Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Exploring Resource Profiles Among Trauma Exposed Youth: An Identity-Focused, Cultural, And Person-Centered Approach, Ogechi “Cynthia” Onyeka, Jessica Szu-Chi Cheng, Sina Sanei, Shaunna L. Clark, Caitlin M. Pinciotti, Andrew G. Guzick, Eric A. Storch, Sunita M. Stewart, Jessica Sandoval, Cynthia Garza

School of Medicine Publications

Objective: Resilience is a multi-faceted construct comprised of both internal and external resources that support adaptive functioning following trauma exposure. The role of resilience in ameliorating internalizing symptoms may depend on its typology as opposed to its presence alone, suggesting the existence of distinct subpopulations with heterogeneous resource profiles. The current study employs Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to identify and characterize profiles of resilience-related resources among youth exposed to trauma from an identity-focused, cultural lens.

Method: Patterns of resources were examined in 1538 youth (Mage = 13.4, 51.9 % female) from a large longitudinal registry of trauma exposed youth in …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Pharmacovigilance And Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Among Healthcare Providers In The Middle East: A Systematic Review, Amina H. Saleem, Harith Kh. Al-Qazaz, Omer Q. Allela, Ramadan M. Elkalmi

BioMed Visions Journal

The main purpose of pharmacovigilance (PV) is to ensure medication safety through detecting, assessing, and preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Healthcare providers (HCPs) are the main contributors in PV systems all over the world. However, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of PV and ADRs reporting vary among different medical professions and different countries.

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the HCPs in the Middle East, toward PV and ADRs reporting.

Methods: A systematic review was performed. EBSCO, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar, FreeFullPDF and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from January 2014 to December 2024. …

Developing Pharmacy Education: Review Of Virtual Reality Technology In Improving Clinical Training And Learning Skill Development, Samer Imad Mohammed, Mohammed Khudhair Hasan, Mohammad Yawuz Jamal

BioMed Visions Journal

Incorporating modern technology into education is becoming imperative. Numerous pharmacy institutions are incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology training into their curricula to enhance educational experience. This review examines the current state, historical evolution, and application of VR programs in pharmacy education and training. The review also provides details about the main challenges and limitations associated with the use of this technology. The VR technology, including virtual laboratories and simulations, significantly improves clinical training and educational outcomes. The utilization of VR in clinical teaching encounters numerous barriers, including ethical concerns and technological constraints, as well as other restrictions in its execution …

The Impact Of Vdr Gene And Biochemical Indicators In Osteoporosis, Sabah Subhi Ismael Barani, Mohammed Abdullah Ajeel, Safwan Jasim Sultan

BioMed Visions Journal

Osteoporosis is a disorder caused by bone remodeling imbalance in which bone resorption outpaces bone production, resulting in weaker bone structure. Factors such as heredity and insufficient calcium and vitamin D consumption.

This study included an examination of 80 female patients of different ages (40–58 years) in Mosul. The participants were divided into two groups: 20 individuals served as the control group, while the rest 60 were osteoporotic women based on clinical cases and taking X ray DEXA. The blood samples are divided into two parts serum for biochemical tests and blood for genetic diversity in genes associated to Vitamin …

Postoperative Duodenal Stricture In A Neonate With Duodenal Atresia – Innovative Approach And Lessons Learned, Raniah I. Alnaser, Dr Mussalam L Alobaidy, Dr Fawaz A. Alassaf, Dr Mohammed N. Abed

BioMed Visions Journal

Background and aim: Duodenal atresia (DoA) is a congenital condition that is characterized by complete or incomplete duodenal obstruction. This condition needs urgent surgical intervention that carries risks of postoperative complications especially in low-birth-weight babies and with associated comorbidities. The success rate of the surgical procedure was reported to be higher than 90%. This case study details a neonate’s clinical course reporting the challenge in the management of delayed stricture and malnutrition after the primary surgery.

Case presentation and results: A female neonate was born at 38 weeks of gestation with 2.6 kg weight. During the immediate postnatal period, she …

Knowledge And Diagnostic Skills Of Dental Residents Towards Endodontically Involved Teeth In Specialized Dental Center In Mosul City / Iraq, Huda Kh. Abdulkader, Dina Waadallah Azeez

BioMed Visions Journal

Objectives: to assess the knowledge regarding the diagnosis of endodontically affected teeth and the decision-making abilities regarding specific clinical situations among the dental residents in dental specialist center/ left bank/ Mosul / Iraq.

Materials & method: A self–administered questionnaire consisting of 20–questions was distributed to the dental residents at the Dental Specialist Center on the Left Bank in Mosul city, Iraq, in order to assess their diagnostic skills and decision-making abilities in relation to endodontically involved teeth. Additionally, the impacts of taking an endodontic course were investigated. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis.

Results: Forty-one dental residents participated …

Helicobacter Pylori Infection’S Impact On Thyroid Dysfunction And Serum Interleukin-6 Levels, Mohamed M. Sehree, Ashraf R. Salem Al-Safar

BioMed Visions Journal

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The study aimed to evaluate its prognosis and its relationship to sex, age, thyroid function, IL-6, and blood groups. 120 blood samples were collected from patients with gastrointestinal disorders at Al-Salam Hospital in Mosul between May and October 2024. The samples underwent clinical examination, including anti-H. pylori antibodies (chromatography and IgA ELISA to confirm active infection), thyroid hormones (Minvidus), interleukin-6 (ELISA), and blood typing using serological techniques.

The study results revealed that the rapid test revealed 40 positive cases out of 120, while the ELISA (IgA) …

Sirtuins And Cartilage Preservation: From Cellular Function To Therapeutic Innovation, Muthanna K. Zaki, Khalil A. Hadid, Mohammed N. Abed, Fawaz A. Alassaf

BioMed Visions Journal

The bones are cushioned by a thin layer of hyaline cartilage that permits physical activity to be performed without experiencing any discomfort. However, these tissues are susceptible to several diseases involving osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis resulting in cartilage degradation. Sirtuins (SRTs) and SRT-activating molecules have been shown in previous studies to affect cartilage and chondrocytes positively. This review aims to explore the potential protective effects of SRTs on cartilage and chondrocytes. It also highlighting various SRT-activating substances and their potential therapeutic applications in managing cartilage-related diseases. Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were used to search about related studies. The …

Neural Rewiring Of Resilience: The Effects Of Combat Deployment On Functional Network Architecture, Noga Yair, Tom Zalmenson, Omer Azriel, Dana Shamai-Leshem, Yaron Alon, Niv Tik, Lucian Tetse-Laur, Ariel Ben-Yehuda, Daniel Samuel Pine, Anderson M. Winkler, Ido Tavor

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Although combat-deployed soldiers are at high risk for developing trauma-related psychopathology, most will remain resilient for the duration and aftermath of their deployment tour. The neural basis of this type of resilience is largely unknown, and few longitudinal studies exist on neural adaptation to combat in resilient individuals for whom a pre-exposure measurement was collected. Here, we delineate changes in the architecture of functional brain networks from pre- to postcombat in psychopathology-free, resilient participants.

Methods: Tier 1 infantry recruits (n = 50) participated in this longitudinal, functional magnetic resonance imaging study together with a comparison group of university students …

The Impacts Of Age-Related Peripheral Hearing Loss, Central Auditory Processing, And Cognition On Quality Of Life In Older Adults: A Scoping Review, Brian M. Kreisman, Samantha E. Vasquez, Anna J. Bierma

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This scoping review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed literature exploring quality of life (QoL) for individuals with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), age-related central auditory processing (ARCAP) deficits, and age-related cognitive decline. A growing body of research has identified ARHL as a risk factor for the development of dementia, highlighting the connection between the sensory and cognitive systems. As the aging population continues to grow, examining comorbid age-related hearing and cognitive decline is especially relevant. These conditions may have potential negative consequences on the daily functioning, social participation, mental health, and overall wellbeing of older adults. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature …

Whole Genome Sequence Analysis Of Pulmonary Function And Copd In 44,287 Multi-Ancestry Participants, Wonji Kim, Lucinda Antonacci-Fulton, Susan K Dutcher, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Whole genome sequence (WGS) data in multi-ancestry samples supports discovery of low-frequency or population-specific genetic variants associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung function.

RESULTS: We performed single variant, structural variant, and gene-based analysis of pulmonary function (FEV

CONCLUSIONS: Large-scale multi-ancestry WGS analysis improves variant discovery and fine-mapping resolution for lung function and COPD and highlights biologically relevant genes and pathways.

Anoikis Resistance And Metastasis Of Ovarian Cancer Can Be Overcome By Cdk8/19 Mediator Kinase Inhibition, Mehri Monavarian, Resha Rajkarnikar, Emily Faith Page, Asha Kumari, Liz Quintero Macias, Felipe Massicano, Nam. Y. Lee, Sarthak Sahoo, Nadine Hempel, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Lara Ianov, Elizabeth Worthey, Abhyudai Singh, Igor Roninson Ph.D., Eugenia Broude Ph.D., Mengqian Chen Ph.D., Karthikeyan Mythreye

Faculty Publications

Anoikis resistance, or evasion of cell death triggered by matrix detachment, is a hallmark of cancer cell survival and metastasis. We showed that repeated exposure to suspension stress followed by recovery under attached conditions leads to development of anoikis resistance. The acquisition of anoikis resistance was associated with enhanced invasion, chemoresistance, and immune evasion in vitro and distant metastasis in vivo. This acquired anoikis resistance was not genetic, persisting for a finite duration without detachment stress, but was sensitive to CDK8/19 mediator kinase inhibition that could also reverse anoikis resistance. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that CDK8/19 kinase inhibition induces bidirectional transcriptional …

Development Of The Self-Administered Health Complexity Screening Instrument, Sheila Specker, Rachel Andrew, Emily Drexler, Emily Koithan, Steven Thurber, Steven Frankel

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to develop a self-administered screening tool to assist case managers, primary care physicians, and other clinicians in quickly and accurately identifying patients with complex health needs who require a definitive and detailed case management evaluation. In addition to medical and psychiatric items, this tool incorporates multiple social determinants of health (SDOH), known to add to clinical complexity. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING: This instrument is most appropriate for identifying patients with high complexity in the primary care sector. Due to the abundance of such patients with high biopsychosocial complexity and costs of treating these patients, …

“It Seems Like A Never-Ending Job”: Voices Of Female Caregivers Of Older Adults In The Rural Communities, Lalani Nasreen, Bhagyashree Katare, Evans Appiah Osei, Siqi Yang, Sampada Wagle, Julian L. Gallegos, Abidemi Mary Ajuwon

School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Rural female caregivers of older adults face significant caregiving challenges that puts them at high risk for poor self-care and wellbeing. Limited studies have examined the self-care needs of caregivers from a gender equity and social perspective.

Objective: Our study aims to explore the self-care needs and preferences of rural female caregivers and underlying key processes contributing toward their health and well-being. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used for the study. A purposive sample of (n = 20) rural female caregivers was obtained. In-depth individual interviews were conducted for data collection. Each interview was about 45- 60 min …

Socioecological Stressors During Covid-19 Among Urban Refugee Youth In Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis, Sikky Shiqi Chen, Carmen H. Logie, Frannie Mackenzie, Moses Okumu, Robert Hakiza, Brenda Katisi, Daniel Kibuuka Musoke, Aidah Nakitende, Isha Berry, Bay Bahri, Peter Kyambadde

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Limited studies have examined pandemic-related stressors among urban refugee youth in low and middle-income humanitarian countries (LMICs), such as Uganda. We explored the lived experience of COVID-19-related stressors among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda. We analyzed qualitative data (text messages, WhatsApp chats, photos) collected in an interactive mobile health intervention with 346 refugee youth aged 16–24 in Kampala. Findings revealed stressors across socioecological levels: individual (e.g., financial-related distress), social (e.g., limited social interactions), community (e.g., food insecurity), and policy (e.g., unprecedented lockdowns). Findings can inform social work organization pandemic preparedness strategies for economic empowerment and social cohesion with youth.

Whole Genome Sequence Analysis Of Pulmonary Function And Copd In 44,287 Multi-Ancestry Participants, Wonji Kim, Xiaowei Hu, Kangjin Kim, Sung Chun, Peter Orchard, Dandi Qiao, Ingo Ruczinski, Aabida Saferali, Francois Aguet, Lucinda Antonacci-Fulton, Pallavi P Balte, Traci M Bartz, Wardatul Jannat Anamika, Xiaobo Zhou, Junyi Duan, Jennifer A Brody, Brian E Cade, Martha L Daviglus, Harshavadran Doddapaneni, Shannon Dugan-Perez, Susan K Dutcher, Christian D Frazar, Stacey B Gabriel, Sina A Gharib, Namrata Gupta, Brian D Hobbs, Silva Kasela, Laura R Loehr, Ginger A Metcalf, Donna M Muzny, Elizabeth C Oelsner, Laura J Rasmussen-Torvik, Colleen M Sitlani, Joshua Smith, Tamar Sofer, Hanfei Xu, Bing Yu, David Zhang, John Ziniti, R Graham Barr, April P Carson, Myriam Fornage, Lifang Hou, Ravi Kalhan, Robert Kaplan, Tuuli Lappalainen, Stephanie J London, Alanna C Morrison, George T O'Connor, Bruce M Psaty, Laura M Raffield, Susan Redline, Stephen S Rich, Jerome I Rotter, Edwin K Silverman, Ani Manichaikul, Michael H Cho

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Whole genome sequence (WGS) data in multi-ancestry samples supports discovery of low-frequency or population-specific genetic variants associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung function.

Results: We performed single variant, structural variant, and gene-based analysis of pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) and COPD case-control status in 44,287 multi-ancestry participants from the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program. We validated findings using the UK Biobank and assessed implicated genes using lung single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data sets. Applying a genome-wide significance threshold (P < 5 × 10-9), we replicated known loci and identified novel associations near LY86, MAGI1, GRK7, and LINC02668. Colocalization with gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) from the Lung Tissue Research Consortium highlighted known candidate genes including ADAM19, THSD4, C4B, and PSMA4, which were not identified through other eQTL sources. Multi-ancestry analysis improved fine-mapping resolution (e.g., HTR4 and RIN3). Gene-based analysis identified and replicated HMCN1. In human lung scRNA-seq data sets, lung epithelial cells and immune cell types showed enriched expression, while fibroblasts showed higher expression for HMCN1. CRISPR targeting HMCN1 in IMR90 demonstrated reduced expression of collagen genes.

Conclusions: Large-scale multi-ancestry WGS analysis improves variant discovery and fine-mapping resolution for lung function and …

Rab5c Increases Endothelial Release Of Vwf By Regulating Vesicle Trafficking, Paula Reventun, Pablo Toledano-Sanz, Maria Delgado-Marin, Maria Viskadourou, D Brian Foster, Paul S De Vries, Maria Sabater-Lleal, Nunzio Alcharani, Claudia Gonzalez-Cucharero, William O Osburn, Alanna C Morrison, Alisa S Wolberg, Nicholas L Smith, Marios Arvanitis, Charles J Lowenstein

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Abnormal levels of VWF (von Willebrand Factor) are a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding. Genome-wide association studies for VWF have identified novel candidate genes that may regulate VWF levels in humans, including RAB5C (RAS-associated protein RAB5C). We hypothesized that RAB5C regulates VWF release from endothelial cells.

Methods: We studied the effect of RAB5C on vesicle trafficking in human endothelial cells. We performed CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) interference targeting 2 genetic variants linked to altered VWF levels and evaluated RAB5C expression by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We silenced RAB5C or overexpressed RAB5C wild-type, …

Prevalence Of Hepatitis B Associated Chronic Nephropathy In Baghdad, Iraq For The Year 2023, Ali Abduljabbar Razooqi, Adam Dawoud Salem, Bakri Yousif Nour

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The correlation between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and nephropathy presents a significant public health issue in Iraq. Aim: This study systematically investigates the association between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) serology and chronic kidney disease among residents of Baghdad, Iraq. Methods: We evaluated the clinical characteristics and serologic profiles of 609 patients with adult-onset HBV-related membranous nephropathy. Results: Individuals who are HBsAg (+) have a slightly increased risk of developing eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 or proteinuria compared to HBsAg (-) individuals. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the substantial impact of HBV on chronic kidney disease, independent of viral replication or inflammation. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the epidemiology and clinical implications of HBV infection in the context of renal complications, revealing potential immunological and pathological mechanisms. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the complex relationship between HBV infection and kidney impairment.

Ultrasonography Of Normal Fetal Kidney Width Measurement For Estimation Of Gestational Age In Sudanese Pregnant Women, Mohamed Omer Mustafa Omer, Mohaned Haleeb Edris, Ali H. Adam, Mohammed A. Abdelmotalab, Hamza Idriss

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: A precise estimate of gestational age (GA) is essential for providing optimal maternity care and determining the labor date. Aim: This study aimed to determine gestational age between the 14th and 40th weeks for Sudanese pregnant women by measuring the normal fetal kidney width using ultrasound. Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study in Khartoum and Gezira states, Sudan, from June 2016 to May 2017. Three hundred ninety healthy pregnant women aged between 15 and 45 years were assessed by ultrasound, with overall normal well-being fetuses. Linear regression models for estimating gestational age were developed based …

The Effectiveness Of Aescin Diethylamine Salicylate In Alleviating Peri-Orbital Oedema Ollowing Septorhinoplasty: Follow-Up Study In Basrah, Iraq, Mohannad Mahdi Yaseen, Haider K. Saeed, Ansam Ghazi Abdulwahid

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Periorbital oedema following septorhinoplasty is one of the major complications. Various measures have been advocated to alleviate this issue, including the use of a variety of chemical and/or physical materials, such as Aescin. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the role of Aescin in reducing peri-orbital oedema following septorhinoplasty. Methods: Fifty-four patients underwent primary septorhinoplasty at both Syaab and Saddar Teaching Hospitals in Basrah, Iraq, from September 2023 to September 2024. This randomized prospective interventional study collected data from patients using a designed form during the initial interview. The study population was divided into two groups randomly, group A …

Coblation Tonsillectomy: A Review Of Five-Year Experience In Basrah, Mueen Al-Abdullah, Amjed Haider Ali

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Tonsillectomy is a very common surgery in children and it is the most routinely performed surgical operation worldwide. It is indicated for recurrent tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, suspicion of malignant diseases, and tonsillar hypertrophy causing obstructive sleep apnea. Various techniques can be employed for tonsillectomy, including cold dissection, electrocautery, bipolar diathermy dissection, radiofrequency, coblation, laser, and harmonic scalpel. Coblation is one of the most recent techniques used for tonsillectomy, which can ablate tissue by generating a field of ionized sodium molecules using a bipolar radiofrequency energy, which ablates and coagulates soft tissue into an ionized plasma layer, creating …

Infants And Young Children Feeding Practices Among Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centers In Basrah, Jhood Molan, Russell Abdul Hussain, Naba Jawad Kazem, Alaa Kazem Lefta, Heba Abdul Razzaq Hassan

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Malnutrition accounts for sixty percent of annual deaths among children under five years in developing countries, attributed to inappropriate feeding practices, including non-diverse and insufficient feeding. Improving the nutrition of children under five is a top priority for human development in these regions. Caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice of young child feeding are essential factors for child health and growth. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess infants and young children feeding practice among mothers attending primary health care centers in Basrah. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 mothers attending five primary health care …

Electronic Smoking Prevalence And Awareness Among Al-Nahrain Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study, Nibras Alaa Hussain, Tamara Ala’A Hussein

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Smoking is a significant global cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, resulting in six million deaths worldwide each year. Electronic cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents and young adults globally. Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of electronic smoking and awareness among Al-Nahrain undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. Data were collected during March and April, 2022. A total of 474 undergraduate students completed a modified standard questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-26. Results: The prevalence of electronic smoking was found to be …

Evaluation Of D-Dimer Level In Covid-19 Patients, Amal Malik, Noor Kadhim Mohamed-Jawad, Hiba Dawood, Ali Adnan Mohsin

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with prothrombotic complications, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. D-dimer, a fibrin degradation product, serves as a biomarker for coagulation abnormalities. This study evaluates the role of D-dimer in predicting disease severity and hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. Aim: To assess correlations between D-dimer levels and age, gender, comorbidities, disease severity, and hospitalization needs in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 78 COVID-19-positive patients admitted to an outpatient clinic was conducted. Data on demographics, comorbidities, vaccination status, disease severity, and admission D-dimer levels were analyzed using statistical tests (t-tests, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U). Results: The …

Does Valsartan Affect The Cytotoxicity Of Doxorubicin When Used As A Cardioprotective Drug Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity ?, Shaymaa Fadhil Abbas, Ahmed Bader Abdulwahid, Duha Emad Omran, Nehaya Mnahi Al-Aubody, Mohammad Fawzi Albadran

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Doxorubicin is widely used as a chemotherapeutic drug. It has several serious side effects, including cardiotoxicity. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that plays a cardioprotective role against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Aim: The aim of our study is to evaluate whether the combination of valsartan and doxorubicin affects the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in treating cancer using an in vitro breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Methods: Different concentrations of doxorubicin, valsartan, and their combination were tested to detect their cytotoxic effects on the cell line using MTT colorimetric assay method. Three duplicates of each concentration and control were made. …

Mean Platelet Volume (Mpv), Mean Platelet Count, And Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (Rdw) In Acute Coronary Syndrome (Acs), Jenan Al Ansary, Amani Hameed Abdulsahib, Ruqia Hameed Abdulsahib, Iman Abdulrasool Bachay

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) reflects anisocytosis, which is the variability in erythrocyte size. This parameter is commonly used in the differential diagnosis of various types of anemia Mean platelet volume (MPV) demonstrates platelet size and serves as an indirect marker of platelet activation. Both RDW and MPV have been proposed as potential markers for cardiovascular disease severity and prognosis. Aim: To evaluate the role of RDW, MPV, and the MPV/PLT ratio as supporting indicators in the diagnosis and severity assessment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 104 patients diagnosed with ACS (ST-elevation …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Acute Coronary Syndrome In A Group Of Patients In Slemani Cardiac Hospital, Khakan Radha Rostem, Amanj Kamal Muhammad, Hamza Hakim Abdullah, Renas Othman Hamad

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a subcategory of coronary artery disease (CAD) that encompasses a range of thrombotic cardiovascular events and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of ACS patients can vary significantly based on geographical location, healthcare facilities, and population demographics. These variations highlight the importance of region-specific studies to better understand the presentation, management, and outcomes of ACS in diverse populations. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic profile, cardiovascular risk factors, seasonal variations, clinical presentations, and in-hospital outcomes of ACS patients admitted to Slemani Cardiac Hospital. Methods: …

Platelet Count Pitfalls Between Routine And Advanced Techniques, Dhuha Ali, Sadiq Khalaf Ali

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Precise quantification of platelet counts is a fundamental aspect of clinical hematology, pivotal in diagnosing and managing conditions such as thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis. However, inconsistencies in platelet measurements across various automated hematology analyzers present significant challenges, potentially compromising the reliability of results. This variability is especially critical when platelet counts inform urgent clinical interventions, including the administration of platelet transfusions. Aim: The present study evaluated the accuracy of Sysmex XN-350 and Mindray in comparison to flow cytometry, the gold standard for platelet counting. Methods: 120 blood samples were categorized into thrombocytopenic, thrombocytosis, and normal groups. Platelet counts were measured …

A New Vitamin D Deficiency Cut-Off Value In Basrah, Iraq, Majid Alabbood, , Haider Alrubaye

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health issue worldwide. Clinical observations have shown that most healthy individuals living in Iraq and the Middle East are vitamin D deficient. This study aimed to establish the true cut-off value for vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D) in Basrah, Iraq, by analyzing the value at which parathyroid hormone (PTH) begins to rise above its reference range. Aim: This study sought to determine the true cut-off value for vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D) in Basrah, Iraq by analyzing the value at which PTH starts to exceed its reference range. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving …

The Pattern Of Immunoglobulin Production In Secretory Myeloma And The Relationship Between Relevant Hematological And Clinical Parameters In Basrah, Mays Husseinawi, Sadiq Khalaf Ali

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Plasma cell disorders encompass a spectrum of diseases ranging from benign to malignant. Among malignant plasma cell disorders, multiple myeloma is the most common and well-recognized entity. Aim: To identify the pattern of immunoglobulin production in secretory myeloma in Basra and correlate findings with hematological and clinical data. Methods: A retrospective study of 143 patients with plasma cell disorders was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Basrah Oncology Center, Iraq. Clinical data, relevant laboratory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, renal function tests, and serum calcium), bone marrow examination findings, radiological findings of bony lesions, and results from serum/urine protein electrophoresis …