Molecular Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen Gene and DNA Methylation Patterns of Human Tumor Suppressor Genes p16 and E-cadherin in Relation to Infection with Helicobacter pylori as Early Prognostic Biomarker for Gastric Tumorgenesis in Patients from Baghdad

Objectives: To investigate the association between EBV viral infectious dose, infection with EBV and/or H. pylori and histologically different gastric diseases and cancer. Also, to study the association between EBV and/or H. pylori infection with DNA methylation patterns of human tumor suppressor genes p16 and CDH1 in progression of primary gastric diseases to neoplasia. Methods: The current prospective cross-section study included a total of 94 GTPs taken from patients suffering from gastro-duodenal manifestations recruited to Gastro-Endoscopy Department at Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from November 2017 to October 2018. Two gastric tissue biopsies (GTBs) were collected from those patients. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh GTPs. Direct molecular identification of H. pylori in extracted DNA was performed by amplification of species-specific urea. Identification of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1(EBNA1) in extracted DNA was performed using nested PCR. DNA samples positive to EBNA1 were submitted for viral load estimation using quantitative real time PCR. Methylation patterns of p16 and CDH1 promoters were detected in modified DNA samples by sodium sulfate using MS-PCR. Results: Of total samples, 39 (41.5%) of DNA samples were positive for H. pylori and 18 (19.15%) DNA samples were positive for EBNA-1. Studying EBV load, 8/23DNA samples were showed infectious dose of EBV. Studying methylation patterns of p16 and CDH-1 promoters, 21/42 and 19/42 DNA samples were provide results for MSPPCR, respectively. Conclusion: Epstein-Barr virus and H. pylori infection may have a synergistic effect in developing different gastric diseases and that enable the clinician to choose the suitable treatment regime.

Clinical Analysis of Complete Denture Satisfaction Factors: Dentist and Patient Perspective

Background: The dilemma of patient satisfaction vs. non-satisfaction with dentures is another never-ending debate in dentistry. The fabrication of optimal dentures is possible with appropriate prosthetic laboratory techniques along with patients’ anatomic and physiologic requirements assessed by a dentist. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient’s priority and mean satisfaction scores of the patient and dentist during complete denture therapy. Material and methods: After selecting the subjects based on decided inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients were asked to fill the proforma with VAS. The proforma contained a questionnaire divided into 3 parts which need to be filled by both the patients and the dentist, independently. The patients rated their dentures using a scale ranging from 1-5 (5=very satisfied; 4=satisfied; 3=neither satisfied, nor dissatisfied; 2=dissatisfied; 1=very dissatisfied), and a dentist rated the quality of the denture and the denture-bearing area. Results: According to the patient’s priority the majority of the patients preferred mastication (47%). The highest mean dentist satisfaction score was concerned with the extension of a denture (0.97 ± 0.28). There was no statistically significant difference with age and gender for mean denture assessment, aesthetic, phonetics, mastication and comfort satisfaction score (p>0.05). However, the employed patients have aesthetic, phonetics and mastication satisfaction score higher than unemployed patients and the relationship was statistically significant (p<0.05). The educated patients have mean phonetics satisfaction score higher as compared to uneducated patients and the relationship was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the patients was concerned with better chewing function with their dentures. Age and gender do not affect patient satisfaction. However, employed patients were less satisfied with their dentures as compare to unemployed patients. In addition, patients who were educated had better phonetics with their dentures as compare to uneducated patients. Strong dentist-patient communication is necessary to be able to satisfy a patient.

The Association of Glutaminase (glut) P3 Different Alleles of Trichomonas vaginalis with Infertility in a sample of Iraqi women

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), the etiologic agent of human trichomoniasis, is a flagellated protozoan parasite, has been associated sith advese pregnancy outcomes, HIV transmission, and infertilityh. A total of one hundred and fifty-seven (157) women at childbearing age (14-49 years), were included in the presnt study, eighty six (86) symptomatic fertile while the other seventy-one (71) were infertile with or without sumptoms attending the Gynecology outpatient Department in Al-Emamayn Al-Kadhimayn Medical City, the High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technoligies at Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, the maternity Teaching hospital, and Dr. Khawer center for infertility and IVF in Erbil province in Iraq. Two vaginal swab specimens were obtained from each of them:; one swab was immediately examined by wet mount microscopy, the other swab for molecular study (DNA extraction and p3 nested PCR). One hundred (100) samples positive in one or more test were identified: 20 (12.7%) infecions were detected by wet mount microscopy, while nested PCR was positive in 100 (63.7%) samples. These positive samples were seguenced and phylogenetic tree were done and, there was no association between the variations in glut (p3) gene of T. vaginalis isolated from infected women (fertile and infertile)

Studying activity and toxicity of different TNF-alpha inhibitors in controlling patients with active ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term disorder that associated with overactivation of immunoinflammatory system,ending with ulcer in the large intestine. This study aimed to compare the activity and toxicity of different TNF-alphainhibitors in a sample of Iraqi patients having active ulcerative colitis. Fifty patients with refractory ulcerative colitiswere randomly distributed to either group I (n = 25): on adalimumab injection (160/80 mg) or group II (n = 25): oninfliximab injection (5 mg/kg) along the term of induction. Clinical remission was considered as the primary subjectiveparameter, while clinical response, mucosal healing, and subscores of mild status were regarded as secondary subjectiveparameters. Fractional Mayo score, inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), and safety profile were alsoevaluated. A 24% versus 28% patients were in clinical remission for those receiving adalimumab and infliximab,respectively (p > 0.05), while 48% versus 52% patients were in clinical response for those receiving adalimumab andinfliximab, respectively (p > 0.05), and 40% of patients acquired mucosal healing for both adalimumab and infliximabarms (p > 0.05). Scores of physician assessment and rectal bleeding was shown to be markedly higher in infliximabpatients (p < 0.05), while those of stool frequency was found to be higher in adalimumab patients (p < 0.05). Nosignificant difference was observed between two arms in the fractional Mayo score and IBDQ index (p > 0.05).Both of the studied biological agents were well-tolerated. As conclusion, the two different TNF-alpha inhibitors werecomparable in their clinical remission and safety profile for subjects with active ulcerative colitis.

Learning styles of medical students at sheikh zayed medical college rahim yar khan

Background: Medical education exposes wide range of curriculum and practical training to students. The students who got admission in medical institutes have a diverse range of learning experiences

Objective: To determine the learning styles of medical students at Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted about the learning style preferences of medical students of Sheikh Zayed Medical College /Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. The modified VARK Questionnaire was used to categorize the learning/modes as visual [V], auditory [A], read [R] and kinesthetic [K]. This study was conducted from 1st January to 28th February 2018. A total of 106 students selected randomly from all MBBS classes and who gave informed verbal consent were included in study

Results: Among 106 students who participated in the study, the females were 74 [69.8%] and the males were 32 [30.2%]. The mean age of the students was 21+/-7 years. Majority of students 69[65.09%] expressed the sequential style [visual, auditory and writing] as their preferred style of learning, the rest 37[34.91%] were dependent on visual, auditory and kinesthetic individually

Conclusion: Most common method of learning was sequential style that included visual, auditory and writing. There were gross differences in the learning styles among males and females medical students

Occurrence of hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and celiac disease in emirati children with down's syndrome

Objectives: Autoimmune diseases are known to occur in people with Down's syndrome [DS], especially celiac disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus [DM], and hypothyroidism. Since there are common genetic risk factors involved in the occurrence of these autoimmune disorders, the risks would differ in different populations. We sought to determine the prevalence of type 1 DM, celiac disease, and hypothyroidism in Emirati patients with DS in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Methods: Ninety-two patients with DS were investigated for the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies, antithyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies for hypothyroidism, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies for type 1 DM, and anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A antibodies for celiac disease

Results: Karyotyping was performed on 89 patients. Eighty-seven had non-disjunction of chromosome 21 [97.8%], one was a mosaic, and one had translocation. Of the patients studied, 19.6% had hypothyroidism, 4.3% had type 1 DM, and 1.1% had celiac disease. Out of the 92 patients studied, 66 [71.7%] did not have any autoimmune disease, 25 [27.2%] had one autoimmune disease, and one [1.1%] had two autoimmune diseases

Conclusions: Celiac disease was the least prevalent autoimmune disease in patients with DS patients, while type 1 DM and hypothyroidism were both significantly associated with DS

Urinary tract infections; etiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogens

Background: Urinary tract infections [UTIs] constitute important bacterial disease which contributes to significant morbidity world-wide. Empirical treatment in patients suffering from UTI depends upon the local knowledge of common microorganisms responsible for UTI in that geographical area as well as their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns

Objectives: To determine the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens which are responsible for urinary tract infections. Study Design: Experimental study. Setting: Department of Pathology, Frontier Medical and Dental College and Mohi Ud Din Islamic Medical College. Period: January 2015 to June 2015

Material and methods: Total of 113 patients were included in the study. Urine samples were cultured on MacConkey's agar and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient [CLED] agar. Micro-organisms were identified using standard tests and antimicrobial susceptibility was checked using modified Kirby Bauer method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI] guidelines

Results: The average age of patients was 32.19 +/- 16.47 years. Gram negative organisms accounted for majority of cases, about 89 [78.76%] cases. Escherichia coli was the most common micro-organism which was found in 50 [44.24%] cases followed by Staphylococcus aureus in 24 [21.24%], Enterobacter spp. in 19 [16.81%], Klebsiella spp. in 11 [9.73%] and Proteus spp. in 9 [7.96%] cases. E. coli was sensitive to imipenem and ciprofloxacin and was resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and gentamicin

Conclusion: Gram negative organisms are largely responsible for UTIs and E. coli being the most common etiological agent. E. coli is sensitive to commonly prescribed drugs for UTI like ciprofloxacin

Knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban male population

Objective: To ascertain knowledge of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban male population of Sargodha city; Pakistan

Study Design: Observational / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried in urban male population of Sargodha city, Pakistan from November, 1[st] to 30[th] 2015

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to recognize knowledge of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban male population of Sargodha city. All 100 married male apparently healthy participants; 25-60 years of age were included

Results: The mean age of subjects was 40.12 +/- 10.22 years. The frequency of smoking [28%] was significantly higher in study population, sedentary lifestyle [5%] obesity [22%], use of salt [17%] and use of fat [8%] respectively

Conclusion: The present study determines a poor knowledge of modifiable risk factors regarding Coronary artery disease in the urban male population. Therefore, there is an immediate need to initiate measures to raise awareness of these modifiable risk factors so that individuals at high risk for future Coronary artery disease can be managed

Frequency of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban female

Objective: To determine frequency of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban female population of Sargodha city of Punjab province of Pakistan

Study Design: Descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the urban female population of Sargodha city of Punjab province of Pakistan from March, 1[st] to 30[th] 2016

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to identify frequency of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban female population of Sargodha city. All 100 married female apparently healthy participants; 25-60 years of age were included

Results: The mean age of subjects was 36.02 +/- 10.02 years. The frequency of smoking [27%] was expressively advanced in study population, sedentary lifestyle [19%] obesity [25%], use of salt [16%] and use of fat [13%] respectively

Conclusion: The current research concludes a reduced information related to modifiable threat aspects regarding coronary artery disease in the urban feminine populace. Consequently, there is a speedy prerequisite to initiate actions to educate peoples of this group in relation of changeable risk features so that those at high risk for upcoming patients of controllable coronary artery disease can be coped

Molecular Characterization of Some Virulence Factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Children with Acute Otitis Media in Hilla, Iraq.

Aims: Isolation and identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae from children with acute otitis media. Molecular detection of some virulence genes of S. pneumoniae such as pneumolysin (ply), autolysin A (LytA), Neuraminidase (NanA), Luminescence luxS, capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cpsA), pneumococcal surface antigen A (psaA), α- Enolase (Eno ) by using PCR primer. Place and Duration of Study: Hilla Teaching Hospital (ENT unit) and privacy during a period from November (2014) to March (2015), Hilla, Iraq. Methodology: A total 0f 120 Ear swabs obtained from children suffering from acute otitis media ranged from (1 months - 12 years). Only eight isolates of S. pneumoniae were isolates. Seven virulence genes were investigated in eight clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae by using PCR techniques. Results: Pneumolysin and autolysin were seen to be present in only 4 isolates which were isolated from otitis media samples, whereas Luminescence and α - Enolase gene were present in five isolates, Besides, Neuraminidase and pneumococcal capsule synthesis A were detected in all isolates. It was found that Pneumococcal Surface antigen A is present in 2 isolates.

Prevalence and severity of temporomandibular disorders [TMD] in undergraduate medical students using Fonseca's questionnaire

Objective was to assess the prevalence and severity of TMD in undergraduate medical students. It was a cross sectional descriptive study based on Fonseca's Questionnaire. It was conducted in four medical disciplines [Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Physical therapy] of The University of Faisalabad. All study participants were full time students and were females. Self-reported questionnaire was distributed among students and they were given detailed explanation to fill it. After collection of forms, scoring was done according to given standard method and data was entered in SPSS and statistical test of Chi-squared was applied. One hundred and thirty seven [137] students were enrolled and completed questionnaire of the study. 11[7.9%] students were observed with No TMD, 62[44.3%] with mild TMD, 62[44.3%] with moderate TMD and 5[3.6%] students with severe TMD [Fig 1]. Difference among age groups was significant [p?0.047] for three questions [Q2, Q, 5, Q10] There was no statistically significant difference regarding prevalence of TMD among all four disciplines of students. Regarding severity of TMD, it was observed that MBBS students were more in category of severe TMD as compared to other disciplines. It was concluded that the mean level of stress and TMD is almost equivalent in different disciplines of professional education with a variation in its level of severity which is 2 times more in MBBS students as compared to other students. There was no significant difference regarding prevalence of TMD in four groups of study

Intercomparison of environmental gamma doses measured with A NaI (Tl) survey meter and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) in the Poonch division of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

This study presents the intercomparison of the outdoor environmental gamma dose rates measured using a NaI (Tl) based survey meter along with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and estimation of excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), for the inhabitants of Poonch division of the Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. CaF2: Dy (TLD-200) card dosimeters were installed at height of 1 m from ground at fifteen different locations covering the entire Poonch division comprising of three districts. During three distinct two month time periods within the six month study period, all the installed dosimeters were exposed to outdoor environmental gamma radiations, retrieved and read out at Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory, Health Physics Division, PINSTECH laboratory, Islamabad. The ambient outdoor gamma dose rate measurements were also taken with NaI (Tl) based portable radiometric instrument at 1 m above the ground. To estimate the annual gamma doses, NaI (Tl) based survey data were used for one complete year following the deployment of the dosimeters. The mean annual gamma dose rates measured by TLDs and survey meter were found as 1.47±0.10 and 0.862±0.003 mGy/y respectively. Taking into account a 29% outdoor occupancy factor, the annual average effective dose rate for individuals was estimated as 0.298±0.04 and 0.175±0.03 mSv/y by TLDs and survey meter, respectively. For outdoor exposure, the ELCR was calculated from the TLD and survey meter measurements. The environmental outdoor average annual effective dose obtained in present study are less than the estimated world average terrestrial and cosmic gamma ray dose rate of 0.9 mSv/y reported in UNSCEAR 2000. The possible origins of gamma doses in the area and incompatibilities of results obtained from the two different measurement techniques are also discussed.

Degree of pain/discomfort experienced by patients during and after scaling and root planing

Objectives: To determine: the degree of pain experienced by patients during periodontal probing and periodontal debridement by using a Visual Analog Scale [VAS]

Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration: Conducted at Periodontology Department of Margalla Institute of Health Sciences [MIHS] Rawalpindi from December 2011 to May 2012

Methodology: Measurements for probing depths were performed, followed by pain ratings by each patient using a VAS. The hygienists also completed a VAS, estimating the pain level perceived by their patients

Results: Among 106 patients, 70% showed low pain responses to both probing and instrumentation. In our study a group of 106 [56 male and 50 female] patients were included, which received scaling and root planing procedures, out of which 36.6% of the patients experienced mild pain, 33.3% felt moderate pain while only 13.3% felt severe pain. In addition the pain and discomfort remain low with 23.3% and 53% during procedures but increases to 53.3% and 86.7% after treatment respectively

Conclusion: Majority of the patients experience mild to moderate pain during scaling and root planing; moreover intensity of pain and discomfort felt after these procedures are greater than the pain sensation felt during the procedures

Awareness of dentists and complete denture wearers towards denture adhesives

The objective of the study was to investigate the attitude of complete denture wearers and dentists towards denture adhesive. The use of denture adhesives and their role in prosthodontics deserve special emphasis because it benefits both the dental profession and patients. A total of 110 patients and 96 dentists participated in the study, which was conducted in three months and was carried out in two institutes, Lahore Medical and Dental College and Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi. The awareness and attitude among dentists and denture wearers towards denture adhesive was checked through a questionnaire. Of 110 patients, 94% never used denture adhesives. Of 96 dentists, 56%have never prescribed denture adhesives. 44% had no knowledge regarding denture adhesives. The results suggest that complete denture wearers lack awareness regarding use of denture adhesives. Majority of dentists are also unfamiliar with their beneficial effects

Masticatory efficiency between balanced and lingualized occlusion in complete denture wearers

The objective of the study was to compare the masticatory efficiency with balanced occlusion and lingualized occlusion in complete denture wearers. The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Sixty edentulous patients were included in this study; patients were randomly divided into two groups by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS version 10] software. Group A was provided with dentures fabricated with bilateral balanced occlusion and Group B with lingualized occlusion. The patient's masticatory efficiency was assessed after 2 months of denture insertion using the sieving method. Masticatory efficiency was statistically better in patients provided with complete dentures fabricated with lingualized occlusion than dentures with bilateral balanced occlusion. It was concluded patients provided with dentures fabricated with lingualized occlusal scheme were more comfortable with their dentures and were able to chew properly with ease and comfort

Exploring the Halal Status of Cardiovascular, Endocrine, and Respiratory Group of Medications

Muslim consumers have special needs in medical treatment that differ from non-Muslim consumers. In particular, there is a growing demand among Muslim consumers for Halal medications. This descriptive exploratory study aims to determine the Halal status of selected cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory medications stored in an out-patient pharmacy in a Malaysian governmental hospital. Sources of active ingredients and excipients for each product were assessed for Halal status based on available information obtained from product leaflets, the Medical Information Management System (MIMS) website, or manufacturers. Halal status was based on the products’ sources and categorized into Halal, Mushbooh, or Haram. The proportions of Halal, Mushbooh, and Haram products were at 19.1%, 57.1%, and 23.8%, respectively. The percentage of active ingredients for cardiovascular/endocrine products that were assessed as Haram was 5.3%; for respiratory medications, it was only 1.1%. For excipients, 1.7% and 4.8% fall under the category of Haram for cardiovascular/endocrine products and respiratory products, respectively. Ethanol and magnesium stearate were found to be the common substances that were categorized as Haram and Mushbooh.

Pattern and etiology of exodentia in Rawalpindi and Islamabad sample

The aim of this study was to find out the various reasons for which permanent teeth were extracted in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Two centers were selected in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 250 patients [125 patients in each center] were included in this study. The mean age ranged from 7-67 years. The most common cause for tooth extractions in both centers was caries leading to irreversible pulpits which was seen in 137 patients [54.8%]. The second most common reason was periodontal problems seen in 47 cases [18.8%] followed by orthodontic reasons noted in 25 cases [10%]. More teeth's were extracted from the mandibular arch 154 [61.6%] followed by maxillary arch 96[38.4%]. It was concluded that most common cause of extraction was advanced caries followed by periodontal diseases

Frequency of overeruption in unopposed posterior teeth

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and extent of over eruption in unopposed posterior teeth. The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Fifty sites of unopposed posterior teeth were included in the study. Broadrick flag technique was used for the generation of broadrick occlusal curve. The measurement of over eruption of the unopposed posterior tooth was measured from the generated curve to the tip of most occlusally projecting cusp by a vernier caliper. Forty seven [90%] of the subjects and sixty teeth [83.3%] out of seventy two had some degree of over eruption. It was concluded that unopposed posterior teeth lead to over eruption of antagonists with clinical and statistical significance [83.3%]

Prostatic adenocarcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report

We report a rare case of a collision tumor. Our patient was found to have prostatic adenocarcinoma colliding with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with no previous risk factors or even a clinical suspicion. We review the literature for similar cases and make an attempt to address the possible shared risk factors

Soluble transferrin receptors in Malaria

To determine the concentration of soluble transferrin receptors [sTfR] in patients with malaria. Cross-sectional, analytical study. Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, from December 2009 to April 2010. Twenty samples from normal male and female subjects each were drawn for establishing the reference range while 38 from patients with malaria [with or without anaemia] sTfR centration was determined. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Out of 38 patients, 4 had iron deficiency anaemia while 34 patients were without anaemia. Mean sTfR level in the control group was 33.53 +/- 4.38 nmol/l. In patients with malaria without iron deficiency anaemia, mean sTfR concentration was 30.84 +/- 5.40 nmol/l. Patients with malaria and concomitant iron deficiency anaemia had mean sTfR level of 101.67 +/- 11.69 nmol/l. Comparison of sTfR in normal subjects and in patients with malaria showed no statistically significant difference [p = 0.208]. Statistically significant difference [p < 0.001] was observed in patients with malaria and concomitant IDA as compared to normal control group. Malaria without concomitant iron deficiency anaemia had near normal sTfR levels. While those with concomitant iron deficiency anaemia had significant higher level of sTfR. This concludes that these receptors are not affected in malaria alone