Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pattern Of Cancer Mortality In Basrah Governorate From 2018–2022, Huda Hassan Al-Abboodi, Jafar Fawzi Al Badran, Nada Hasan Abdulraheem

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 9.6 million fatalities reported in 2018. Thus, understanding the impact of cancer rates and examining how cancer deaths are distributed by age and have changed over the years is crucial. Aim: This descriptive statistical study aimed to identify the most prevalent cancer types responsible for deaths in the Basra Governorate from 2018 to 2022, along with their distribution across various age groups and geographical areas. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive statistical approach based on death certificate data from Basra Governorate, encompassing all cancer-related deaths from 2018 …

Self-Reported Post-Covid-19 Vaccine Signs, Symptoms Among Vaccinated Medical Staff: Types, Severity, And Associated Factors, Ali Khalid Saeed, Yousif Abdul Raheem

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection vary in mechanisms, side effects, and effectiveness. Health care professionals have shown high vaccine coverage rates. Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of self-reported clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection among health care professionals in Iraq and determine the type and severity of COVID-19 vaccine-related symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 1st to July 1st, 2023, using an online questionnaire disseminated through social media platforms. Results: Among 770 participants, common symptoms included body aches (36.9%), malaise (34%), headache (22%), and fever (20%), with chest …

Alternate Day Oral Iron Replacement Versus Daily Intake In Women With Iron-Deficiency Anemia In Basrah, Muntadar Jafar Mawla, Mohammed A. Al-Anssari, Qutaiba M. Dawood, Murtadha A. Jeber, Asaad A. Khalaf

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a major global health concern, disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age. Conventional daily iron supplementation, though effective, is often associated with poor adherence due to gastrointestinal side effects. Emerging evidence suggests that alternate-day dosing may enhance iron absorption and tolerability, but comparative efficacy data in clinical settings remain limited. Aim: This study aimed to compare the hematological and iron store responses of women with IDA in Basrah, Iraq, between alternate-day and daily oral iron supplementation regimens. Methods: A total of 97 women with confirmed IDA (hemoglobin [Hb] < 12 g/dL, serum ferritin < 15 ng/mL) were enrolled in a prospective follow-up cohort study. The participants were divided into two groups: Group B (n = 48) received 100 mg of elemental iron daily, while Group A (n = 49) received the same dose every other day. Serum ferritin and hematological parameters (Hb, red blood cell [RBC] count, hematocrit) were assessed at baseline, three weeks, six weeks, and three months. ANOVA and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Compared to the daily group, the alternate-day group exhibited a significantly higher mean increase in serum ferritin (28.6 ± 4.2 ng/mL vs. 22.3 ± 3.8 ng/mL, P = 0.001) and hemoglobin (2.8 ± 0.5 g/dL vs. 2.1 ± 0.4 g/dL, P = 0.001) at three months. The alternate-day group demonstrated earlier and more sustained improvements in iron reserves (P < 0.01 at all follow-ups), but both regimens increased RBC counts. Conclusion: In women with IDA, alternate-day iron supplementation is more effective in restoring hemoglobin and iron stores than daily dosing, possibly due to improved absorption and reduced hepcidin inhibition. These findings suggest potential benefits for patient adherence and clinical outcomes, supporting the use of alternate-day regimens as a superior therapeutic approach. To validate these results, further randomized controlled trials are necessary.

A Comparative Analysis Of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia Coli In Urinary Tract Infections Among Males And Females (2022–2023), Hussein Abd Ali Mohammed Sadeq Al Her, Ekhlas Abdulameer Hameed Alazzawi, Yehia Ali Hadi Al-Qhadi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) globally. The increasing antibiotic resistance of UPEC strains poses a significant challenge for treatment in countries like Iraq. Aim: The study aims to evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli (E. coli) among UTI patients, considering age and sex, and to compare these findings with data from other geographical locations. Methods: Our study investigated antibiotic resistance patterns among E. coli strains responsible for UTIs in patients at Karbala Teaching Hospital for Children, Iraq. We specifically examined age and sex differences. Data on 144 E. coli isolates …

Evaluation Of Anatomic And Dosimetric Changes During Simultaneously Integrated Boost Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy For Head And Neck Cancer, Farah Dirar Yousif, Raad Hefdhi Abedtwfeq

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is the most commonly used radiotherapy (RT) technique for locally advanced head and neck cancers (HNC), concurrent with chemotherapy. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the anatomical changes that may arise in patients undergoing VMAT treatment. Methods: The study involved 20 patients with locally advanced HNC who received VMAT treatment concurrently with chemotherapy. Prior to the initiation of radiotherapy treatment, computed tomography (CT) simulation was conducted for all patients. The prescribed doses for the primary target (PTVP), high-risk lymph nodes (PTV60), and low-risk lymph nodes (PTV54) were 69.96 Gy, 60 Gy, and 54 Gy, …

Reviewing Of Radical Radiotherapy To The Mediastinum In Patients With Lymphoma, Zeina Abd-Aljabbar Mahdi Jaber, Manwar Al-Naqqash

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Historically and clinically, lymphomas are categorized into two major groups: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Over the years, radiotherapy techniques have advanced from extended-field to involved-field and more recently to involved-site/involved node radiation therapy (RT) (ISRT/INRT). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mediastinal radiotherapy in lymphoma patients in Iraq. Methods: A prospective study was conducted to assess clinical and dosimetric changes in various radiotherapy planes and dosimetry between January 2023 and December 2023. The data collected included The data collected included patient demographics, medical history, treatment details, lymphoma characteristics, staging, radiotherapy plans, dose/fraction, and …

Central Cervical Cleft: A Very Rare Case Of Cervical Congenital Malformation, Wael J. Alshihaby

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Central cervical cleft is an rare congenital midline anomaly of the neck, typically presenting as a vertically oriented skin defect accompanied by a subcutaneous fibrous band and, in many cases, an associated skin tag. This case report presents a case involving a five-year-old female who exhibited a midline cervical lesion with intermittent clear discharge but no associated pain or functional impairment. Clinical examination identified a characteristic cutaneous defect with a prominent skin tag in the midline of the anterior neck. Radiological evaluation, including ultrasound and CT scan, confirmed the localized nature of the anomaly and excluded deeper structural involvement. After …

Research Integrity Risk Index (Ri²) And Iraqi Universities, Dhurgham A. Abdulwahid

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Mental Health Counselors’ Perceptions Of Professional Identity As Correctional Counselors In An Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Setting, Jeanel L. Franklin, Kevin C. Snow, Edward S. Neukrug

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

This interpretive phenomenological study of four individuals examined clinical mental health counselors (MHCs) in a correctional integrated behavioral healthcare (IBH) setting to the purpose of examining how the unique experiences and roles of MHCs employed as correctional counselors in an IBH setting impacted the perceptions of their professional identity/development as counselors. Findings indicated how environment, work relationships, and multiple foci of mental health roles contributed to professional growth and identity development. Participants experienced an adaptive transitional process when applying counseling styles to the setting and population as well as integrating experiences as correctional counselors into pre-existing professional identities. Practical implications …

Akses Jaminan Kesehatan Terhadap Pekerja Perempuan Rentang Umur 25-29 Tahun Pada Setiap Provinsi Di Indonesia Tahun 2017: Studi Cross-Sectional, Rahma Rosita Dewi, Sabrina Putri Fatonah, Zahra Amalia, Intan Silmi Alya Mahmud, Rayhan Ramadhan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Health insurance is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indonesian government. However, coverage among female workers aged 25–29 remains low with significant disparities across regions. This cross-sectional study aims to analyze access to health insurance among female workers aged 25–29 in Indonesia and identify factors contributing to these gaps. The study used secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (SDKI), involving 8,394 women who met the inclusion criteria, focusing on health insurance ownership status. Descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the distribution of coverage proportions across regions, with bias control performed through data selection and multi-layered validation …

Ageing And Occupational Medicine In Indonesia: A Timely Integration For An Inclusive Workforce, Iqbal Mochtar

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

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Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Keluhan Heat Strain Pada Pekerja Overhaul Tangki Di Pt. X Kota Balikpapan, Bratarini Hassya Chilwindwi, Iwan Muhamad Ramdan, Dewi Novita Hardianti, Muhammad Sultan, Ida Ayu Indira Dwika Lestari

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Heat strain is a physiological reaction of the body that functions to release excess heat through sweat output, increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and weight loss. PT X is a company that operates in the oil and gas sector. The results of the study found that the workload was not appropriate and the incidence of work accidents that occurred due to fatigue. This study was conducted to see the heat strain complaints experienced by tank overhaul workers in the Oil Refinery Area of PT. X Balikpapan City and the associated factors. This research applied quantitative method with analytical …

Mitral Valve Repair During Cabg Surgery: Navigating The Gray Area Of Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation, Husam Shadid, Ismael A. Salas De Armas, Marwan F. Jumean

Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics

Ischemic mitral regurgitation is a consequence of prior myocardial infarction, resulting in regional wall motion abnormalities, leaflet tethering, papillary muscle displacement, and annular dilatation. In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, approximately 30-50% develop moderate to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation, associated with a threefold increase in the incidence of congestive heart failure and cardiac death. We present a case involving a 66-year-old male with multivessel coronary artery disease, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (30-35%), and diabetes who was found to have moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation at the time of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The decision to pursue mitral …

Pengaruh Penerapan Teknik Relaksasi Otot Progresif Berbasis Musik Instrumental Terhadap Gejala Stres Kerja Pada Pegawai Di Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Probolinggo, Salwa Isna Barlian, Anita Sulistyorini, Marji Marji, Agung Kurniawan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Work stress symptoms are a condition where there is a mismatch between a person's condition and work demands, resulting in mental (psychological), physical, and behavioral disorders. Government employees are among those who are vulnerable to experiencing work stress symptoms. Based on preliminary study results, the Probolinggo Regency Health Office is one of the type A offices with a high workload, and several employees have been found to experience symptoms of work stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of applying instrumental music-based progressive muscle relaxation techniques on work stress symptoms in employees at the Probolinggo Regency …

Hubungan Repetitive Motion, Beban Kerja, Shift Kerja, Dan Kualitas Tidur Dengan Kelelahan Kerja Pada Petugas Aviation Security, Cindy Puspita Sari, Anita Sulistyorini, Marji Marji, Erianto Fanani, Tika Dwi Tama

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

The aviation sector is one of the work areas that requires the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Work in the aviation sector also presents various risks, one of which can occur in work accidents caused by fatigue. Based on preliminary studies conducted on Aviation Security Officers (AVSEC), there are symptoms of work fatigue. The study aims to determine the relationship of repetitive motion, workload, work shifts, and sleep quality with job fatigue in AVSEC officers. The research used a quantitative observational study with an analytic design through a cross-sectional approach with a total of 76 AVSEC officers. The …

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Kecelakaan Kerja Pada Operator Dump Truck Di Pt. X Kabupaten Kutai Timur, Anindya Sashi Kirana, Muhammad Sultan, Ida Lestari, Iwan Muhamad Ramdan, Dewi Novita Hardianti

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Coal mining is one of the industries that has a high level of danger and risk of work accidents. In 2023, in PT X department Z there were 36 work accidents with the most units occurring in the dump truck unit. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with work accidents in dump truck operators at PT X East Kutai Regency in 2025. This study used a cross sectional study design with 78 respondents who were dump truck operators taken by stratified random sampling. Data collection using questionnaires and CMR (Compliance Monitoring Report) observation sheets that …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Concurrent Osteoarthritis And Urolithiasis In Dogs In Thailand (2018–2020), Faiz Ihsanul Kamil, Kumpanart Soontornvipart

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts dog health, often leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and behavioral changes that may predispose dogs to secondary conditions such as urolithiasis. This study aimed to investigate the association between osteoarthritis and urolithiasis in dogs using radiographic imaging data collected from the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, over a three-year period (January 2018 to December 2020). A total of 16,377 dogs were included, and cases of osteoarthritis, urolithiasis, or the concurrent occurrence of both conditions were identified through a systematic database review. Binary logistic regression models were used to …

From Life-Vests To Catalysts: Collaboration As The Key To Becoming Researchers, Ingunn Skjesol Ph.D., Krisitn B. Ørjasæter Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

Ph.D. students report that doctoral work is challenging, with tight deadlines and extensive individual demands. In our duoethnography we reflect on and interrogate how collaborating in a structured way supported the development of our research competence during our doctoral work. Our analysis draws on a range of data: emails, Outlook calendars, work notes, manuscripts with reviewing comments, audio recordings of workshops, memories and research diaries. This article presents two concepts: (1) the phasing of doctoral work, showing our journey from life-vests to catalysts, and (2) a structured model for collaboration, built on shared engagement and mutual commitment. Further it argues …

Incidence And Clinical Profile Of Cardiovascular Abnormalities In Infants Of Diabetic Mother, Kailas Randad, Praveen Das, Akash Dnyandeo Sarkate, Qudsiya Ansari

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Maternal diabetes is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, notably congenital heart disease (CHD) in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). This study evaluated the prevalence and spectrum of CHDs in IDMs and the effect of maternal glycemic control.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai. A total of 112 IDMs were enrolled. Maternal glycemic status was assessed using HbA1c and random blood sugar. All infants underwent clinical examination, oxygen saturation measurement, and echocardiography.

Results: CHDs were identified in 26.7% of infants. The most frequent lesions …

Unveiling The Clinicopathological Outcomes Of Breast Cancer In Young Women: A Perspective From Resource-Limited Settings, Kulsoom Shaikh, Aiman Arif, Mehwish Mooghal, Lubna Vohra

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the incidence of breast cancer in young women over a ten-year period and examine its association with clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Breast Cancer Registry at our institution was conducted. Of the 2,238 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2012 and 2021, 535 (23.9%) were aged 40 years or younger at the time of diagnosis. Cases with missing data for independent variables were excluded from the respective analyses. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 34.5 years (range: 15–40). The most common clinical …

Pola Sebaran Spasial Pada Kejadian Stunting Di Provinsi Lampung Tahun 2019 -2023, R Nasrullah Nur Nugroho, Indang Trihandini, Martya Rahmaniati Makful

Jurnal Biostatistik, Kependudukan, dan Informatika Kesehatan

Stunting merupakan gangguan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan yang dialami anak-anak akibat gizi buruk, infeksi berulang dan stimulasi psikososial yang tidak memadai. Menurut Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) 2023, prevalensi stunting di Indonesia sebesar 21,5%, sementara Lampung 14,9% yang menempatkannya pada posisi ke-empat terendah setelah Bali, Jambi dan Riau. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pola sebaran spasial dan autokorelasi spasial kejadian stunting di Provinsi Lampung tahun 2019–2023 dengan pendekatan studi ekologi. Sampel penelitian adalah 13 kabupaten dan 2 kota di Provinsi Lampung. Metode analisis spasial yang digunakan adalah Moran’s I untuk mengukur autokorelasi spasial global dan Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) untuk …

Fireworks And Wood Combustion Impacts On Air Quality, Iris Keller

DePaul Discoveries

Fire is used as a land management tool to improve ecosystem health and to reduce wildfire risk by lowering tree and litter density. However, prescribed fire as a management practice has faced difficulties with public perception, because of increased awareness of air pollution. Understanding the way that prescribed burns impact air quality and how beneficial they are for ecosystems can help the public to recognize their necessity. This study measured particulate matter (PM) emissions from prescribed burns but also considered other PM sources: fireworks and bonfires. The measurements were conducted in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Chicagoland area in the summer …

Factors Motivating Clothing Choice: Environmental Impact Of T-Shirts, Lauren Hunt

DePaul Discoveries

Second only to oil, the fashion industry is one of the most pollutive industries globally. Due to the rise of fast fashion, this environmental issue is continually growing. The level of production has dramatically increased while quality of apparel has decreased, causing shorter garment lifespans. This research utilizes life cycle assessment to identify the environmental impacts of various textiles used in the production of t-shirts, including cotton, polyester, viscose, and elastane. The research scope focuses from material extraction through garment disposal. The life cycle assessment research is paired with a community survey to determine consumer behavioral patterns surrounding clothing consumption …

Environmental Justice And Soil Lead Contamination: Spatial Analysis Across Seven Community Areas, Arsene Lionel Apabaga

DePaul Discoveries

Pb is a pervasive metal with toxicity linked to numerous human health issues. Urban soil is a well-documented environmental sink for Pb, persisting as a legacy pollutant decades after the phaseout of leaded gasoline. This study measured, mapped, and analyzed the spatial distribution of total soil Pb concentrations across seven Chicago Community Areas (CCAs). The objectives were to: (1) assess the relationship between mean soil Pb concentration and mean Community Environmental Justice Index (CEJI) score per CCA, (2) determine the relationship between soil Pb levels and the percentage of industrial land use, and (3) quantify and compare the percentage of …

“Put Me In Coach!”: The Impact Of College Sport Team’S Mentorship In Chronically Ill And Disabled Children And Adolescents Adherence To Medical Regimen, Jameela Askira

DePaul Discoveries

The purpose of this study was to see if participation in TeamIMPACT, a program which matches ill children with college sports teams, aided chronically ill children and adolescents in adhering to their treatment regimen. This research is a part of a larger study where 25 child participants were interviewed via Zoom to answer questions regarding their time in the program, peer and family relationships, coping and resilience and other factors. The current study solely analyzed answers to questions regarding adherence to medical treatments. There were three measures: Child vs Parent Response, Treatment Regimen Components and Care Responsibility. Through a descriptive …

Frustrated, But Motivated: Insights From People With Me/Cfs, Aiden Rathmann, Suvetha Ravichandran, Leonard A. Jason

DePaul Discoveries

Qualitative research can amplify and clarify the perspectives of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The current study analyzed responses to an open-ended survey question regarding the experiences of people with ME/CFS, especially in relation to ME/CFS case definitions. Although many people with ME/CFS are frustrated with their interactions with healthcare workers and researchers, people with this illness want these individuals to listen to them about their experiences with health care and research.

Using Synchrotron Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering To Study Collagen Degradation In Second Metacarpal Bones, Zeel Sheth, Misha Romanov, Ruby Schwieger

DePaul Discoveries

The study examines female human second metacarpal (mc2) bones from early medieval cemetery at Greding, Germany, using high-energy Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) at beamline 1-ID of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Rietveld refinement showed that carbonated apatite lattice parameters did not correlate with estimated age-at-death. For six of the mc2, widths of 00.2 and 00.4 diffraction peaks were substantially narrower than those of a modern (non-diagenetically altered) mc2 and of the other four ancient mc2. The peak width results are interpreted as indicating that four of the ten ancient mc2 retain substantial collagen and six of …

Modified 2-Quinolinones For Photocatalysis: The Fluorescence Quantum Yield (Φf) Of Novel 2-Quinolinone Derivatives, Reggina Moreno Trevino, Graham Griffin

DePaul Discoveries

The photophysical properties of novel 2-quinolinone derivatives were examined to evaluate their potential as photocatalysts using fluorescence and UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. The fluorescence quantum yields were determined via the relative comparative method, using target absorbance values at a specific wavelength to prepare solutions and comparing these measurements to the reference molecule carbostyril-124. Molar absorptivity values were also calculated to assess the light absorption properties for each compound. Among the derivatives, PAV-3 presented with the highest molar absorptivity and fluorescence quantum yield values (ε= 15297.3 M-1 cm-1, ΦF= 17.1%), while PAV-5 showed the lowest (ε= 4796.2 M-1 cm-1, ΦF= 2.3%). The …

Race/Ethnicity, Living Arrangements, And Access To Healthcare Among Older Adults With Alzheimer’S Disease In The United States: Multiple Systematic Reviews In Relation To Health Outcomes, Chela Reiss, Grace Vethacke

DePaul Discoveries

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting older adults. It is a growing public health crisis that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The number of adults aged 65 and older is projected to reach 98.2 million by 2060, leading to a continued rise in the prevalence of AD. Understanding the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes in patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is essential in addressing the disparities within patient care and quality of life. This systematic review examined three socioeconomic factors - race/ethnicity, living arrangements, and access to healthcare - and their related health …

Depaul Discoveries Volume 14 Cover Art, Reggina Moreno Trevino

DePaul Discoveries

No abstract provided.