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Background and objectives: To determine the most effective methods in treatment of osteoporosis by using calcitonin and disodium clodronate in postmenopausal osteoporotic women in Tikrit city. Osteoporosis meaning porous bones characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. It is common ailment seen in postmenopausal women, resulting in fragile and weak bones highly susceptible to fractures of hips, spine and wrist. One in three women over age of 50 years will develop the disease during their lifetime. Methods: The study involves 78 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis but only 54 of them were included in this study. Evaluation of patient includes detailed history, physical examination, biochemical investigations, x-ray study, and bone quality index measured by heel ultrasound. Results: The age of 54 postmenopausal women, were included in this study, . ranged from 50- 70 years and majority of them were between 55-60 year. The results showed that 28 present with back pain alone &15 had generalized bone pain 11 had generalized bone pain and back pain. 13 of the patient had Colle's fracture , 5 patients had hip fracture and 3 had vertebra fracture . The bone quality index measured by heel ultrasound less than 100 in all patient involved in this study. Treatment allocation concealment was achieved, and or patients were randomized into 3 groups: Group (A) received Clodronato (disodium clodronate), Group B received miacalcic (calcitonin salmon) ,and Group (C)with placebo treatment. After 6 months treatment, there was a considerable increase in bone quality index in group A on other hand group B gave the lowest improvement in bone quality index after 6 months. The incidence of generalized bone pain in group A was significantly lowers at 6 months in comparison to group B these symptoms disappear after 12 months of treatment in group A ,while this symptom increase in group C at 12 month and 18 months. Conclusions: Patients of Group A with disodium clodronate treatment get increased bone mass as early as 6 months, while this delay in calcitonin to 12 months . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a cross sectional study designed to evaluate the effect of smoking on pulmonary function test using Peak Expiratory Flow Rate measurement. It was conducted in Tikrit University during the period from the 1st of November to the 30 of December 2010 on 103 healthy smokers and nonsmokers, both students and university employees whose age range was (23-60) years. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate was measured , the results were expressed as Mean and Standard Deviation. The results showed that 70 subjects(68%) of the total are smokers smoking. The number and percentage of passive smokers was 21 subjects (64%) of those who does not smoke. Those who smoke <10 cigarettes per day was 16 subjects (23%), 20 cigarettes per day was 30 subjects(43%), those who smoke>20 cigarettes per day were 24 subjects(34%) of the total. There was a statistically significant difference in the Mean and Slandered Deviation in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate between smokers and non smokers, also the same difference was found between those who are exposed to passive smoking and those who are not exposed from those who were non smokers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A healthy school environment pertains to the physical, emotional and social climate of the school. It is designed to provide a safe plant as well as a healthy and supportive environment that fosters learning. Students of male and female teaching institutes will be the teachers of the future generations. Adolescents routinely engage in behaviors that put their health at risk. The aim of this study is to collect data concerning risky health behaviors knowledge gained in school in secondary school students in Tikrit, in order to get an idea of this knowledge which may have an impact on the future lives of these students. A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on randomly selected (1750) students, in Tikrit from 20/11/2006-20/3/2007 by using a modified questionnaire according to Iraqi circumstances for secondary school students concerning Risky Health Behaviors Knowledge Gained in School in Secondary School in Tikrit. This study reveals that 944 (53.9%) of the students were of urban residence, and that 1169 (66.8%) were male. This study reveals that reveals that 25.8% (451) students work after school hours to help in the family income and that 93.1% (420) are male and that (17.5%) 79 of the working students were from displaced families, and 80.3% were from local, nondisplaced families. Generally, knowledge gained in school was poor, and did not exceed 65%, except for HIV/AIDS. The study concluded that knowledge gained in school was poor and this problem needs to be looked into in depth and there should be review educational curricula and its tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity in children is common& is increasing. Breast feeding has many health benefits, however the role of breast feeding in preventing obesity in children is inconclusive. This is across sectional observational study conducted at Tikrit Teaching Hospital which include 110 children with age range (1-11) years. Body mass index was calculated, statistical analysis were utilized by using both descriptive & analytical statistical methods. Student test was used to determine the significance difference between variables. Breast fed children was 67% of the total, According to gender, male was 79% of the total. There was a small differences in Body Mass Index between breast fed& bottle fed children but these results does not reach statistical significance except the difference in the age group (8-11) years which was statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an estimates of the sonographical measurments of normal neonatal kidney. In this population-based cross-sectional study, the study consisted of a representative sample of (9) males and (11) females aged (0-28) days have been investigated using a sonographical machine to measure the length, width, cortical thickness and medullary thickness of the kidney. The mean length, width, cortical thickness and medullary thickness of the right kidney in males were (41.60±1.47)mm ,(19.40±0.42)mm, (3.10±0.28)mm and (4.47±0.26) respectively. The mean length , width, cortical thickness and medullary thickness of the left kidney in males were (43.10±1.45)mm, (18.98±0.55)mm, (3.47±0.26)mm and (4.67±0.28) respectively. The mean length, width, cortical thickness and medullary thickness of the right kidney in females were (41.72±1.18)mm, (19.45±0.43)mm, (3.12±0.27)mm and (4.57±0.27) respectively. The mean length , width, cortical thickness and medullary thickness of the left kidney in females were (43.17±1.45)mm, (19.07±0.55)mm, (3.45±0.28)mm and (4.78±0.29) respectively. Also the study revealed that the cortex was hyperechogenic and the mdullary pyramids were hypoechogenic. The left kidney in neonates is longer than the right one. The right kidney in neonates is wider than the left one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post traumatic soft tissue defect of lower limbs with or without fractures are common problems at any age group. Wide varieties of techniques and flaps have been established for reconstructions of these wounds. There were specific considerations regarding reconstruction in childhood age group. To evaluate the uses of local and regional flaps, including cross leg flap, in reconstruction of soft tissue defect of lower extremities in children. 20 children below age of 20 years with full thickness wounds of lower limbs. Reconstruction with different types of flaps was done for them. The sites of the wounds were one on the lower third of thigh, 3 on knee joints, 8 on leg, one on lower leg, ankle and foot, 5 on ankle, and 2 on feet. Fasciocutaneous flaps were used in15 patients, 10 as cross leg flaps, 3 as ipsilateral inferiorly based fasciocutaneous flaps, 2 as superiorly based flaps and muscle with skin graft used in 3 patients. Improvements in the fasciocutaneous techniques add a great to the reconstruction of lower limbs especially in pediatric age group. The use of cross leg flap as a fasciocutaneous modalities is a reliable solution even for extensive defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate topical TIMOLOL side effects(patient's awareness, prevention) , prescription, and pretreatment assessment. In this study we interviewed five hundred (500) patients with open angle glaucoma, who attended the ophthalmology department -in Tikrit Teaching Hospital- for checking, at the period [June 2008- April 2009]. Direct interview questions were used to assess patients knowledge about (TIMOLOL) side effects and whether they received enough medical advices by their ophthalmologists or not. Also we determined the degree of cooperation between ophthalmologists and medical physicians regarding pretreatment assessment. Also we tried to answer an important question, who prescribed antiglaucoma drug (TIMOLOL)? The results showed that 97% of interviewed patients didn't have complete informations about (TIMOLOL) side effects, while only 3% have these informations. also 90% of patients didn't know how they prevent systemic complications, by reducing systemic absorption. Only 83% of estimated patients received their treatment from senior ophthalmologists, 10% from permanent ophthalmologist, and 7% from general practitioner (GP). Weak cooperation between the ophthalmologists and medical physicians were detected, where only 5% of patients sent for medical consultation before starting the treatment. - Most of included patients with glaucoma didn't have enough awareness of systemic side effects of topical (TIMOLOL), which may affect their general health. The perfect way to reduce the risk of systemic absorption of topical (TIMOLOL) not explained well for most of patients. Critical fact was discovered, topical (TIMOLOL) was prescribed for about 17% of patients by non-specialized ophthalmologists. Weak cooperation between the ophthalmologist and medical physicians have been detected (95% of patients didn't receive medical consultation before starting TIMOLOL therapy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the effect of Aspergillus niger extract that obtain from ear swab of patients from Tikrit Teaching Hospital and Beiji clinics. The extract were under gone lyophilization and used against protoscolices of hydatid cyst which obtained from thirty patients from Tikrit teaching hospital and ten from Beiji hospital. Eight intact cysts were of pulmonary hydatid cyst and thirty two intact were of hepatic hydatid cyst of patients not received preoperative antihelmenthic were used . The effect of Aspergillus niger extract was in comparison with albendazole on protoscolices of hydatid cyst. The Aspergillus niger extract was then analysis by IR (infrared spectroscopy) and by NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy). The result also appear that Aspergillus niger extract has clear efficacy against the viability of protoscolices of hydatid cyst when different concentrations were used during different incubation periods . The result revealed that the viability of protoscolices of hydatid cysts is gradually decreased with increase in concentrations of Aspergillus niger extract and increase period of incubation. It has been also illustrated that significant inhibitory effect of albendazole on protoscolices of hydatid cyst.It is also revealed that the the efficiency of albendazol on protoscolices followed the same pattern as that of A.niger. Therefore it was found that effect of Aspergillus niger extract on the viability of protoscolices was higher than that of the same concentration of albendazole during same period of incubation. The IR (infrared spectroscopy) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy analysis results of Aspergillus niger extract indicate the presence of acidic protease enzyme in the extract. The presence of this enzyme explained the effect of Aspergillus niger extract on the protoscolices of hydatid cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menarche means onset of menstruation which is part of the maturation process. However, variability in menstrual cycle characteristics and menstrual disorders are common(1). The purpose of this study is to done to identify the average age and influencing factors on menarche among secondary school girls in Tikrit city. The study is a cross sectional done from first of November 2008 to 28th of February 2009 in Tikrit city, there were 150 females included in the study from two intermediate schools (75 girls from each). The sample classified according to classes (stratified sampling) then random sampling chosen from each strata. Data collection done by using questionnaire and direct measurement of weight and height. From this study it has been found that the age of menarche range from (9-16) years, with a mean age of 12.8 year and their age of menarche corresponding their mother or sisters age of menarche. The mean for age of menarche decrease from (13.3,12.7, to 12.3)years as the BMI increase from (15-19, 20-25,to >25) respectively. 27(75%) of girls with age of menarche <12 years, do not perform any sport. Early age of menarche(9-12) associated with high percentage of girls 28(52.8%) with stress, such as absence of their fathers or presence of other problems, while only 3 (5.6%) with delayed age of menarche had positive stressful environment. Conclusion: From these results we can conclude that the mean age of menarche decrease as the BMI increase. There was significant association between age of menarche and sporting and stressful conditions, while there was no significant association with sleeping hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigma marks an individual out as being different and evokes some form of sanction. Mental illness stigma refers to the view that person, with mental illness are marked, have undesirable characteristics, or deserve reproach because of their mental illness. The aim of the study is to identify the frequency of stigma experiences by the patients with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric diagnosis was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth, Text Revised (DSM-IVTR) criteria. Then each patients exposed to a questionnaire with two group of items, the first items concerned with patients' perception of self stigma while the second items concerned with patients' experience or/ and expectation of social rejection. The patients respond either yes or no to each item. The most frequently endorsed experiences in this section (58% of the patients) were those focused on feeling of lowered self-esteem, feel a shamed of illness and psychiatric illness is stigma. 58% of the patients experienced or/ and expected "most people would not marry some one who has a history of mental illness" and "thought that neighbors and colleagues would avoid them if they know of patient's illness". All the patients with paraphilias and drug and alcohol abuse experienced stigma.83% of phobic patients, 61% of depressed patients and 59% of schizophrenic patients experienced self stigma. Conclusion: all psychiatrists should take the issue of self-stigma in consideration when communicating with psychiatric patients, especially those who have characteristics, associated with high levels of self stigma, an experience of discrimination and social rejection about their psychiatric diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the types of foreign bodies of the musculoskeletal system in war injuries. Injuries of the musculoskeletal system are the most common type of wounds seen in modern warfare, accounting for 60% to 70% of all wounds. The study involved 108 patients with history of war injuries of the musculoskeletal system admitted to the emergency and orthopedic wards in the hospitals. Evaluation of patients included detailed history, physical examination, and x-ray studies. Among the 108 injured patients in this study, 41 (37.9%) were female and 68(62.9%) were male. The mean age was 34.5 years (range 9-66years).Regarding the types of musculoskeletal foreign body, the majority of injuries (65.7%) were due to multiple metallic fragments. There was only one case of a bony foreign body reported in this study. Foreign bodies vary in size, shape, composition, and initial velocity. They may vary from a few milligrams to several grams in weight. In the majority of cases (48.1%) of the injuries were located at both the upper and lower extremities. The majority of cases (75%) presented with compound comminuted fractures on different bones of the musculoskeletal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an enigmatic etiology, there is neither a permanent cure for alopecia areata nor a universally proven therapy inducing remission. This study aims to showing the efficacy of topical PUVA-SOL in the treatment of alopecia areata, and immunomodulatory effect of topical PUVASOL therapy. One hundred and fifty patients with AA attending Department of Dermatology at Tikrit Teaching Hospital were enrolled in this study in the period December 2008 through to December 2009; there were 100 cases (66.66%) and 50 controls (33.33%). All patients were examined clinically, then interviewed and detailed AA questionnaires were completed for each of them. All patients included in this study suffered from AA, which failed to response to conventional therapy. The most common site for AA found in the scalp. The AA more common in male than female, and more common in the young age than old age. The response of lesions to treatment were 68% in the cases, and 13% in the control while not response 32% in the cases, and 87% in the control. The time of response to treatment more visible after 20 weeks of treatment among cases and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility control had been used for thousands of years in different forms. Adequate child-spacing is considered a positive factor on the health of mothers and their children. The current work is a cross-sectional study done in Tikrit Teaching Hospital, Obstetrics unit included 270 married women in the period between 1st of February 2010 to the 30th of April 2010. The aim of this work was to study the family planning methods and factors influencing using it by women attending Tikrit Teaching Hospital. The study found that the prevalence of using contraception was (74.1%), the IUCD type was the most common type used by the participants. The most common reason of choosing a specific method of contraception was the advice of doctor (35%). With increasing age there is increasing use of contraception. There was a high percentage of using contraception in high parity mother . The educated women use contraception more than non-educated women, in regard to residency, urban women use contraception more than rural women. In conclusion, there are sociodemographic factors affect using contraception. It is recommended to improve health education concerning contraception among married women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast feeding continues to have practical and psychological advantages that should be considered when the mother selects the breast milk for feeding. The study aims to assess mother's knowledge about breast feeding and it's predictors. A cross sectional study which was carried out in Ibn - Al Atheer Pediatric Teaching Hospital, for the period from 1/1/2008 - 1/4/2008. Hundred mothers who accompanied their children admitted to Ibn- Alatheer pediatric teaching hospital for various reasons. Data were collected by using a valid and reliable questionnaire form prepared for the purpose. It includes 4 parts that comprised demographic particulars of the included mothers and a scale to test mother's knowledge. Ordinary percentages were used to clarify results of knowledge assessment variables. Forward Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of good knowledge regarding breastfeeding. The present study revealed that the study sample posses a various degree of knowledge regarding infant's and mother's advantages of breast feeding and it's contraindications . Several predictors of good knowledge were emerged . These are: high mother's educational background, high socioeconomic status of the family, governmental employment of the fathers and increased number of children. The study recommends that there is a necessity to promote mother's knowledge about the importance of breast feeding in the assessed domains i.e. benefits for mothers, infants and contraindications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are widely used to treat erectile dysfunction. The prevalence of comorbid ED and BPH-LUTS have generated interest in phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors as a potential treatment for BPH-LUTS. to identify the role of Vardenafil -which is a PDE5 inhibitor - in the treatment of LUTS due to BPH in men in Salahaldin province. This prospective clinical trial study was conducted in Salahaldin province in Iraq during the period from the 1st of June 2009 to the end of October 2010. A final total number of 59 patients were enrolled in this study. The inclusion criteria were men diagnosed newly with BPH, aged between 50 and 66 years, and have IPSS > 15. Patients themselves served as their own control group. Baseline IPSS as well as Qmax were recorded before the administration of vardenafil tablets. At the end of one month, IPSS and Qmax were obtained again for comparison between pre-treatment and post-treatment results. The mean age of patients was 58.7 + 4.2 years. Vardenafil therapy was associated with highly significant reduction in total IPSS (5.9 points reduction), [pre-treatment 20.8 + 3.8 points, while post-treatment 14.9 + 3 points, P value < 0.0001]. 4 ml/second was the improvement of Qmax after vardenafil treatment. 10.7 + 3.6 ml/sec. was the mean Qmax before treatment, whereas 14.7 + 3 ml/sec. was the mean after vardenafil therapy, P value < 0.01. Vardenafil significantly diminished the irritative IPSS symptoms (3.1 points drop), P value < 0.0001. 2.9 points was the drop in obstructive IPSS symptoms after vardenafil treatment, P value < 0.001. Flushing was the most common adverse event to vardenafil treatment (14%). All the adverse events were tolerable by patient and all patients continued the study to the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was done to show the levels of some biochemical markers in diabetic patients in two types (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM) and noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus(NIDDM)). Group of patients composed of 90 patient (55 NIDDM patients and 35 IDDM patients) was compared with 35 age matched healthy group. This study shows the significant(P<0.05) elevations of serum uric acid, blood urea, and serum creatinine in diabetic patients in comparison with healthy individuals. In type 2 patients(NIDDM) in comparison with type 1(IDDM) and with healthy individuals, these markers were increased in a significant (P<0.05) pattern in type 1 patients in comparison with healthy individuals except serum uric acid was nonsignificant (P>0.05). Serum calcium and serum albumin was decreased in a non significant(P>0.05) pattern in type 2 diabetic patients in comparison with healthy subjects, serum calcium was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in type 1 patients in comparison with type 2 and with healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin test performed on 273 patients with allergic asthma to determine the most common sensitizing allergen in our locality. In 32.6% of patients (89 patients) the test was positive to single allergen and in 67.4 % of patients it was positive to multiple allergens. Two allergens positive skin test forms 41%, while the test was positive for three or above allergens in 26.4% of patients. House dust mite was the predominant inhalant allergen that gave positive skin test in asthmatic. It was accounted for 26.9% followed by house dust allergen 18.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies were done on magnetic attachment which used for retention of overdentures and these magnetic attachments fixed above the oral mucosa on dental implant or on precious met al root cap by cast bonding or cementing, these magnetic attachment may have effect on oral microorganism. This in vitro study investigated the effect of different static magnetic field strength on some oral microorganism. Oral swabs were taken from the lateral border of the tongue and buccal mucosas of the check from 10 students, growing culture were examined carefully and colony morphology was recorded. Gram stain and Lactophenol stain were used when suspected Fungi, isolated colonies were sub-cultured and these colonies identified by using different API systems, Streptococci mitis, Streptococci salivarius, Staph. aureus, Enterococci and Candida albicans identified and cultured and Then the effect of (50, 150, 500,20,000 Gauss) static magnetic field strength were investigated on growth rate of these microorganism. The static magnetic field had an inhibitory effect on the growth rate of Strep. mitis and Strep. salivarius when the magnetic field strength used greater than (150 Gauss) at both South and North poles statistical analysis shows significant differences. With control group. While in Enterococci and Staph. aureus and Candida albicans it showed an inhibitory effect on growth rate at North Pole with increasing in field strength above (150 Gauss), while at South Pole it showed stimulatory effect on growth rate of these microorganisms with increasing field strength, both Poles showed significant differences with controlled group. While at (50 Gauss) field strength the results indicated no clear effect on culture growth rate for all microorganisms in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the effect of transvaginal cervical suture in triplet pregnancy by comparing the obstetrics outcome of triplet pregnancy with or without cervical suture. This is a prospective study conducted in Tikrit city, Iraq, between March 2006 and August 2009 include thirteen women of triple pregnancy. This study include women had normal cervical length and width detected by transabdominal ultrasound .Cervical circulage done for them before 14 weeks of pregnancy under general anesthesia. Percentage and mean were used for statistical analysis . This study showed that (90)% had cervical suture had preterm labour while (76,3)%without cervical suture had preterm labor .The mean gestational age at delivery for the cervical circulage group( 27.4 weeks )was different from the non cervical circulage group(34.6 weeks).The mean age in both group was 30 years ,7 women was primgravida ,and other 6 was multigravida. Ten of women had in vitro fertililisation ,three of women had spontanous pregnancy .Fifty three percent had emergency lower segment caesarean section, seven percent had hysterotomy ,fifteen percent had vaginal delivery and twenty three percent had abortion . Ante partum hospitalization in non cervical circulage was 6.3 day and in cervical circulage group was 12.5 day as(means). This study concluded that prophylactic cervical suture in triplet pregnancy had no role in management of triplet pregnancy. Further studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchiolitis is an acute, infectious, inflammatory disease of the upper and lower respiratory tract that may result in obstruction of the small airways. A case control study was done at the pediatrics department of the Tikrit Teaching Hospital during the period from the 1st of November 2008 to the last of February 2009 on patients diagnosed as acute bronchiolitis to evaluate the effect of single dose long acting methyleprednisolon in the treatment of acute Bronchiolitis. Most of the cases were from rural areas 97 (63%) while the urban cases were 57 (37%). Most of the study cases were under the age of 6 months 102 (66.2%).Most of the cases present from the 3rd to the 6th day of the illness 127 (82.5%).All the patients have dyspnea, cough and rhonchi of examination of chest (100% for each one). Regarding the time needed for weaning from O2 for the patients after methyleprednisolon injection in the both two groups of the study. Most of the cases in the group 1 (received methyleprednisolon therapy) weaned from O2 within 2 days of treatment 61 cases (79.2 %) while in the other group most of the cases weaned from O2 at the 3rd or 4th day 41 cases (53.2 %).Most of the cases in the group 1 respond within 2 days of treatment 57 cases (74%) while in the other group most of the cases responded at the 3rd or 4th day 39 cases (50.6%). Most of the cases in the group 1 discharged within 2 days of treatment 55 cases (71.4%) while in the other group most of the cases discharged at the 3rd or 4th day 37 cases (48.1%).The study concludes that there is significant effect of using methyleprednisolon therapy in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headache is one of the most common complaints of neurologic patients. Adults at age of 20-50 years are the most likely to suffer but children and adolescents are affected too. Here we investigated gender influence on some migraine aspects among patients contacting private neurological clinic in Tikrit from period Jan. 1st 2008 to Nov 30th 2009, 1950 patients were selected systematically by choosing every fifth attendant among those who are suffering of various neurological disorders, all of them residing Salahddin district. A self-created questionnaire list, which relied upon the criteria of migrainous headaches defined & issued by the International Headache Society, the data included demographic information, characteristics (type & frequency) of headache, associated symptoms, triggering conditions & family history. Of those, 260(19.7%) were complaining migrainous form they represent 13.3% of the total number of the selected people. Females were two fold the males in suffering migraine, numbers were 175(67.3%) & 85(32.7%) respectively. Migraine seems to be more frequent among patients at thirties 140/260 i.e. 53.8%. In our study stress emerges as the most important trigger factor of migraine that represents 77.1% in females. 46% of patients with migraine headache females have +ve family history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to assess efficacy, safety, and tolerance of azithromycin in acne.Methods: open-label noncomparative therapeutic study of 500 mg of azithromycin thrice weekly for 8 weeks in treatment of moderate-sever papulopustular facial acne in Iraqi patients. Patients were examined by two dermatologists and a full count of lesions, we used special grading system of papulopustular acne .The lesions were counted at the beginning of the treatment (baseline, day 1) and at weeks (2,4,8). The difference between the number of lesions at baseline and in subsequent visits was used to evaluate the efficacy of therapy. A difference equal to or greater than 50 % was considered "good-excellent", 20 - 50% "moderate," and < 20 % "poor".No topical therapy was associated. All patients were also evaluated at 2 months, post-treatment follow-up visit. 74 patients were enrolled (11-27 years) with moderate-sever papulopustular acne. (72%) had excellent response, (12%) moderate response, (16%) poor response. The pustular inflammatory acne responded more dramatically, while the comedonal lesions more resistant. No serious side effects were noticed. After the 8th week, patients advised to stop azithromycin and followed up for 2 months. Conclusions: azithromycin pulse therapy is safe, effective and tolerable antibiotic for mild-moderate inflammatory acne with very few side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a cross sectional study which included 50 patients of thalassemia attending Tikrit Teaching Hospital. It consisted of 20 males and 30 females. The percentage of gallstones among those patients was 16%. High percentages of gallstones were noted among females, older ages compared with younger ones, the prolonged duration of disease and frequency of blood transfusions. Liver function test was abnormal in patients with gallstones more than in those who have no gallstones. Patients who had undergone splenectomy were 12 (24%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has objectives to evaluate the serum interferon gamma level in asthmatic, AD, and asthmatic with AD; compare the result with apparently healthy control; and verify association between AD and asthma. The study was conducted in Tikrit Teaching Hospital, during the period from March 2009 to the end of September 2009. A total of eighty five patients were enrolled in this study . This study included 40 patients with bronchial asthma, 23 patients with atopic dermatitis, 22 patients with both atopic dermatitis and asthma, and 15 apparently healthy individual as control group. A blood sample (5ml) was collected from each patient and control group. The collected sample was divided into two parts, three ml for determination IFN-γ, and two ml used to determine the total W.B.C. and eosinophil count. The result of this study, demonstrated that AD more common in patients with age group less than 9 years, asthma more common in 20-29 and 30-39 years, while both AD and asthma more common in 20-29 years. Eosinophil count was higher in those with AD and asthma and serum IFN-γ was higher in those with asthma. Total WBC count show no significant difference among all group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been performed to evaluate the role of vitamin C as an antioxidant in the treatment of bronchial asthma in adult patients. The specific objectives of this study are to evaluate the therapeutic effect of vitamin C in the treatment of bronchial asthma in adult patients. Thirty asthmatic patients were participated in this study. The study was conducted in Sammarra drug factory from the first of November 2008 till the beginning of April of 2009. Their ages ranges between 18 to 45 years. The patients were received vitamin C (tablet of 500mg / day) for 2 months duration. The results revealed that; there was a significant increase in peak expiratory flow rate after treatment with vitamin C, as compare with before treatment. Also a highly significant decrease in serum malondialdehyde was recorded after treatment with vitamin C. Also, there is significant increase in the value of serum glutathione after one month of treatment with vitamin C (119 ± 4.7) comparing with before treatment (115 ± 8.0), & there is a 3.4% gain in serum glutathione after treatment with ascorbic acid. However, there is significant reduction in the value of serum cholesterol after one month of treatment with vitamin C (173 ± 11.2) comparing with before treatment (185 ± 7.7), & there is a 6% reduction. Moreover, there is a significant reduction in the value of triglycerides after treatment with ascorbic acid (125 ± 15.7) comparing with before treatment (148 ± 21), with a 15.5% reduction in the value of serum triglyceride. There is significant reduction in the value of serum LDL after one month of treatment with vitamin C (116 ± 8.9) comparing with before treatment (132 ± 7.7), & there is a 12.1% reduction in the serum of LDL after treatment with ascorbic acid. There is significant increase in the value of serum HDL after one month of treatment with vitamin C (33 ± 1.8) comparing with before treatment (27 ± 1.3), & there is a 22.2% gain in serum HDL after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the Caldwell-Luc approach for treatment of the antrochoanal polyp. and compare recurrence rate with other surgical approaches. A retrospective study Carried out on Fourty-two patients with antrochoanal polyp treated with Caldwell-Luc approach for removal of intrasinus part of the polyp. The operations were done under general anesthesia, at Tikrit Teaching Hospital and private Hospitals by the author during eleven years period from Jan.1998-Dec.2008. Follow-up for a minimum 6 months for post operative complications, and recurrence. The mean age of patients was 22 years, Male: Female ratio was (1:1.25), 21 patient(50%) had left antrochoanal polyp. Twenty five patients( 60%) presented with recurrence of antrochoanal polyp after removal via transnasal approach.{20 patients (80%) removal once, 4 patients (16%) removed twice, one patient (4%) removed three times}, and 17 patients (40%) were first presentation. Complications were Obvious facial swelling was the common 22 patients (52%),facial hypoesthesia 5 patients (12%), recurrence rate of the polyp was (4.8%) occurs in two cases. Caldwell-Luc approach is an effective option for treatment of antro-choanal polyp in the adults with low chance of recurrence ,as it gives good exposure for complete removal of the antral portion of the polyp, and it is a relatively safe approach if done precisely, comparable with the removal via Endoscopic sinus surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans can be infected with Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma, and they may have no symptoms at all. About 38% of infertility can be traced to a previous sexually transmitted infection (STI). A cross- sectional community based study was held in Tikrit city and its surrounding from Jan. 2008 to the end of Oct. 2008 to detect the rate of Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma infections among infertile females in Tikrit city and its surroundings and their association with gonorrhea cases. Cervical swabs of 52 infertile females were examined via gram stained smear under the microscope to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae cases, and then cultured directly onto PPLO broth media for the detection of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species. Data showed that PPLO media revealed positive results in 18 of the cases (34.6%), whereas Neisseria gonorrhoeae was detected in 31 females (59.6%) on gram stained smear and culture techniques. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma were detected in 16 of these N. gonorrhoeae cases (i.e. more than half of them). Most of N. gonorrhoeae cases were seen among primary infertility, whereas most of the Mycoplasma & Ureaplasma infections were seen in secondary infertility cases. High failure rates of antibiotics was reported among these females with vaginal discharge (69.8%). Emphasis on appropriate antibiotic regimens of new drugs and/or combined drugs therapy are recommended here to overcome the resistance, both with the proper diagnosis to detect these cases of sexual transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case control study of 108 patients less than 5year olds who were admitted to the pediatric department in Tikrit teaching hospital presented with acute diarrhea to evaluate the role of supplements of zinc in the treatment of acute diarrhea. The total number of cases included in study 108 patients, males were 72 cases (66.6%),while females were 36cases (33.3%). Patients were divided into two groups, group one were those with zinc supplements and group two were those with no zinc supplements. Those patients treated in group 1 had shorter duration in hospital stay than those in group 2. Regarding dehydration improvement, 34 cases (31.4%) treated in group 1 improved from dehydration within 3-5days , while 30(28.15%) treated in group 2 improved within 3-5 days , while for disappearance of fever ,35 cases (32.3%) those treated in group 1 the fever subsided within 1st day of starting zinc ,while 30 cases (27.3%) treated in group 2 fever disappear within 3days. Regarding the time of recovery from diarrhea in two groups, 30 cases(27.3%) treated in group 1 recovered from diarrhea within 3-5 days, while 20 cases (18.7%) treated in group 2 recovered within the same period. Regarding the feeding improvement,38 cases(35.19%) treated in group 1 had improvement in feeding within 1-2 days, while 30 cases(27.3%) treated in group 2 improved in feeding within 1-2 days also. Regarding the side effects of zinc therapy 15cases (27.9%) had vomiting, 9 cases (16.7%) had rash, and 12 cases (22.2%) had flushing. The study concludes that zinc therapy may enhance the recovery from acute diarrhea & shorten the period of hospitalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude and geographical distribution of blindness and low vision are greatly unknown. The current study aimed to estimate the distribution of blindness and low vision, identify the main causes of blindness and low vision, and estimate targets for blindness prevention programs. A cross-sectional study of randomly selected patients aged 5 years and above attending ophthalmological out patient clinic in tikrit teaching hospital was conducted from December 2008 to May 2009. Vision status was defined using World Health Organization categories of visual impairment based on presenting visual acuity. 2,499 (84.6%) were examined. Prevalence of blindness (presenting VA of less than 3/60 in the better eye) was 4.1%; prevalence of low vision (presenting VA of at least 3/60 but less than 18/60 in the better eye) was 7.7%; whereas prevalence of monocular visual impairment (presenting VA of at least 18/60 in better eye and VA of less than 18/60 in other eye) was 4.4%. Prevalence of blindness and low vision increased in both male and female with age. The main causes of blindness were considered to be cataract (41.2%) and glaucoma (35.3%), whereas low vision was mainly caused by glaucoma (58.1%) and cataract (29.3%).causes of monocular visual were trachoma and other causes (32.1%), cataract (22.0%). Visual impairment due to cataract and trachoma increased markedly with increasing age.other causes of visual impairment were more common in persons aged less than 30 years compared to those aged 30 years and above. Blindness is a public health problem in Salah alddin, and there is urgent need to implement comprehensive blindness prevention programs. Further surveys are essential to confirm these tragic findings and estimate prevalence of blindness and low vision in the entire region of Salah-alddin in order to facilitate planning of VISION 2020 objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a hospital based cross sectional study carried out upon 90 preterm infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Tikrit Teaching Hospital through the period from the 1st of February to the end of May 2008, their gestational ages were ranged from 28 - 36 weeks and their body weights were range from 800 - 2300g.The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of anterior fontanel ultrasonography in preterm infants, using special questionnaire, a physical examination was conducted and all preterms were sent for cranial ultrasound examination through the anterior fontanel .The frequency of intracranial findings was (30%), (7.40%) had germinal matrix hemorrhage, (51.86%) had intraventricular hemorrhage, (11.11%) had periventricular leukomalacia and 29.63% had ventricnlomegaly, (75%) of gestational ages 28 - 30 weeks, (47. 61%) of 31 - 33 weeks and and (9.44%) of 34 - 36 weeks, (48.14%) of body weights 800 - 1300 g, (47.37%) of 1300 - 1800g and (11.37%) of 1800 - 2300g. Case fatality rate among preterms with intracranial findings was (40.75%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the percentage of the particular types of septal deformities in symptomatic patients according to Mladina's classification. The study included 100 patients with nasal septal deviation who were identified at the otolaryngology out patients clinic of Al-Kadymia and Tikrit teaching hospitals. All of the patients underwent nasal examination by anterior rhinoscope and nasal endoscopy. Pathological septal deformities were grouped into seven types by using Mladina's classification. The frequency of nasal septal deformation has been found to be 65% in males and 35% in females .The age incidence showed that most of the patients between second and fifth decades. The distribution of the seven types of septal deformity was 4%, 20%, 10%, 8%, 38%, 4%, and 16% respectively. The most common presentation in overall patients were nasal obstruction 85% and headache 50%. In the males type 5 deformity was more frequent and in females type2. Nasal septal deviation was more prevalent in males. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting complaint in allover types of nasal septal deviation. Nasal endoscope was of great value in assessment of posterior septal deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is an important problem ion the third world. Cardiac complications is an important cause of mortality and morbidity among the children with poor nutrition. A case control study was done on 54 child aged 2-5 years with malnutrition attending Tikrit teaching hospital during the period from 1st of February 2007 to the 1st of February 2008 to evaluate the effect of malnutrition on the cardiothoracic ratio on plain CXR . Similar number of normal children were taken as a control with same age range during the period of the study. The total number of cases was 54 , males 37 (68.5%) and females were 17 cases (31.5%). According to the Welcome classification . most of the study cases were marasmic 22 cases (40.7%0) while the least were marasmic kwashiorkor category 8 cases (14.8%). according to the CTR in regard to the water law classification in regard to the total number of cases , most of the cases have CTR between 20-40% 27 case (50%). All the cases with mild malnutrition have normal CTR 8 cases (100%) , most of the cases with moderate malnutrition have CTR between 20-40% , 22 case (59.5%) while for the sever malnutrition , most of the cases have also CTR between 20-40% , 5 case (55.6%). according to the Welcome classification. Regarding the marasmus cases , 9 case (40.9%) have CTR between 20- 40% and 8 cases (36.4%) were between 40-50%. Most of the kwashiorkor patients have CTR between 20-40 % , 8 cases (66.7%) which is similar to the marasmus kwashiorkor category 6 cases (75%0. most of the under weight patients have CTR between 40-50% , 7 cases (58.3%). In diasystole .there is significant decrease in the left ventricular wall thickness for septum 38(70.3%) and posterior wall 39(72.2%) as compared o the control cases (0%). In systole, there is significant decrease in the left ventricular thickness for septum 48(88.9%) and posterior wall 47(87%) as compared to the control cases (0%). Most of the malnutrition cases had increased heart rate 38(70.4%) as compared to the control cases 3(5.6%). There is significant decrease in the stroke volume in the malnutrition cases 44(81.5%) as compared to the control cases (0%). There is significant decrease in the cardiac output in the malnutrition cases 44 (81.5%) as compared to the control cases (0%). As well as there is significant decrease in the cardiac contractility in malnutrition cases 53 (98.1%) as compared to the control cases (0%).Regarding the fractional shortening and ejection fraction, there is significant decrease in the fractional shortening in the malnutrition cases 44 (81.5%) as compared to the control cases (0%) as well as there is significant decrease in the ejection fraction in malnutrition cases 44(81.5%) as compared to the control cases (0%). There was no significant difference regarding the left ventricular function or mass in patients with marasmus as compared to those with kwashiorkor or marasmic kwashiorkor. The study concludes that malnourished patients have smaller CTR compared with well nourished ones with significant decrease in the left ventricular thickness and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that occurs in persons of all ages but is more common in children. To determine the use of scorad index in clinical assessment of atopic dermatitis in childen, a descriptive study carried on pediatric patients visiting asthma and allergy center and department of dermatology in Tikrit Teaching Hospital from March 2007 to August 2007. At enrolment, they all underwent; full history, clinical examination, blood sampling; Total WBC count, eosinophil cells count (100), total serum IgE level (32) were determined. This study includes (100) patients with AD; 58 cases (58%) males and 42 cases (42%) females. Most of the patients get the AD in the first year of life, 62 cases (62%). The family history is positive in, 84 cases ( 84%). Most of the patients develop mild AD, 52 cases ( 52%). There was significant association between severity of AD according to scorad index (S.I) and type of infant feeding, the mean severity score (S.S) for the breast feeding (B.F) children were (21.48+4.96 ), while the mean S.S for the formula fed (F.F) children were (35.70+9.79). There was significant association between the age of onset of patients and type of infant feeding, the mean age of onset for the breast fed patients were (22+16.21 ), while the mean age of onset for the formula fed patients were (12.3+12.86). ). There was significant association between severity of AD and the family history, the mean S.S for the AD patients with strong positive family history was (37.3+ 11.84), while the mean S.S of AD patients with negative family history was (22.6 + 5.12). There was significant association between the hematological parameter of disease activity (total serum IgE, eosinophil count) and clinical activity(severity) of the disease measured by scorad index. Conclusion the study highly recommends the use of scorad index in clinical assessment of children with topic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poet Bouri b. Eyyub who was the son of Necmeddin Eyyub, the governor of Tikrit, was born in Damascus in 1161. He was educated well as a prince and was interested in poetry and literature. He was given a military title of "Tacu'l-Muluk" and a religious title of "Mecduddin". In the siege of Aleppo that he joined with his brother, Selahaddin Eyyubi, he was wounded and died about one month later in 1183. Although the poet Bouri died at a very young age he left a court poetry. In our article, it was given information about the poet and examples from his poems were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in Iraq. Most such studies performed in Iraq have been hospital based. One community based study was performed in the southern area of Iraq but involved only an urban population. Our study was carried out in two Iraqi governorates, Tikrit and Kirkuk, and involved 1545 randomly selected households, 829 from urban areas and 716 from rural areas. The total sample size was 8000 individuals representing a wide range of ages, 3735 (47%) males and 4268 (53%) females. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 27%. The rate was similar in males (27%) and females (27%), and in rural (28%) compared with urban (26%) areas. Dermatitis was the most common disease category (33%) in the community based population, and skin infections (32%) in the hospital based group. Community and hospital based studies demonstrate that skin diseases represent a major public health problem which may confer significant personal and financial burdens on Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross sectional study was designed to investigate the effect of antioxidant therapy vitamin C 500mg daily dose on prehypertension patient (systolic blood pressure 120-139 and diastolic blood pressure 80-89mmHg) for nine months. The study was performed on 100 patient in both male and female. The result of this study shows that vitamin C was significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure after six and nine months of treatment. There is some side effect appear in some patient during the course of study as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, drowsiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]