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Background: A case–control study was performed to determine ABO blood group distribution in Iraqi hospitalized patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and healthy individuals. The severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) molecularly identified by detecting coronavirus RNA in the nasal swabs. Materials and Methods: 10770 participants were divided into 200 patients with SARS-CoV-2 and 10570 served as the control group. All patients were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and computed tomography scans from three hospitals in Babylon, Iraq. For the ABO blood type, three blood drops were obtained from each individual by pricking the tip of the index finger. Each drop was put on a slide that contained an antiblood typing serum to detect A, B, and D antigens. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square in SPSS version 23. Results: The distribution of the ABO blood group system in the healthy group was 24.30%, 38.80%, 26.02%, and 10.86% for type A, O, B, and AB, respectively, while in the COVID-19 patients, the distribution was 36%, 28%, 26%, and 10% for type A, O, B, and AB, respectively. Blood group type A was significantly high in the patient group (36%) compared to healthy participants, whereas the type O blood group was significantly low in patients (28%) compared to control participants. Conclusion: People with blood group A are at high risk to infect with COVID-19 (P < 0001) and the Odds ratio (OR) is 1.7. While blood group O is considered a protective factor against COVID-19 (P = 0.002) and the OD ratio is 0.6. Blood type A was most prevalent in nonsurvivor COVID-19 patients than survivors (P < 0.0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Notifiable communicable diseases are a significant public health issue in Iraq, particularly among children. Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the epidemiological profile of childhood communicable diseases in Babylon Governorate, Iraq, over the period 2017–2021. Methodology: Data from 11,925 cases of notifiable communicable diseases were collected from the health department in AL-Hilla City, Iraq, between 2017 and 2021. The data were analyzed according to the mode of transmission, type of infection, and age and sex patterns. Results: The majority of the reported communicable diseases (85.4%) were droplet and airborne infections, with pneumonia being the most frequently reported respiratory infection (76.8%). The reported cases of pertussis, viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis, chickenpox, and mumps showed a significant decrease during the study period, while the incidence of measles had two peaks in 2019 and 2020. Viral hepatitis A and typhoid fever were the most frequently reported foodborne infections. Kala-azar was the most common arthropod-borne infection, while brucellosis and rabies were the most common zoonotic infections. Pneumonia and meningitis affected infants and children aged 1-4 years more commonly than other age groups, while pertussis affected infants and children aged 1-4 years more frequently than other age groups, with a female predominance. Measles affected infants and children aged 1-4 years more commonly than older age groups, with a male predominance. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence and trends of notifiable communicable diseases among children in AL-Hilla City, Iraq, between 2017 and 2021. The findings highlight the need for improved surveillance and prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this work is the modeling of a combined heat and power (CHP) system that transforms waste from manufacturing date molasses in the Babylon province in central Iraq into electrical and thermal energy. A compact CHP facility that uses date waste (pomace and pits) as a feedstock is the subject of theoretical modeling and simulation research. The planned power plant consists of a downdraft gasifier, a microturbine (MT), and an organic Rankine cycle engine (ORC) as a bottom unit to maximize electric generation by recovering the MT exhaust gas heat and achieving a maximum electric output. The net electric production is 361.68 kW (280 kW from the MT unit and 81.68 kW from the ORC unit). To determine the best‐working fluid for the ORC system as a whole, three working fluids, including isopentane, benzene, and R113, were investigated. The temperature difference between the heat source and the fluid's boiling point is a key factor in choosing a more appropriate ORC working fluid. Isopentane is the most suitable working fluid for CHP applications, according to the findings of the simulation. The electric efficiency achieved is 30%, and the overall efficiency of the CHP plant was 56.87% from the gasification of date pits. The simulation results showed a satisfactory producer gas lower calorific value of 3.92 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pomace and 4.65 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pits, and cold gasification efficiencies of 73% and 76% for pomace and pits, respectively. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many risk factors have been listed that predispose to the occurrence of high blood pressure (BP). Although high body mass index (BMI) is a recognized risk factor for hypertension, the cutoff value for the high BMI was not taken into consideration as a predictor risk. There is no clear data on the occurrence of hypertension in Iraq in the highly educated population. Moreover, studies on hypertension in Iraq have been limited to a few studies. To assess and study the prevalence of BP in the academic population of Babylon city, a prospective study of 100 people was conducted. In the course of 3 months, during their work at the university in the morning, the questionnaire was filled out along with the body weight measurement. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to measure the maximum area under the curve for the BMI score. Outcomes demonstrated that despite the high level of education, the prevalence of hypertension remains unacceptable. Awareness raising about the risk factors should be addressed through ongoing health education in health sectors and media. BMI of more than 25 could be considered a predictable risk value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ruminants theileriosis are widespread in Iraq andacute infections usually with hight mortality. However, the survived animals suffer from low production of meat and milk. Coinfection with more than Theileria sp. And/or Anaplasmosis could have an impact on the disease severity. The main finding was identifying T. lestoquardi, T. ovis, T. annulata, blood samples of infected sheep with a history of chronic theileriosis (n=48) and with acute clinical theileriosis sign (n=24) were being collected from fields located in Babylon province (middle of Iraq) after chlinical examination and Polymerase chain reaction and real time PCR were performed for detection. Theileria. lestoquardi was the highest of these species within the acute and chronic cases. As well as, the load of this species in acute cases was significantly higher (P<0.01) to that in chronic. However, the load of T. ovis and T. annualta were similar in acute and chronic cases. Importantly, all these cases were coinfected with Anaplasma phagocytophylum. This could be due to the infection of leukocytes meanwhile weakening of the animal's immune system. Also, these parasites transmitted by the same tick-vector. The impact of this finding could help in disease prevention and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Euphrates River is one of the most important sources of running water in Iraq. In this study, the dissolved and suspended heavy metals in the Euphrates River are measured by taking water samples from four different sites between three provinces Babylon, Al-Najaf, and Al-Diwaniyah. The results of the samples, which were taken between May 2013 and April 2014, showed that the values of cadmium (imperceptible -0.075) ppm for the dissolved and (0.0043 to 0.2705) ppm for the suspended, while the values of lead ranged between (imperceptible - 0.0232) ppm for the dissolved and (0.0045-0.148) for the suspended and for zinc, recorded (imperceptible– 0.0168) ppm for the dissolved and recorded (0.0115 – 0.316) ppm for the suspended; for copper between (imperceptible – 0.0273) ppm for the dissolved and (0.0062 – 0.063) ppm for the suspended and for chromium between (imperceptible –0.0193) ppm for the dissolved and between (0.0043- 0.0449) ppm for the suspended and manganese between (imperceptible -0.0256) ppm for the dissolved and between (0.0085-0.0739) ppm for the suspended manganese. All the above confirms the pollution of the river water with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The samples collected from sheep's blood from(Al-Mihnawiya Village) in Babylon province, middle of Hilla, Iraq in the end of May month-2021. This investigation aim to knowledge presence types of Brucella spp. in the sheep's blood. Brucella is pathogen of zoonotic disease between animals and human. The bacteria isolated and identification by pcr. The results revealed presence the bacteria in all the blood samples and after senting these samples to DNA sequence noticed two species of bacteria included B.melitensis and B.abortus where compared these local samples with world researchs in NCBI by phylogenetic tree.DNA sequencing for B.melitensis and B.abortus include substituation mutation (transversion and transition) and at compared these results for genotype with phenotype that include (WBC, granulocyte and lymphocyte) by statistical analysis don't have significant differences (P>0.05%) in B.melitensis but there is significant differences(P<0.05%) in B.abortus, this mean existing genetic variety in this bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical care may be influenced by the ability to predict whether a patient has complicated appendicitis at the time of presentation. However, it is unclear whether prehospital or in-hospital factors are associated with complicated appendicitis. We also want to know if C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) can be used as supporting factors for Alvarado Score associated with complex appendicitis. Objectives: The aim of this study is to know the possibility of adding CRP and PCT to support the diagnostic protocol for differentiating between complicated acute appendicitis and noncomplicated acute appendicitis by knowing the sensitivity and specificity of each of them, as well as knowing which is more acceptable to add to the diagnostic protocol. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Emergency Unit at AL-Hilla Teaching Hospital in Babylon province, Hilla city, between October 2021 and January 2022. There were a total of 90 patients; CRP and PCT were measured for patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, in addition to knowing their Alvarado score. SPSS software was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Results: At the time of surgery, 34 (40%) of the 90 patients had complicated appendicitis, whereas 54 (60%) without complication. The age and gender of the groups did not show any significant difference. The Alvarado score, CRP, and PCT levels all showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The correlation between Alvarado score and biochemical parameters (CRP and PCT) show a significant positive correlation. Conclusions: CRP and PCT support Alvarado score to differentiate between complicated acute appendicitis and noncomplicated acute appendicitis, and this is evident from the significantly higher concentrations of both in patients with complicated acute appendicitis than in patients with noncomplicated acute appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysmenorrhea is an essentially menstruation-connected problem among menstruating women worldwide and it negatively affects the quality of life. It evaluates by means of prevalence determination. These factors are not scientifically evaluated yet. Statistical studies about prevalence of dysmenorrhea, symptoms, and relieving treatments are too scant in Iraq. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among menstruating women in Babylon city, Iraq, to estimate the impact of dysmenorrhea on women's lifestyle, and to examine the coping mechanisms based on the women's experience to reduce dysmenorrhea's density. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to select a random sample of 270 women in Babylon city. The mean age of the participants was 30.02 ± 8.29 years. Several questionnaires were designed to collect the data including sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual characteristics, habits and emotional factors, and relieving factors. Data were analyzed byusing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 26.0 with P < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. All ethical procedures were taken into account. Results: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 85.9% (n = 232) after considering that it defines as abdominal pain. The finding shows that dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with duration of menstruation (P = 0.05), dizziness (P = 0.046), nausea and vomiting (P = 0.015), and fatigue (P = 0.008), skipping breakfast (0.012), and mood change (0.006). Regarding the relieving factors, the significance was reported with mostly ignoring the pain (0.001), practicing self-medication (0.022), and using home remedies to reduce the pain (0.001). However, the association with effects on daily life (P = 0.150) was reported to be insignificant. Conclusions: The proportion of dysmenorrhea among Babylonian women is very high and attracts attention. Skipping breakfast, ignoring the pain, never caring for a medical consult, and lacking of regular physical exercise were specified as the most active predictors of dysmenorrhea. Increasing awareness among women regarding dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms, risk factors, and relieving mechanisms were highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Mustansiriyah Journal of Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease associated with inflammation and progressive damage of joints. It is present in the Middle East and North Africa where the epidemiology of RA remains poorly understood with a dearth of data of the prevalence and activity of disease among Arab countries. The prevalence of RA in Babylon, Iraq in 1975 was 1.02, but during the past decade it was noticed that the prevalence and clinical data varied greatly depending on the area of the study. Objectives: We tried to estimate the incidence of RA in Babylon Province, Iraq during 2014–2019. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study to detect new cases of the disease in Marjan Teaching Hospital from 2014 to 2019. All patients were diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria of 1987 and the revised one of 2010. Results: The total number of new RA cases during this period was 1814 patients. Females were 1577, and male patients were 237. The incidence was 1.1 in 2014 and then reached 1.7 in 2019 with an accumulative risk of 10.0. The average duration of the disease was 2.1 years, and the average age was 43 years. Conclusion: This study was done to follow the previous study performed in the same hospital between 2001 and 2011. The incidence was not significantly increased during the period of this study when compared with other studies. This study lacks the rate of severity and response to treatment, which indicate that another study is needed. It is done to see the incidence of disease and the effect of social and environmental factors that followed war conflicts in the area of Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a virus that affects goats all over the world and causes enormous economic losses; as a result, screening for the disease is a priority, especially in Iraq. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CAEV in infected goats using the précised PCR method in Babylon, Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 85 blood samples from goats aged 1 month to ≥6 years were analyzed for CAEV infections using molecular methods. The polymerase chain reaction primer was designed to amplify a 573 bp region of the proviral pol gene. Results: The CAEV tests revealed that five out of 85 goats were positive for CAEV. There were no significant differences in CAEV infection according to goat sex and significant differences according to age. Conclusion: Based on these results, the present study is the first molecular survey to confirm the current CAEV genome in an Iraqi goat flock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed recording the prevalence rates of the Cryptosporidium spp. and identify its species in buffalo at Babylon province by using microscopic (flotation and staining) and molecular technique to examined (100) buffalo fecal samples collected randomly from different sexes, ages, and regions, during the period from the beginning of October 2019, to end of March 2020. The percentage of infection with the Cryptosporidiosis was 40% by using the microscopic method, while, nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) technique showed the infection rate was 61%, and according to age groups, recorded higher infection 77.5% at (≤6) months age group, followed by age group (>6 -12) months and (>1 -2) years which showed 60% and 50%, besides, the age group (>2) years recorded 40%, which, the lowest infection rate. Also, females recorded (67.74%) as a higher prevalence rate than males (50%). Sequence analysis for ten samples that were positive by (n PCR) technique showed that 6 sequences belong to Cryptosporidium bovis (MT150692, MT150693, MT150694, MT150698, MT150699, and MT150701), while 3 sequence belongs to C. parvum (MT150696, MT150697, and MT150700), as well as, one of sequence belong to C. andersoni (MT150695), with a genetic difference of (0.010%) Datasets suggest strong genetic distinctiveness amongst species. The first diagnose of the Cryptosporidium and its species in water buffalo in Iraq by using molecular assay (nPCR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of study is to find the causes, how optimal diagnosis and what is the most causative agents of bloody diarrhea in infants and children. Methods: One hundred children with bloody diarrhea (three or more loose bowel motion/day with visible blood in stool) from total 1660 of gastroenteritis where studied in Babylon hospital for maternity and children in Hilla from (1st of March to 31st August 2012), all of them were less than five years of age. Those with surgical condition excluded from the study. Results: Higher percentage with E. histolytica 50(50%). Their stool culture was showed growth of normal flora. Second microorganism was E. Coli 20(20%), Third microorganism was Shigella 7(7%). There is no relationship between types of microorganisms in bloody diarrhea and different age group. More than 50% of the patients with bloody diarrhea was found in those who were below 2 years. There is no significant difference between type of microorganisms and gender of the patient's. There is significant difference between total number of cases and gender of the patient's. Male more affected 56(56%) than female 44(44%). There is a significant difference between total number of patients and residence of patients. Patient come from rural area were more 60(60%) than those from urban area 40(40%). Conclusion: Entamoeba Histolytica one of the most frequent offending pathogen in-patient with bloody diarrhea in our society. Children below 2 years are the main affected group and male sex affected more than female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Basrah Researches (Sciences) is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Basrah Researches (Sciences) is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Worldwide about 15% in the childbearing years have infertility problems. Many studies demonstrated that men and women have abnormal emotional responses, such as stress, anxiety and depression. In our community less published researches examined both men's and women's reactions to subfertility. Some treatment options like Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as Invitro fertilization (IVF) ad more stress, anxiety, and grief to the patients whom already have these symptoms from delay of pregnancy. Aim: this study was carried out to assess the prevalence of depression for infertile females in Kerbala, Najaf and Babylon. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 498 infertile women all suffering from primary or secondary infertility only 433 of them complete their participation in our study and answered the questionnaire. We made specific form of questionnaire consists of demographic and obstetrical information's mixing with some questions from validating questionnaire used in Patient Health Questionnaires-nine (PHQ-9). The data were analyzed by application of specific model of descriptive analysis includes; frequency, percentage, mean and inferential data (standard deviation, Chi-square, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient). Results: The prevalence of depression was very high among infertile women in Kerbala, Najaf and Babylon/Iraq, which is 93.5% were depressed from study sample. The mean score of depression among infertile patients was 12.26 ± 6.57 out of 36. Conclusion the study concludes that the infertility has large impacts on woman in our community with different forms of psychological symptoms as especially depression that may affects their activity and social performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is the silent chronic Helminthes zoonotic infection caused by the larval stage in intermediate hosts of the dog tapeworm Echicoccous granulosus, which belongs to the Taeniidae family and genus Echinococcu ssp. According to the study of CE, the hospitalization and surgeries of patients indicated the high prevalence of the disease in Iraq.This study aimed to determine some immunological parameters in patients infected with Echinococcus granulose. The study of 53 patients infected with CE showed that in 40 (75.4 %), 5 (9.4%), 4 (7.5%), and 2 (3.7 %) cases the liver, abdominal cavity, kidney, and lungs were involved. In terms of age, most and least number of the patients were within the age ranges of 30-40 (n=15, 28.3 %) and 60-70 years old (n=7, 13.2 %), respectively. Moreover, 37(56.9%) and 16(43%) of them were female and male, respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the level of the Interleukin family among patients. There was a significant increase in the serum level concentration of IL17A and IL17B in patients with hydatid disease, compared to the control group. The changes in different age groups also showed statistically significant differences among them (P≤0.05). The outcome of this study indicated that CE is endemic in Babylon province, Iraq. The ELISA technique is a reliable and efficient test for the early diagnosis and monitoring of human hydatid disease. Moreover, it was found that the liver was the most common site of human hydatid cyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aim is to evaluate the importance of pleural fluid LDH/ADA ratio and pleural fluid ADA/serum CRP ratio in differentiating tuberculous pleural effusion from other causes in a sample of Iraqi patients. Methods: A prospective study of 100 patients with pleural effusion whom age ranges from 18-70 years where admitted at medical department at Al-Imamein Kadhimein medical city in Bagdad and in Marjan and Al-Sadik hospitals at Babylon province. Out of 61 (61%) are males and 39 (39%) are females. The study period was 9 months started from 1st of February to End of October 2019. Results: In this study the result of comparison of mean level of pleural fluid LDH/ADA ratio and pleural fluid ADA/Serum CRP ratio between tuberculous and para pneumonic pleural effusions were significant = 0.025 and 0.002 respectively. Also the comparison of pleural fluid LDH/ADA ratio and pleural fluid ADA/Serum CRP ratio between tuberculous and malignant pleural effusions were significant = 0.005 in both. Conclusion: Pleural fluid LDH/ADA ratio is of great value in differentiation tuberculous pleural effusion from malignant pleural effusion with predominant lymphocytes, pleural fluid ADA/serum CRP ratio is of great value in differentiation tuberculous pleural effusion from para pneumonic pleural effusion with elevated pleural fluid ADA and elevated serum CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of study is to investigate the scenario of Case study of COVID-19 in Babylon Province in Iraq. Methods: In January 2021 we started searching for the official source for the numbers of people infected with COVID-19 within the borders of Babylon Governorate, where the Babylon Health Department was reviewed, and after that we were directed with official authorization to the Public Health Department in Babylon Governorate/Department of Communicable Diseases/Respiratory Diseases Unit (weekly periodic visit). Where the official numbers were obtained for the number of infected people and the number of deaths that occur due to complication with this infection, as well as the number of recovery cases from the date of 1/8/2020 to 1/1/2021. Results: Related to the number of infected cases we see decrease the no. of infected with corona virus in Babylon Governorate from beginning the study to become lest at the end of 2020 with the significant decrease (P < 0.05) (The highest infected cases were notices in first month (1/8-31/8) while the lowest cases were seen in last month (1/12-31/12)) that may be due to: The main cause may be the most people may have gained herd immunity or population immunity, is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is have immunity developed through previous infection, that may refer to the end of first wave of this pandemic which start from the June. Conclusion: Knowing the pathogenesis of the virus and risk factors, increasing the experience of doctors and working cadres, increasing clinical capacity, providing specialized treatments, increasing the number of ICU beds, in addition to increasing the number of respiratory ventilators and increasing the number of tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A geophysical survey was carried out at old archeological Babylon City, which is located 90.0 km to the south of Baghdad. Three geophysical methods were applied in this survey. The VES resistivity method, for soil conductivity and layering testing. GPR and magnetic methods, for detecting subsurface archeological bodies. The resistivity results showed values lower than 5.0 ohm. m, and subsurface distortion, which are probably related to buried archeological ruins. Due to the low electrical resistivity of the top soil, the GPR method did not reach a good penetrating depth. Wide range of frequencies, 30 MHz, 250 MHz, 500 MHz, and 100MHz were applied. The high signal attenuation of the top soil resulted in distorted radar-grams with faint shallow anomalies. The GPR survey was conducted at different seasons hoping that the dry conditions of the hot summer could change the top soil electrical resistivity. Nevertheless, few GPR radar- grams show point reflections that related to small dense bodies at depths of 0.8 -- 2.0, which could be archeological bricks walls. The magnetic survey was carried out in two stages using Cesium magnetometer of high sensitivity. An area of 140.0 m x 240.0 m was surveyed at the first stage, which is covered by twenty-eight N-S traverses. The preliminary results show the effects of the N-S profiling, which can be removed by directional first derivative filter. It showed indications of subsurface archeological features. In the second stage, an area of 40.0 x 40.0 meters was chosen for detailed survey. The survey is done a long 40 traverses in N-S direction and another 40.0 Traverses along W-E directions. The preliminary results of the both surveys show some differences. These differences were removed by using first derivative filter. They both showed subsurface geometric shapes that are probably related to buried archeological walls. The mathematical modeling results showed walls of widths 0.3- 0.4 meters at depths around 0.8 meters. These walls continue down to 2.3-2.5 meters in depth. The magnetic survey also showed many circular high magnetic anomalies within an area of 1.0 -- 2.0 meters only. The mathematical modeling suggested that these anomalies could be corresponding to building poles made of andesite or basaltic rocks or they are buried metals objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D had been identified as a common metabolic/endocrine abnormality. Middle East countries had a very high rate of vitamin D inadequacy, vitamin D deficiency was associated with non-communicable and infectious diseases. Objective : To identify the prevalence of Vitamin D level and its correlates among Iraqi people in Al-Hilla city-Babylon province Methods :. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenient sample of individuals from all age groups and both genders who attended eight primary health care centers and individuals in Al-Hilla city\Babylon province\Iraq, the study period was started from May through October, 2019. A pretested questionnaire was used for data collection, the questionnaire included information regarding socio demographic characteristics of participants and their history of chronic diseases. The following measurements were done: level of serum vitamin D, blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight and weight and the serum of vitamin D. Results: The sample included 188 participants their mean age was 64.8 ± 17.25 years.The female to male ratio 1.7:1, More than half of participants (56%) resident in urban areas. Vitamin D mean level was (20.7 ng/mL ± 14.9 SD). The vast majority (80%) of the sample have vitamin D inadequacy in which (66% have deficiency and 14% have insufficiency), while 37 (20%) of the sample have vitamin D adequacy. A significant inverse relationship between vitamin D serum level and hypertension, type two diabetes mellitus, increase body weight. Conclusion: there was a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy among Iraqi people mainly in females, a significant association between low vitamin D level and hypertension, type two diabetes mellitus, and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The procedure tracheostomy involves making an opening in the airways and introduction of tube into tracheal rings in order to bypass obstruction and allowing air to reach the lungs. The survival of neonates and children witnessed substantial improvement following implementation of such procedure; therefore, the rate of performing tracheostomy in children has become high. Little information is available about complications of tracheostomy in Hilla general teaching hospital. Aim of the study: to highlight the main indications and complications in association with tracheostomy in pediatric age group in Hilla, Babylon province, Iraq. Patients and methods: The current prospective study included 41 children less than 12 years of age form the pool of patients admitted to intensive care unit at Hilla General Teaching Hospital and the intensive care unit at Babel Pediatric and Maternity Teaching Hospital. The study extended from March 2018 to September 2019. All those children underwent tracheostomy for a variety of reasons. They were followed up for one year for recoding any possible complication in association with tracheostomy procedure. Results: After one year of follow up, the time until decannulation was ranging between 45 to 365 days with a mean of 61.73 days. Upper air way obstruction was seen in 12 cases while assisting ventilation in prolonged intubation was seen in the majority, 30 cases. Causes of upper airway obstruction were Craniofacial anomaly, Subglottic stenosis, Laryngotracheal stenosis, Vocal fold paralysis and Subglottic hemangioma. The reasons for prolonged intubation included Neuromuscular disease, Postoperative period following major surgery, Respiratory failure, Trauma and Subglottic hemangioma. Conclusion: The main indications for tracheostomy in children were congenital upper air way obstruction and the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation and the main complications are either intermediate cannula loss or late subglotic obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D has different biological actions in the body . Vitamin D has the pleiotropic effects in multiple organ systems, and vitamin D deficiency was suggested to be associated with high blood pressure according to previous reports. Several interventional studies have examined the effect of vitamin D supplementation on high blood pressure patients Objective : to identify Vitamin D level and its correlate with hypertension among old adults. Methodology: This was across sectional descriptive observational study included convenient sample of elderly people in Hilla City,Babylon province, the period of the study started from the first of January through August 2019, a pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to interview the participants who attended primary health centers after obtaining their verbal consents, the sample included( 300) old adult of both gender, serum level of Vitamin D was assessed by chemo immunoassay method, the blood pressure was measured single handy by the researcher using mercury sphygmomanometer to diagnose hypertension. Results: The study included 300 participants 83.0% of the study sample had either insufficiency or deficiency of Vitamin D level. Hypertensive people had significant Vitamin D Deficiency (both deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D, 81% and 70% ) respectively as compared to normotensive participants, this difference was statistically significant p<0.05. Conclusion: there was a significant inverse relationship between vitamin D level and blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study included the isolation and diagnosis of contaminated fungi of some spices sold in the local markets in Hilla city in Babylon Governorate (Iraq) and includes, Black pepper, White pepper, turmeric, mixed spices for meet, Pizza Spices, Beef Shawarma, Pickled Spices, Rosemary ground and others. Results were recorded 346 fungus isolates belonging to 9 different fungal group. The most predominant fungal genera encountered were Aspergillus spp (40.17%), Penicillium spp (25.14%), Cladosporium spp (8.67%) Alternaria spp, and Fusarium spp. Yeasts were also frequently recovered, but not identified. All fungi were isolated on P.D.A. The study focus on aspergillus spp diagnosis by using molecular method to diagnosted it by using sequence’stechniques .The highest appearance of Aspergillus flavus (41.7%)was recorded fallowed by Aspergillus niger (25.9%), Aspergillus parasiticus (12.9%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to detect adenovirus in faeces of calves suffering from diarrhoea by using chromatographic examination. Calves were aged from one day old to four months of age. Calves were obtained from Babylon governorate in Iraq during the months of November 2019 to April 2020. From 118 samples, 20 positive samples with a percentage of 16.9% were recorded. The diseased calves showed an increases of the breathing rates, body temperature and pulse rates. The observed clinical signs included nasal discharge, cough, weight loss, abdominal distention and hair loss as 18/20 (90%), 14/20 (70%), 17/20 (85%), 18/20 (90%) and 17/20 (85%), respectively. The infection and affection were highest in the younger ages, 1 month old (24.4%) and lowest at 4 months old (5.5%). The highest infection rate was also recorded in winter (in December 28.5%) and the lowest rate was recorded in April (10%). Adenovirus in diarrhoeic calves were slightly higher in females than males, as they were 18.3% and 15.5), respectively. The adenovirus infections were higher in younger calves (1 month old), at low temperatures (in December) more than older calves (4 months old) and higher temperature (in April). A less food intake was a predisposing factor. It could be concluded that the presence of adenovirus infections in calves causes diarrhoea which was higher in younger calves and slightly higher in females than males, less food are a predisposing factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterococcus faecalis is one of the main causes of nosocomial infections. The clinical importance of E. faecalis is related to its antibiotic resistance because it is intrinsic resistance. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (VRE) acquired the vancomycin (VA) resistance by a plasmid that permits the sensitive bacteria to become resistant and has the ability to transfer this resistance to other unrelated bacteria. Materials and Methods: During the period of 3 months from 1st March to 31st May 2019, a total of 50 swabs were collected from patients with burn infections from patients in Al-Hilla General Teaching Hospital, Al-Hilla City, Babylon, Iraq. The swabs were cultured on selective and differential media and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24-48 h. Using VITEK 2 system was used for more confirmative diagnosis. Results: All samples yielded bacterial growth 100%. A total of 71 bacterial isolates were identified. Morphological and biochemical characterization of bacterial cultures revealed that 14/71 (19.7%) of total isolates were E. faecalis. The disc diffusion method was used for antibacterial susceptibility test against 22 antibiotics. Among 14 isolates of E. faecalis, only 5 isolates (35.7%) have resistance against VA. Conclusion: The emergence of VRE became a great challenge with serious complications of the control policy for nosocomial infections in our hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in buffaloes in two Iraqi governorates, Al-Qadisiyah and Babylon, by the microscopy as well as the competitive-ELISA that used firstly among the Iraqi buffaloes. A total of 184 buffaloes from both sexes of different age groups of animals were submitted for collection of blood samples to prepare the smears and sera. Overall results were revealed on 10.33% and 36.41% positive animals by microscopy and competitive-ELISA, respectively. In addition, positive rates by both tests were 7.61%; by microscopy only, 2.72%; and by competitive-ELISA only, 28.8%. In Al-Qadisiyah and Babylon governorates, respectively, 8.7% and 11.96% of microscopy samples, and 44.57% and 28.26% of competitive-ELISA were positives with significant differences (P>0.05). Regarding to age factor, the highest prevalence was detected by microscopy in young age group (1-3 years) was 14.15%, whereas by competitive-ELISA, it was 55% in adult buffaloes group (>3 years). Significant increases (P>0.05) in rates of infection were showed in females compared to males, respectively, by microscopy (11.18% and 4.35%) and competitive-ELISA (39.13% and 17.39%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency. The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is 13.4% in Iraqi patients. In Saudi Arabia the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is 66.3%. Distal symmetric sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, the aim of current study was to determine the most frequent peripheral neuropathy type in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients who visit the diabetic center in Babylon Province. Method: Three hundred individuals were considered in the study. They were divided into two groups labeled as A and B. Group A involved 150 diabetis-free individuals and considered as a control group. Group B involved 150 diabetic diagnosed individuals. All participants are underwent neurological examination and nerve conduction study (NCS). The study was carried out at Mirjan and Al-Sadeq Teaching Hospitals in Babylon province during the period from Oct.2017 to Sep.2018. Results: The electrophysiological changes assessed by NCS showed that there was a significant decrease in amplitude, conduction velocity for motor and sensory nerves in patients with peripheral neuropathy in comparison with that of control group (P<0.05). Also, there was prolongation in the F wave and distal latencies in patients with peripheral neuropathy in comparison with that of the control group, P value <0.05. Conclusions: From those findings we can conclude that Polyneuropathy is the most frequent type of neuropathy (62%) followed by mononeuropathy (16.7%) and mononeuropathy multiplex (14%). In addition, the sensorimotor fibers are most frequent ones among other nerve fiber types (71.2%), but the early fibers affect are sensory fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method has been used in the province of Babylon, the ancient city (constituted mound zoona) archeological site The study area is located South of the city of Hilla by 40 km between longitudes 44˚ 24΄ 40˝ E to 44˚ 27΄ 00˝ E, and latitudes 32˚ 31΄ 10 ˝ N to 32˚ 33΄ 00˝ N, The type of GPR that used in the survey fieldwork was of Malå Geoscience / Sweden type (RAMAC /GPR). The constituted mounts zoona district are surveyed using Seventy – four parallel profiles trending S-N ,N-S , E-W and W-E using the available antenna 160 MHz and 450 MHz, with Five meter spacing between each other are acquired the round-trip survey was conducted for ease and speed of fieldwork for both antenna 160 MHz and 450 MHz taking this into consideration in the interpretation and take special area with dimensions 20*20 meter according to the first shape anomalies individual profiles with one meter between the old the profiles that spacing Five meter also direction longitudinal and transverse also the round-trip survey was conducted for ease and speed of fieldwork was surveyed depending on the result of the regional survey. It is found that the upper zone of the constituted mounts Zoona characterized by dried clay and sandy soil with brocken archaeological materials, The second zone shows a prominent low resistivity zone probably caused by the moisture in this region that reduces the resistivity. The thickness of this layer is different from parts of the site to the others. The third deeper zone is typical for archaeological walls. Some of the main anomalies, may refer to buried archaeological remains of clay brick walls The 2D and 3D view of the constituted mounts zoona show that the archaeological anomalies are concentrated mainly in the SE part of the district with higher values of the height of the archaeological walls that range between (6-8) meters and reach to more than (10) meters. At the parts of the study area some walls are with low height that range 4-6 meters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth weight is expanding quickly overall and is a standout amongst the most genuine general wellbeing difficulties of the 21 st century. The issue is consistently influencing some low-and center wage nations, especially in urban settings and its commonness is expanded at a disturbing rate. Obesity has been linked to dental carries; however, enough controversy existed in the available published articles to permit conduction of the current study. To study correlation between bodies mass index and dmfs score in a sample of school age children. This cross-sectional study included 56 school kids (23 male and 33 female) were chosen randomly and the study was carried out in Hilla city, Babylon province, Iraq. The duration of sample collection extended from January 2018 through April 2018. Inclusion criteria included any child with an age of 7 to 11 years, primary school age in Iraq, whereas exclusion criteria included any child with age younger or older than the specified age, with history of chronic illness or with history of congenital abnormality affecting normal dentition. Oral examination and assessment of dental health was assessed according to decayed, filled, missed and surface (dmfs) index. There was no significant difference in dmfs scores between male and female children, 18 (8) versus 17 (7), respectively, (p > 0.05). Median dmfs score in all children was 18 (7). There was no significant difference in mean BMI between male and female children, 26.35 ± 6.39 kg/m² versus 25.96 ± 6.01 kg/m², respectively (p > 0.05). There was highly significant correlation between BMI and dmfs score (r = 0.899; p <0.001; R² = 0.789). There is significant correlation between increasing weight and dental caries in school age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to record the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection within sheep in Iraq. A total of 297 blood samples were collected from sheep in three provinces: Babylon, Misan and Wasit. Diagnosis of infection was done on the basis of examination of stained smear. Which was prepared and examined microscopically of blood stained smear for the presence of morulae, and revealed 8/297 (2.69%) as the total infection rate. Vital clinical examination revealed non-significant differences between temperature, pulsation and the respiratory rates of infected sheep; other significant clinical signs were emaciation at 5/8 (62.50%) and pale mucous membrane at 3/8 (37.50%). The haematological diagram displayed significant differences in infected sheep compared to non-infected sheep in some haematological parameters. The platelet count, lymphocytes and neutrophil were significantly decreased (P˂0.05), while total white blood cell count, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils were decreased non-significantly. The results obtained are the first blood smear diagnosis of A. phagocytophilum infection within sheep in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis is consider as a hemoparasites disease transmitted through bites of infected ticks and is important tick-borne disease. A surveillance was carried out from June 2017 to February 2018 to identified ticks parasitize buffaloes. Hard ticks were 749 collected from different localities throughout AL-Qadisiyah, Babylon and Najaf Governorates for identification and classification. Stereomicroscope was used to identify the ticks based on their morphological features. DNA from 244 different individual tick species was extracted and PCR was performed for detection of Babesia bigemina in ticks parasitize buffaloes using specific primer targeting fragments of B. bigemina gene. 749 ticks of Ixodid species were collected from the buffaloes. Out of 320 studied buffaloes, 110 (34.38 %) were infested by 5 species of ticks. Hyalomma anatolicum was the most prevalent tick species (57.28%) followed by Hyalomma turanicum (17.36%), Hyalomma excavatum (10.95%), Hyalomma scupense(5.07%) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (9.35%).An expected 1124 bp fragment of Babesia bigemina was generated in 23/70 (32.86%) of R.(Boophilus) annulatus. The results suggested that B. bigemina could be detected in the DNA extracted from R. (Boophilus) annulatus, confirming earlier reports as an important vector for B. bigemina. We conclude that B. bigemina is present in Ripicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus ticks in this area which detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The present research work was the first attempt to determine the molecular prevalence of B. bigemina infection in ticks, in Iraq by using PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this article is to demonstrate the lesions which were detected by TRUS in sufferers with hematospermia. This cross sectional study included 60 Iraqi patients suffering from urogenital manifestation and all has been diagnosed to have macro- or microscopic hematospermia. The age range of those patients was 39 to 67 years. The study started at June 2017 and ended at May 2018. Those patients were attending the urology unit at Al-Hilla Teahcing hospital, Babylon province, Al-Hilla City, Iraq. They were all examined by trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS). The ultrasound examination revealed the following causes with their corresponding rates: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), inflammatory conditions whether prostatic, seminal vesicle or both, calculi in the ejaculatory ducts or the inside the prostate and cystic lesions whether lateral, midline or para-median, 43.3%, 36.7%, 13.3% and 6.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: is to evaluate role of MRI in epileptic patients. The study was a cross sectional one that included 51 epileptic patients, 29 children (under 15 years) and 22 adult. Those patients were referred by the neurology unit at Al-Hilla Teaching hospital to the MRI unit in the same hospital, Babylon province, Al-Hilla City, Iraq, during the period from 1st of January 2017 to 4th of June 2018. The MRI procedure was conducted on a 1.5 Tesla magnet (Siemens, Germany). The procedure involved imaging the routine epilepsy protocol of MRI examination relying on 5 mm thickness slices and 2.0 mm interslice gaps in the coronal, sagittal and axial planes with T1and T2 weighting. Abnormal MRI findings were identified in 21 out of 51 patients (41.2%). In epileptic adults there were 5 (22.7%), 3 (13.6%), and 1 (4.5%) patients with space occupying lesions (mostly brain tumors), medial temporal sclerosis and other organic lesions (brain atrophy) respectively, whereas 1 (3.4%), 8 (27.6%), and 3 (10.3%) epileptic children showed the following lesions: with space occupying lesions (mostly brain tumors), medial temporal sclerosis and other organic lesions (brain atrophy and vascular abnormalities) respectively. The rate of abnormal MRI findings was 41.4% and 40.9% in children and adults respectively. Significant correlation was seen between focality of signs (in neurologic and EEG examinations) and rate of abnormal MRI findings (P <0.05), table 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]