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IntroductionEchinococcosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by tapeworms of the Echinococcus genus, manifesting in mature or larval forms. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the primary types affecting humans, linked, respectively, to Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk factors associated with CE and AE in humans.MethodsRelevant English publications were found through a thorough search of eligible databases. The inclusion criteria focused on cross-sectional and case–control studies investigating risk factors for human echinococcosis. Collected data included author, country, study design, demographics, sample size, literacy, occupation, drinking water source, dog ownership, and hand hygiene.ResultsA total of 1,594 studies were found in the initial search, with only 36 papers (involving 1,207,436 cases) meeting the inclusion criteria. Most of the study population (99.35%) showed no echinococcosis infection, while 0.65% were infected. Of the infected cases, 77.92% had CE, while 22.08% had AE. Among 629,996 (52.18%) females, 4,830 (0.76%) were infected, compared to 2,968 (0.52%) infections among 565,872 (46.86%) males (p

The Urartian rat snake, Elaphe urartica Jablonski, Kukushkin, Avcı, Bunyatova, Ilgaz, Tuniyev & Jandzik, 2019, is a recently described species within the genus Elaphe, found in eastern Anatolia, Caucasian region and the northern Middle East. It stands as one of the rarely observed snake species, with its distribution and other aspects of natural history largely unexplored. This is particularly true for the territories of Iraq and Iran. Therefore, we report on the presence of the species in Iraq, the first documented evidence of the species’ distribution within the country. In conjunction with this record, we provide initial data regarding the species’ habitat and ecology in the region. The distribution record presented here is further supplemented by a new species record from the border regions between Iraq and Iran, encouraging further herpetological exploration within the Zagros Mountains.

Geografiske skillelinjer ble igjen sentrale for norske velgere under Solberg-regjeringen. Slike politiske spenninger kan komme til uttrykk gjennom det vi kaller en geografisk bevissthet – et syn på geografisk fordeling av makt og ressurser, og verdien av å bo et sted. Ved å analysere unike surveydata, viser vi at velgerne og (lokal-) politikerne mer enn forvaltningsansatte har en rural geografisk bevissthet som inkluderer en oppfatning av maktasymmetri mellom sentrum og periferi, ønske om mer ressurser til distriktene i form av flere og mindre offentlige tjenestesteder og verdsettelse av at barn vokser opp i mer landlige omgivelser. Resultatene viser at det å bo mer sentralt og ha høyere utdanning reduserer sannsynligheten for å ha en rural geografisk bevissthet noe som forklarer en del av forskjellen vi ser mellom forvaltningsansatte og de to andre gruppene. Forvaltningsansattes lojalitet til regjeringen, sosialisering til rollen og endringer i kontaktmønsteret mellom forvaltningsnivåene kan være med å forklare den avstanden vi observerer. Med utgangspunkt i våre teoretiske diskusjoner og empiriske funn presenteres forslag til videre forskning på feltet.

Introduction: Echinococcosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by tapeworms of the Echinococcus genus, manifesting in mature or larval forms. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the primary types affecting humans, linked, respectively, to Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk factors associated with CE and AE in humans. Methods: Relevant English publications were found through a thorough search of eligible databases. The inclusion criteria focused on cross-sectional and case–control studies investigating risk factors for human echinococcosis. Collected data included author, country, study design, demographics, sample size, literacy, occupation, drinking water source, dog ownership, and hand hygiene. Results: A total of 1,594 studies were found in the initial search, with only 36 papers (involving 1,207,436 cases) meeting the inclusion criteria. Most of the study population (99.35%) showed no echinococcosis infection, while 0.65% were infected. Of the infected cases, 77.92% had CE, while 22.08% had AE. Among 629,996 (52.18%) females, 4,830 (0.76%) were infected, compared to 2,968 (0.52%) infections among 565,872 (46.86%) males (p < 0.001). Rural areas, low education levels, agricultural/livestock workers, dog owners, water sources, and poor hand hygiene were all significantly associated with the infection (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Echinococcosis remains a global health concern, particularly among rural residents, those with lower education, agricultural workers, and dog owners. Targeted public health measures, including improved hygiene practices and access to clean water, are essential to reducing its impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases are ranked as the second cause of death globally. This is mainly caused by the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens due to the improper use of antibiotics. This problem has influenced the search for antibiotics, particularly in natural sources from flora and fauna. Insects are about 75% of the fauna and have existed in harsh conditions for millions of years. Antimicrobials are thought to have developed in them for protection against pathogens. Kurdistan is rich in terms of insect biodiversity and there is scarce research on them to use their body extracts as antimicrobial agents. In this study, 13 insect species collected around Sulaimani governorate and their crude body extract which extracted by acidified methanol method were tested against some microbial pathogens. Five of them inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistance gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus; three inhibit the growth of multi-drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli. While antifungal activities against yeast, Candida albicans was not observed. So, Kurdistan insects can be a source for finding new potential antibiotics. Further studies on the crude body extracts of other species and finding the active compounds as well as the mechanism of action of each compound from active crude body extracts against microbial pathogens are recommended.

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm which is mostly diagnosed in late adulthood. This study aims to report an incidental finding of ACC in a child who was treated successfully with operation. A 9-year-old male presented with signs of delayed growth. Physical examination revealed a swelling in the left upper abdomen, which was shown to be a pancreatic tumor on a CT scan. Total surgical excision of the neoplasm was performed and the histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of ACC. Pancreatic ACC is very rarely reported in children and its signs and symptoms are non-specific. Its diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion and CT scan is a good imaging modality for detection. Resectable tumors are best managed with complete removal of the cancer, while unresectable neoplasms can be treated with chemotherapy. However, treatment guidelines and prognosis of pancreatic ACC are not clear in pediatric age groups due to scarcity of reports. Accidental finding of ACC involving the body and tail of the pancreas is extremely rare in children. Early detection and proper management provide an excellent outcome.

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease commonly caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The involvement of the head and neck regions is an exceedingly rare phenomenon even in endemic geographical areas. The present study aims to report an incidental finding of a hydatid cyst in the left anterior triangle of the neck. A 24-year-old male presented with a swelling on the left side of the neck. It started to increase gradually over the last year. It was firm and immobile. There were neither overlying skin changes nor associated palpable lymph nodes. Imaging modalities - ultrasound and CT scan - showed a cystic lesion in the neck. Cystotomy and pericystectomy were performed, and the hydatid cyst was removed. Histopathological examination identified the specimen as a hydatid cyst. Hydatid cyst of the neck is a tremendously rare entity that comprises about 0.75% of all cases of hydatid cysts. All age groups are susceptible to this disease, though it is more common in younger individuals. The involvement of the neck is thought to be caused by the systemic circulation of the Echinococcus embryos in the lymphatic system. A hydatid cyst of the neck is a very rare entity. It can be easily misdiagnosed. The the diagnosis should be suspected in cases with cyst-like lesions on imaging modalities to anticipate the proper management and prevent unnecessary complications.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a granulomatous inflammatory bowel disease. Around 25% of CD patients exhibit extraintestinal manifestations, though pulmonary involvement is rare. This study presents a case of CD causing pleural effusion. A 43-year-old man visited the pulmonology clinic with a dry cough for one-month, right-side pleuritic chest pain, and exertional dyspnea. He was treated with antihistamines and antitussive syrup, with incomplete relief. A chest CT scan showed bilateral mild pleural effusion. Given his occasional black stools and high serum calprotectin, a colonoscopy confirmed CD. Pulmonary manifestations may involve airway, parenchymal, and interstitial pathologies, but no distinctive pathological findings differentiate CD's pulmonary manifestations from other causes. In conclusion, isolated bilateral pleural effusion and the underlying pleuritis as a pulmonary manifestation of CD—characterized by dry cough and pleuritic chest pain, particularly preceding the diagnosis of CD—is extremely rare but possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary pancreatic hydatid cyst is a rare form of echinococcosis, even in endemic areas. The present study reports the case of a 67-year-old male patient with a primary pancreatic hydatid cyst who presented with severe epigastric pain, vomiting and fever for a period >2 weeks. An endoscopic ultrasound revealed a cystic lesion in the pancreatic head with a solid component. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the ultrasound finding. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent total pancreatectomy and splenectomy. A histopathological examination confirmed a primary pancreatic hydatid cyst. Hydatid cysts rarely occur primarily in the pancreas. They may spread to the pancreas through the hematogenous route. Various procedures can be performed for cyst removal, depending on the size and location of the cysts. Open surgery, laparoscopy and hybrid options are available; however, to date, the gold standard is open surgery to prevent spillage and reduce the chance of recurrence. Although rare, primary pancreatic hydatid cysts can occur, with surgery being the main treatment modality due to the vague preoperative diagnosis based on imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammals are under threat worldwide due to deforestation, hunting, and other human activities. In Iraq, a total of 93 species of wild mammals have been recorded including species with global conservation concern. Bamo Mountain is situated within the Zagros Mountains in northern Iraq which is a suitable habitat for wild mammals. Due to scarcity of the field survey efforts and cryptic behavior, monitoring of the wild mammals fauna in Zagros Mountain seems challenging. Therefore, we used a camera trap which seems to be an ideal way to determine species diversity of wild mammals in Bamo Mountain. Moreover, interviews with local villagers were performed. The mammalian diversity of Bamo Mountain is not fully explored but seemed threatened by local extinction due to poaching and wildlife trafficking, minefields, and annual fires. In this study, a total of eight species of wild mammals were recorded for the first time in Bamo Mountain using camera trap method including the Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor Pocock, 1927, and the Wild goat Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777, flagship and key species of conservation concern. As far as it is concerned, the major threats on the wild mammals were discussed and some important points were highlighted towards the establishment of the protected area in Bamo Mountain.

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by superior mediastinal soft tissue mass has never been reported in the literature, the aim of this study is to discuss a case of TOS caused by a superior mediastinal mass in which the histopathological examinations of the mass showed vascular malformation. Case report: A 45-year-old female presented with left upper limb pain and numbness for three months, associated with swelling and attacks of shortness of breath. Imaging studies showed soft tissue mass involving the superior mediastinum. The condition of the patient deteriorated and the signs and symptoms of TOS became clearer, all provocative tests and nerve conduction studies were positive. The patient underwent thoracic outlet decompression. The patient did not respond and the symptoms deteriorated further. After a multidisciplinary board discussion, the patient was prepared for median sternotomy under general anesthesia. A total resection of the mass was done. The patient was totally relieved a few hours after the operation. Discussion: The etiology of TOS can be multifaceted. Several factors contribute to its onset, and these can be categorized as congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include anatomical anomalies such as a cervical rib, or an elongated transverse process of the cervical vertebrae. These anatomical deviations can reduce the size of the thoracic outlet and make it prone to compression. Conclusion: Although it is rare, TOS could be due to superior mediastinal mass and the treatment of choice is total resection either through median sternotomy or thoracoscopic procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the wide distribution through the Iranian Plateau, especially in its western parts adjacent to Iraq's northeastern borders, the occurrence of Brandt's Hedgehog Paraechinus hypomelas (Brandt, 1836) was suspected, but no confirmed records were made. In 2021–2023, several sightings were obtained during in situ surveys in the Bamo-Khoshk Mountains in the Kurdistan region-northeastern Iraq which confirm the first occurrence of this species in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urartian rat snake, Elaphe urartica Jablonski, Kukushkin, Avcı, Bunyatova, Ilgaz, Tuniyev & Jandzik, 2019, is a recently described species within the genus Elaphe, found in eastern Anatolia, Caucasian region and the northern Middle East. It stands as one of the rarely observed snake species, with its distribution and other aspects of natural history largely unexplored. This is particularly true for the territories of Iraq and Iran. Therefore, we report on the presence of the species in Iraq, the first documented evidence of the species' distribution within the country. In conjunction with this record, we provide initial data regarding the species' habitat and ecology in the region. The distribution record presented here is further supplemented by a new species record from the border regions between Iraq and Iran, encouraging further herpetological exploration within the Zagros Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mullerian anomalies occur as a result of errors during embryogenesis. The estimated incidence of these anomalies is around 1% in the general population and 3% in women complaining of suboptimal reproductive outcomes and infertility. A 21-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital due to primary infertility for 18 months. After a proper history, physical examination and further diagnostic steps, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, a diagnosis of complete septate uterus with septate cervix and longitudinal vaginal septum was made. Following hysteroscopic resection of all the septa and two cycles of ovulation induction, the patient was able to conceive. However, she needed cervical cerclage later due to cervical insufficiency. The baby was delivered at term and was healthy. A uterine, cervical and longitudinal vaginal septum is a unique entity of Mullerian anomalies. Resection of all septa through a hysteroscopic approach resulted in a good outcome for our patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]