAD in the Iraqi population, and follows a dominant genetic model. Elevated Kalirin serum levels, linked to the presence of the mutant allele, may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of the disease.

Awareness of Oral Cancer in a Sample of Iraqi Dental Students

Rana M. Hasan — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract Background: The morbidity and mortality rates that are linked to oral cancer are significantly reduced through early detection and prevention. Dental undergraduates are essential in identifying expected oral cancer cases and promoting oral health, as they are future dental professionals. This study aimed to estimate knowledge and attitudes toward oral cancer and its prevention in a sample of Iraqi dental students in the College of Dentistry University of Baghdad. Methods: The study was conducted by a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions regarding knowledge and awareness about oral cancer was provided to 156 dental students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades. The data collected was tabulated, and subjected to statistical analysis, and thus results were obtained. Result: In the study sample females comprised the majority (67.9%). It was found that 69.2% of students were aware of oral cancer and 98.7% believed early detection is crucial. only 35.3% always do oral mucosal examination, 80.1% of students educate their patients about a healthy lifestyle to decrease the possibility of oral cancer, and 53.8% replied having the ability to detect premalignant lesions. Smoking is the main risk factor for oral cancer identified by 75.6%. Squamous cell carcinoma was being the most prevalent form of oral malignancy among 91% of participants. 61.5% considered tongue and floor of the mouth as risky areas and 44.2% reported ulcer as the most common clinical presentation of oral cancer. Conclusion: Though the students have good general knowledge, it is important to modify the academic curriculum and provide ongoing post-academic medical training, especially practical, to develop the essential abilities for accurate oral cancer screening.

Community Pharmacists' Responses to Acute Gastroenteritis

Inas Rifaat Ibrahim — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Gastroenteritis (GE) is a life-threatening disease caused by several infectious pathogens. The main goal of this study is to evaluate community pharmacists’ response to acute GE cases in terms of counseling, dispensing, and labeling. The study employed a novel approach using simulated patients (SP) to evaluate how community pharmacists responded to GE cases. A population sampling technique involved selecting pharmacies within Baghdad, Iraq, from March to July 2024. The SP simulated the symptoms of acute diarrhea and asked the pharmacist to manage his condition, then recorded all interactions with the pharmacists using a validated data collection method. The differences between variables were found through Chi-square tests; any alpha level less than 0.05 was considered significant. The study found variations in pharmacists’ responses about counseling, dispensing, and labeling across demographic characteristics. Regarding counseling practice, almost all males outperformed females in this practice. Also, those working part-time or from the Rusafah region performed better for counseling services than their counterparts. The most common drugs dispensed included metronidazole, loperamide, domperidone, ceftriaxone, ondansetron, metoclopramide, paracetamol, and hyoscine butyl bromide. Regarding labeling, female pharmacists and those working in the Rusafah region and with part-time schedules were more proactive in writing the required medicine information on the label sheet than their counterparts. Further, variations in labeling practices were also found across different demographic characteristics. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance patient care and medication education in community pharmacy settings.

Caries experience and salivary interleukin-17 level in pre and postmenopausal women

Amjed Majeed Khalaf, Najlaa Salah Al-obaidi, Muna Hashim Muhabes — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Background: The oral tissues has been affected by menopause in the same way as the other human body systems. Aim of study: This study was set for estimating the experience of caries in correlation to the salivary interleukin-17 level in post-menopausal and pre-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: Females which aged (47-51) years old divided in to : First group (control group) contained forty five pre-menopausal females and the second group (study group) contained forty five post-menopause females and were examined for caries experience on the authority of WHO,(1997)).We'd collect the un stimulated saliva from all females to analyses salivary interleukin-17 level.. Results: In control group the pre-menopause; the mean value of Decayed Surfaces, Missed Surfaces and DMFS were lower than that of study group the post-menopause group with lower level of salivary interleukin-17. Conclusion: menopause influence female's dental health represented by higher dental caries severity which might be related to elevated IL-17 level among postmenopausal women. Further studies recommended with larger sample size with other salivary immune factors types measurement.

Evaluation of the correlation and effects of different types of smoking on a sample of Iraqi students

Mazin Abdulridha Ateyah, Rafid Mohammed Hashim — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This paper aimed to establish the correlation between various forms of smoking and the health risk perception in order to reveal the challenges to quitting smoking. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 269 students via self-administered questionnaires that captured their demographic characteristics, smoking status, health issues, and quit efforts. Pearson's correlation and chi-square tests were used in comparing and determining the relationships between several variables. Therefore, findings revealed a high level of smoking initiation in late adolescence with use of the regular cigarettes being most prevalent. There was substantial knowledge on the dangers of smoking but most of them were engaged in smoking due to the influence from their peers and social pressure. Importantly, half of the participants stated that they tried to quit smoking; however, only a minority used effective cessation services. The study indicates that as much as students have information on the negative effects of smoking decisions and options available to them act as barriers to quitting the vice. Therefore, it was established that there is a scientific warrant for culturally tailored public health practices, which focus on the significant and distinctive Iraqi cultural and social factors contributing to the youths’ smoking habits. Thus, the stakeholders can contribute to the health improvement of this vulnerable population by supporting cessation initiatives and improving educational programs

Studying microbial resistance to drugs and developing new strategies to combat infections: Review

Mazin Abdulridha Ateyah — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract Anti- microbial resistance is a public health concern worldwide and requires a new strategy to combat these resistant microorganisms. This review seeks to discuss important approaches to combating AMR. This review demonstrated that enzyme inhibitors are advertised for their capacity to counteract the bacterial enzymes that make antibiotic-resistant. Lantibiotics and bacteriocins are two classes of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that can be used as therapeutic agents because they attack the cell wall and/or cell membrane of bacteria. Another avenue is with AMPs that are characterized by a broad-spectrum activity and can target most of the resistant bacteria. Nanoparticle-based strategies present a modern approach to increasing efficacy, stability, and targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents coupled with decreased toxicity. Monoclonal antibodies are more specific drugs as they act against bacterial antigens and prevent their toxicity. The bacteriophage therapy that involves utilizing viruses that target and destroy bacteria presents a targeted treatment method against drug-resistant strains and can also be personalized for specific infection types. This review further emphasizes the need to sustain the research efforts, international cooperation, and funding of these novel therapies in the face of growing concern about AMR. Therefore, it is crucial to continue using the multifaceted methods introduced to find the ways to improve the treatment and the future of combating infections.

Weight status related to Dental Caries in Children Attending Pediatric Clinics at the College of Dentistry, Uruk University

Yasir Basim, Zainab Al-Dahan, Mina MG. Chabuk — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Dental caries (often referred to as tooth decay) represents a major health issue for children worldwide. It stands as one of the most common chronic diseases in pediatric demographics, impacting millions of youngsters annually. Body mass index is an anthropometric measurement which measures weight relative to the height, The relationship between weight loss and tooth decay has become a controversial health issue in various countries, diet among overweight or obesity children may be a common risk factor for overweight children and dental caries.This study aims to investigate and analyse the relationship between weight status and dental caries in children. This cross-sectional comparative study was carried out at the pediatric clinic located in the College of Dentistry (Uruk University, Iraq) from April 2023 to June 2023. It involved a sample of 100 children ranging in age from 4 to 14 years, categorized into four distinct groups: underweight, overweight, at-risk weight and healthy weight, with 25 children in each group. The Body Mass Index was calculated; however, dental caries were assessed using the decayed, missing and filled surfaces (dmfs/DMFS) index, in accordance with WHO criteria. The study revealed that there were no difference in mean value of tooth decay across the four weight categories. However, noticeable disparities in body mass index (BMI) were evident among the groups (p = 0.000). In the group, a negative relationship between BMI and dmfs was identified; on the other hand, a positive connection was observed between BMI and DMFS in the underweight group. weight status influences dental caries in children. Underweight children showed a trend of higher caries in primary teeth, while at risk weight children exhibited fewer caries in permanent teeth. Weight status affects caries differently depending on weight categories. This suggests that both low and high weight may impact tooth development and susceptibility to caries through different factors.

Influence of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforcement of Different Methods and Lengths on Some Properties of Denture Base Resin Processed by Autoclave

Nagham Bahjat Kamil — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Acrylic resins are the most common denture materials because of their valuable optical property. Their impact strength is limited, therefore they require different methods and processes of reinforcement. The reinforcements could be performed by the application of fibres such as polypropylene fibres. In this study, the influence of randomly oriented polypropylene fibre (2%) in two lengths (6mm, 12mm) and different applied methods (without impregnation, impregnation) on impact strength, surface roughness, and water sorption and solubility of heat-cured acrylic resin processed by autoclave was investigated. Specimens (150 samples) were prepared and divided into a control group and a reinforced group. The reinforced group was divided according to the fibre lengths 6mm and 12mm; then each one was subdivided according to the method of fibre addition (direct fibre addition to powder and fibres immersed in monomer). There were ten specimens in each group for each test. Acrylic resin reinforced with 2% randomly oriented polypropylene fibres regardless of the applied method and length, showed significant improvement regarding the impact strength and water solubility. However, a non-significant effect was detected on surface roughness and water sorption test according to (ANOVA f-test). The surface roughness and impact strength of reinforced autoclave processed acrylic resin with randomly oriented polypropylene fibres (2%, 12mm) with monomer impregnation were significantly improved in comparison to other groups, with no effect on water sorption property.

Misconception uses of Herbal in Iraq

Y. Khalid Abdulmueed — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study assesses the knowledge and practices of Iraqi herbalists regarding commonly used herbs, including chamomile, cinnamon and senna, to promote public safety and awareness. Misconceptions about herbal science are very important to educate people about the seriousness of side effects resulting from the incorrect and repeated use of these herbs, as they are no less dangerous than synthetic chemical drugs. In this study, many herbalists in Baghdad were questioned and statistics were conducted on the methods of use and the quantities used. This study emphasizes the need for awareness programs and cultural systems to raise the level and safety of herbal medicine use in Iraq.

Evaluation of some immunological and physiological parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease infected with Toxoplasma gondii

S. M. Marhoon , S. SH. Hamad — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract Background - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, increased urinary albumin excretion, and, ultimately, complete loss of kidney function or kidney damage. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis a significant disease that affects over a billion people worldwide in humans, toxoplasmosis spreads through two primary routes: horizontal transmission, which occurs through accidental ingestion of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts present in contaminated food or water and vertical transmission where the infection is passed from mother to baby via the placenta. The aim of the current study was to detect the effect of toxoplasmosis on kidney function and determining some immunological and physiological parameters in immunosuppressed patients (kidney failure patients) compared to healthy people Methods The study involved the analysis of 90 blood samples, comprising 80 samples from patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and 10 samples from healthy individuals who served as control subjects Results Results revealed decrease in the level of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ in infected CKD compared with the control group, The CD4⁺/CD8⁺ concentration ratio was increased in infected CKD As for biochemical tests, the results showed an increase in the concentration of urea, creatinine, phosphorus, and the liver enzyme ALT, and no significant differences were recorded in the concentration of the liver enzyme AST and Alk.phosphatase Conclusions: The study revealed a decrease in immunological parameters and an increase in physiological parameters in kidney failure patients .

Coronal Microleakage in Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Comparative Study of Sealers and Obturation Techniques

M. K. Makki , R. J. Abed , A. A. Othman , M. F. Saleh — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Endodontic treatment aims to prevent reinfection of the root canal system by achieving a hermetic seal. However, microleakage remains a challenge, potentially leading to treatment failure. This study investigated the effects of sealer type and obturation technique on coronal microleakage in endodontically treated teeth. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two sealers (Dorifill, AH26) and two obturation techniques (lateral condensation, warm gutta-percha) in preventing coronal microleakage. A total of 192 extracted human teeth were used in the study. Teeth were prepared and obturated, then stored in natural saliva for varying durations. Microleakage was assessed using dye penetration and measured under a microscope. The teeth were divided into four experimental groups based on storage time (1, 3, 7, or 30 days) and further into subgroups based on sealer and obturation technique. Canals were obturated with gutta-percha and either Dorifill or AH26 sealer, using lateral condensation or warm gutta-percha techniques. Obturated teeth were stored in natural saliva at 37°C for the designated experimental periods. All groups exhibited some degree of microleakage. Lateral condensation with AH26 consistently showed the highest leakage, while Dorifill and warm gutta-percha demonstrated better sealing ability. Microleakage increased with longer storage times for most groups. Lateral condensation with AH26 showed the highest mean leakage value at all time points (3.178mm at 1 day, 4.59mm at 3 days, 4.025mm at 7 days, and 4.12mm at 30 days). Dorifill and warm gutta-percha showed lower leakage values compared to AH26. ANOVA and LSD tests revealed significant differences between groups and time points. The study emphasizes the importance of sealer selection and obturation technique in reducing coronal microleakage, with sealer choice being a more critical factor. The mixture of Dorifill and warm gutta-percha appears promising. Further investigate is needed to validate these conclusions and improve long-term endodontic success

Relationship between Osteoprotegrin and estrogen serum level with osteoporosis in postmenopausal Iraqi women

Sura Abdul Kareem Essmat — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract Osteoporosis can define as a major bone disease especially in older women, it correlated with decrease bone density and change in the bone structure that may be increase in bone fragility. Osteoporosis more prevalence in women with age over 50 years old (post menopause), this correlate with estrogen hormone deficiency, this bone loss may be rapid and lead to accelerate bone resorption because of lack of balance occur between osteoclast and osteoblast, increasing in the osteoblast differentiation lead to osteoporosis activation. After menopause estrogen level will decrease due to the lacking occur in eggs produced by ovaries and this will lead to increase synthesis of IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor and OPG level will decreased and this will lead to increase bone turnover and osteoporosis, at the same time promote vascular calcification due to increase action of RANKL one bone and vascular cell. Two group included in this study divided into patient group (n=25), age 50 years and over postmenopausal women and control group (n=50), age between 30-50 years' premenopausal women. 5ml of blood was taken from both postmenopausal and premenopausal women. All blood samples for both groups was tested for calcium, alkaline phosphtase and OPG level. OPG level was determined by ELISA technique. Serum level of alkaline phosphatase was found to be higher in postmenopausal group than premenopausal women group (p<0.001). serum calcium level is lower in postmenopausal group than premenopausal women group (p<0.001). serum osteoprotegerin level was higher in postmenopausal group than premenopausal women group (p<0.001). osteoprotegerin (OPG) can be used as indicator of osteoporosis and useful for early diagnosis in postmenopausal women.

Association of sVCAM1 with interleukin -6 among rheumatoid arthritis patients

Shahad F. Obeid, Wasnaa Jomaa Mohammed, Noor Alhuda Kh Ibrahim — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Symmetric synovitis is a histological characteristic of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a systemic inflammatory connective tissue disease. An accelerated atherosclerosis process is the primary mechanism by which RA increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The subject of the study consisted of two groups, the first group included 40 patients, all over the age of 18, with 35 females and 5 men participating also second group included 40 healthy controls who did not have any autoimmune disorders. The biochemical analyzer konelab prime 30ISE (bioMérieux france, craponne, france) was used to measure C-reactive protein and other parameters. The levels of inflammatory and immunological parameters, such as ESR, RF, CRP, and ACPA, were importantly higher in RA patients (52.37 ± 10.41, 44.28 ± 14.75, 57.00 ± 17.67, and 45.17 ± 12.3), respectively (p< 0.001). IL-10 pg/ml, IL-6 pg/ml, TNF-α pg/ml, and sVCAM ng/ml in RA patients (21.70 ± 3.08,54.42 ± 5.36,40.69 ± 7.26 and 7.12 ± 0.81) respectively (p< 0.001). The Logistic regression model shows that immunological parameters such as sVCAM correlate directly with IL-10 among RA patients. This result might refer to the fact that the RA condition enhances the production of sVCAM about IL-10. Also, it showed that the sVCAM directly correlates with IL-6 among RA patients. RA patients showed an association of sVCAM-1 directly correlated with IL-6. This result might refer to the fact that the RA condition enhances the production of sVCAM about IL-6.

Study of concentrations of some vitamins in women with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance

Jalank Hameed Mahmoud, Iktifaa Abdul Hamid Muhammad — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The current study was aimed to estimate the levels of some physiological and biochemical parameters in women with T2DM and insulin resistance. 150 women with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance were reported to have insulin resistance at Azadi Teaching Hospital and Republican Hospital from September 2023 to January 2024. Laboratory tests were performed in private laboratories in Kirkuk, Iraq. The volunteers in the current study were divided as follows: 50 healthy women without any diseases as a control group. 75 patients with type 2 diabetes as a second group. 75 women with insulin resistance as a third group. The results showed that the fasting plasma glucose was shown significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2DM group and T2DM with IR group compared with non-obese; fasting serum insulin was significantly increased in T2DM group and T2DM with IR group compared with non-obese. HOMA-IR test value was significantly increased (P<0.05) in T2DM group and T2DM with IR group compared with non-obese). Vitamin D3 concentrations showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients and insulin resistance group compared to the control group. On the other hand, vitamin B12 concentrations showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients and insulin resistance group compared to the control group. Folic acid concentration also showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the type 2 diabetic group and the insulin resistance group compared to the control group. It is concluded that the type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance were associated with vitamins deficiency in patients.

Serum Asprosin level in acromegaly patient: does Diabetes has an impact on it?

Ramy Mohamed Fawzy , Sahar Abdul Wahab Alshaban , Abbas M. Rahmah — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract The anterior pituitary gland's overproduction of growth hormone is the cause of acromegaly. Chronic hyperglycemia brought on by abnormalities in insulin secretion or action is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus type 2, a group of metabolic disorders. Asprosin, a newly discovered adipocyte produced from profibrillin-1, promotes hepatic glucose release during fasting. Diabetic and pre-diabetic patients show increased asprosin levels, whereas acromegaly patients exhibit significantly lower serum asprosin levels. Estimating the levels of acromegaly and its relationship to the other parameters is the aim of the current investigation. The National Diabetic Center at Mustansyrriah University recruited sixty patients (31 with diabetic acromegaly and 29 with acromegaly without diabetes), and thirty control groups (diabetic without acromegaly) were examined there for the biochemical study's criteria. Biochemical indicators such as asprosin, GH, IGF-1, responsiveness to octreotide, and LDL and triglyceride levels were altered in acromegalic patients. According to the current study, asprosin levels are higher in patients with acromegaly than in those without the disease. This is true whether or not a patient has acromegaly. Patients with acromegaly had higher levels of growth hormone and IGF-1, and non-diabetic acromegaly responds better to octreotide than diabetic acromegaly. Diabetes non-acromegaly was reported to have lower LDL and triglyceride levels than diabetic patient with acromegaly.

Preheating effect on polymerization shrinkage of composites Restoration (in vitro comparative study)

Wasan M. Hasson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Background: this vitro study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of preheating on polymerization shrinkage among three different filler size composites which include Filtektm Z250 micro hybrid, Z250xt Nano hybrid and nanocomposite Z350xt. in Class II cavity preparation. Materials and methods: 72 maxillary 3rd molars with class II cavities preparations. according to material used the samples were divided into three groups: group A (FiltekZ250 micro hybrid). Group B(Z250xt Nano hybrid). Group C (nanocomposite Z350xt), each group were divided according to temperature of composite into 2 subgroups of 12 teeth: Group A1 composite restoration at room temperature(24±1˚C), A2 composite restoration at preheated temperature(55±1˚C). polymerization shrinkage was estimated after immersion in 2% methylene blue for 24 hrs. Results: the least score of polymerization shrinkage were in Group B( Z250xt Nano hybrid) and Group C (Z350xt nanocomposite) especially in occlusal margin. While Group A( Z250 micro hybrid) had greater scores of shrinkage in cervical margin. Conclusions: Generally, preheating decreased polymerization shrinkage in all groups of composites, but Preheating decreased the polymerization shrinkage effectively in Group A (Z250 micro hybrid) more than Group B (Z250xt Nano hybrid) and Group C (Z350xt nanocomposite) polymerization shrinkage. The scores of polymerization shrinkage varied with different material, margin and temperature for all groups.

Formulation and Evaluation of Orphenadrine Citrate as a Model Drug for Topical Hydrogel

H. M. Suza Ali, B. A. Kamal, N. A. Abdalrazaq, H. M. Mohammed — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Orphenadrine Citrate is a muscle relaxant, act as an anti- cholinergic drug and used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The objective of this study was to design a topical hydrogel formulation using Orphenadrine Citrate as a model drug. The topical administration is an alternative route that can minimize the side effects and may improve patient drug delivery. Different formulas were prepared using different gelling agents with different concentrations, CMC (1, 2 and 3% w/w), Xanthan gum (0.5, 1 and 1.5% w/w) and HPMC K40 (2, 2.5 and 3% w/w). The prepared formulas were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, Spreadability, drug content, viscosity besides to in- vitro drug release. All the formulas prepared had acceptable hydrogel texture, increased viscosity as the gelling agent concentration increased, while spreadability decreased; in addition the pH hydrogel surface of the formulas showed within acceptable pH of skin. On the other hand, among the polymer hydrogel used, it was found that xanthan gum gave (98.3%) Orphenadrine citrate release within 90 minutes while other polymers CMC and HPMC K40 gel was 70% and 62.6% drug release respectively within 90 minutes. Finally, F6 was the optimum formula due to its acceptable hydrogel surface pH (6.7), good spreadability (4.4 cm2) and 98.3% Orphenadrine citrate release from the hydrogel.