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Histopathological Study for Biofilm-Forming Klebsiella pneumoniae
No full textThe goal of this investigation was to ascertain if biofilm-forming Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates may cause histopathological alterations. Thirty-eight K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from patients who visited two hospitals in Baghdad; each isolate was identified using biochemical, microscopic, and cultural characteristics. Polystyrene microtiter plates were used to assess the K. pneumoniae isolates\u27 capacity to produce biofilm. The degree of biofilm thickness was reflected in the optical density (OD), which was measured at 630 nm. Approximately 21.05% of the tested isolates were weakly adhering, 73.6% were moderately adherent, and 5.26% were strongly adherent, according to the results. Isolate K22 was comparatively biofilm-forming, while isolate K20 was poor. Eighteen male Swiss white mice (Mus musculus) were used to test these two isolates intranasally. Weak biofilm former K. pneumoniae K20 caused less lung damage than moderate biofilm former K. pneumoniae K22, with pathology scores of 9 and 13, respectively, according to histopathological abnormalities in mice\u27s lungs.
Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Patient Attend Rheumatology Clinic in AL-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq
No full textDue to its prevalence, tendency to recur, and expense in treatment, lost work, disability and other factors, lower back pain is considered a significant health concern. This research explores the prevalence of lower back pain and the associated risk factors in patients attending the rheumatology clinic at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, over the development timeline of September 2024 to March 2025. In total 2,013 patients attended the clinic in the study timeline, and 445 patients met the definition of this research on lower back pain (22.11%). Descriptive analytical data were collected through interviews and physical measurements. The majority of patients were in the 46-60 age group (39.6%; female 61.9%). The prevalence of obesity was 39.6%, and overweight was 35.5%. The most common occupational activity was sedentary work (27.1%), which was statistically associated with low back pain (p=0.0021). 69.2% of patients had concomitant diseases, with arthritis being the most common comorbidity (17.6%). 86.8% of patients used analgesics for their pain. These findings provide evidence of a significant disability burden in the general rheumatology population and support interventions aimed at reducing modifiable risks that can decrease the overall burden of disability related to low back pain in this population (such as obesity and occupational hazards).
Quantitative MRI Integration with Cerebrospinal Fluid Testing to Improve Encephalitis Diagnosis
No full textDifferentiating bacterial from viral encephalitis remains a persistent diagnostic challenge. MRI provides rapid structural, metabolic, and perfusion insights, whereas cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis using PCR and culture delivers pathogen-specific confirmation. Each modality, however, carries critical limitations when used in isolation. In this prospective single-center diagnostic-accuracy study conducted in accordance with STARD 2015 guidelines, seventy-six consecutive patients fulfilling the International Encephalitis Consortium criteria underwent standardized MRI protocols (DWI, FLAIR, SWI, ASL, and MRS) alongside comprehensive CSF microbiological testing (multiplex PCR and culture). Quantitative MRI biomarkers apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), FLAIR intensity ratios, SWI microhemorrhage burden, MRS lactate/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios, and ASL cerebral blood flow were analyzed against a composite diagnostic reference. MRI alone achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, CSF microbiology alone 0.90, and integrated MRI–PCR interpretation 0.96, with statistical superiority confirmed by DeLong testing (p = 0.01 vs MRI; p = 0.04 vs PCR). Quantitative thresholds improved reproducibility (ADC < 0.8 × 10⁻³ mm²/s and lactate/Cr > 0.25 indicating bacterial disease; FLAIR ratio > 1.4 and ASL hyperperfusion suggesting viral etiology), while inter-reader agreement was excellent (κ = 0.82; ICC = 0.87). Pathogen-level analysis demonstrated that MRI performed best for HSV and Streptococcus pneumoniae, whereas PCR remained essential for enterovirus and EBV. Decision-curve analysis confirmed that integration provided the highest net clinical benefit, reducing overtreatment and delays, shortening time to targeted therapy (10 h vs 24 h), and improving 90-day functional outcomes. Integrated MRI-PCR interpretation thus represents a superior, reproducible, and clinically meaningful framework that redefines the diagnostic standard of care for encephalitis.
Hyperglycemia-Driven Alterations in Amyloid β Metabolism and Neprilysin Expression: A Biochemical Link to Neurocomplexity of Diabetes
No full textType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with neurological abnormalities, particularly in patients with prolonged disease duration. Given the similarities between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, amyloidogenic mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia; however, the precise roles of amyloid-related proteins and amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolism in diabetes-induced neural injury remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of Aβ-42, soluble amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα), β-secretase (BACE1), and neprilysin (NEP) in the pathogenesis of diabetes. For this purpose, the fasting blood samples from were prepared from patients with T2DM and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed for the levels of Aβ-42, sAPPα, BACE1, and NEP using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with T2DM showed remarkably higher FBS, HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR values compared with controls. Serum level of Aβ-42 and BACE1 were significantly raised in T2DM group, whereas sAPPα levels were markedly downregulated. Blood concentration of NEP was increased in the T2DM and exhibited a positive correlation with HOMA-IR. According to the results, hyperglycemia promotes amyloidogenic APP processing and Aβ-42 accumulation, whereas the elevated NEP level may represent a compensatory response to increased Aβ production. These findings highlight a potential molecular link between T2DM and amyloid-associated neurodegeneration.
Oral Ulceration Associated with Clear Aligners: A Narrative Review of Etiology, Prevention, and Management
No full textOver the past two decades, clear aligner therapy (CAT) has become a widely accepted alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances due to its removable nature and improved esthetics. Despite these benefits, several oral complications such as mucosal irritation and ulcer formation have been observed, which may negatively influence patient comfort and adherence to treatment. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the occurrence, contributing factors, and management of oral ulcers linked to clear aligner therapy. A narrative literature search was performed in PubMed/PMC, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to September 2025. Search terms included “clear aligner,” “Invisalign,” “oral ulcer,” “mucosal ulceration,” “oral lesions,” and “adverse effects.” Eligible sources included clinical studies, case reports, and review papers. Oral ulcerations during CAT appear to be multifactorial. Reported causes include mechanical trauma from aligner edges or attachments, chemical irritation from residual materials or cleaning agents, microbial changes that promote plaque buildup, and patient-related conditions such as mucosal sensitivity or recurrent aphthous stomatitis. From this study we concluded that ulcers associated with clear aligners can significantly affect patient compliance. Preventive measures include careful aligner design, clear oral hygiene instructions, and early identification of soft tissue irritation. When ulcers develop, management strategies may involve minor adjustments to the aligner, topical medication, and supportive care. Further studies are recommended to establish standardized preventive and therapeutic protocols
Prevalence of Stunting in Primary School Age Children in Baghdad, Iraq 2024
No full textStunting represents a crucial measure of long-term nutritional deficiencies which continues to challenge public health systems especially in developing metropolitan areas. The research focused on establishing both the magnitude of stunting along with its socioeconomic variables which affect primary school children in Baghdad\u27s Washash neighborhood. The research employed a cross-sectional survey method in 2024 to examine 357 children between the ages of 6 and 12 from eight public primary schools. The study collected height and weight measurements together with comprehensive information about personal demographics and family socioeconomic status. The study revealed that 17.4% of the children were stunted. The study demonstrated that specific factors including child gender together with guardian employment status and family monthly earnings and socioeconomic standing showed statistical significance in relation to stunting. The analysis showed no meaningful relationships between stunting and the child\u27s age or guardian education level or number of people living in the household. The data demonstrates how financial hardship and unemployment lead to stunted growth in children thus creating a requirement for specialized nutritional and social programs in neglected urban areas. The research establishes basic guidelines to develop future public health strategies which will reduce child malnutrition while ensuring equal health benefits for Iraqi children
A Comparative Biochemical Study of Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress and lipid profiles in diabetic and non-diabetic acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. A cross-sectional analysis of clinical and laboratory data was conducted at Al-Hussein Educational Hospital in Al-Muthanna, Iraq, in collaboration with the College of Science at Al-Muthanna University. Data were collected for 84 subjects divided into three groups: non-diabetic AMI (GMI), diabetic AMI (GMI-DM), and diabetic (GDM). Biochemical parameters measured included malondialdehyde (MDA), ceruloplasmin (Cp), total cholesterol (Cho), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), along with the patients\u27 age and gender. MI, MIDM, and DM groups exhibited high levels of MDA, Cho, TG, LDL, and VLDL, with low levels of Cp and HDL compared to healthy controls. The study demonstrated increased oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in MI patients compared to controls, regardless of diabetes status.
Gut Microbiota and Diabetes Mellitus: Insights into Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Review
No full textType 1 diabetes T1D and type 2 diabetes T2D, two metabolic disorders that are common throughout the world, have different pathophysiologies but increasingly similar characteristics. Recent findings demonstrate how important the gut microbiota is in regulating immunological and metabolic processes associated with both forms of diabetes. In light of host-related variables such age, sex, genetics, method of birth, nutrition, and antibiotic use, this study investigates the role that microbial dysbiosis plays in the development and progression of T1D and T2D. Different microbial signatures linked to diabetes states have been found in both human and animal investigations. These signatures are frequently characterized by decreased diversity and an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and beneficial bacteria. Additionally, included are the potential therapeutic benefits of microbiota-targeted therapies, such as dietary modification, fecal microbiota transplantation [FMT], probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotic, and medications like metformin. Novel approaches to diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through microbial manipulation are made possible by an understanding of the gut-diabetes axis.
Molecular Profiling of Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates fromDhi Qar Hospitals
No full textKlebsiella pneumoniae is a clinically significant pathogen responsible for a wide range of hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to investigate its molecular characteristics and genotype distribution in patient samples from Dhi Qar, Iraq. A total of 386 clinical samples were collected from hospitals in Dhi Qar, Iraq, from patients aged 10–60 years between July and September 2022. Among these, 69 samples were identified as Klebsiella spp. using the API 20E and VITEK 2 systems. DNA concentrations of the isolates ranged from 47.4 to 123.8 ng/µL. All 48 suspected K. pneumoniae isolates underwent molecular identification by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The results of this study indicate that the magA and k2A genotypes may serve as reliable biomarkers for identifying the K1 and K2 serogroups of K. pneumoniae. For diagnosing the K1 serotype, PCR amplification of the magA gene using the primer sets magA-F and magA-R was sufficient. Among the 48 K. pneumoniae isolates, 29 (60.4%) tested positive for the magA gene. Overall, the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of PCR-based detection of the magA and k2A genes in identifying K. pneumoniae serogroups. These molecular markers can improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance understanding of infection pathways in clinical settings.