Molecular Analysis of Virulence Genes HpmB and rsbA among proteus Species Isolated from Different Infectious Cases in Iraq.

Proteus species (spp.) is considered one of the widely spread pathogens worldwide. Proteus spp. can be detected in contaminated water, soil, and manure, aiding the decomposition of organic substances from animals. Proteus is a gram-negative bacterium that causes a wide range of human illnesses. This study aimed to find some virulence genes in Proteus spp. from different sources, including the laboratories of government hospitals in Karbala, Al-Hussies, and Al-Muthanna, Iraq. Fifty swab samples were collected from patients' wounds, ears, and sputum. Clinicians collected swab samples for identification. In total, 17 sputum samples, 13 ear samples, and 20 wound samples were collected from 27 (54%) females and 23 (46%) males. The virulence genes hpmB and rsbA were identified after the genomic diagnosis of Proteus spp. Thirteen Proteus isolates were identified using the hpmB primer, and 16 isolates were identified using the rsbA primer. The DNA sequence analysis of rsbA and hpmB genes revealed that all samples shared 99.52% identity for the rsbA gene, whereas the hpmB gene differed from one sample to the next. The sequence results are available at the NCBI under the accession numbers (LC661938) and (LC661939), respectively.

The occurrence and density of some molluscs species in different areas of Basrah province, southern of Iraq and first record of The invasive golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857).

The study was conducted to compare the distribution and composition of the Molluscs community in 4 ecosystems (4 sites) in southern of Iraq, namely: (Site 1)- in Euphrates River at Al-Madinah city, (Site 2)- in Shatt Al-Arab at Al-Sharsh area, (Site 3)- in the Garmat Ali River at Al-Mashib area and Site 4- in the Al-seba area. Samples were collected from study sites during a period of January to August 2019. (11) species from the class Gastropoda and (4) species from the class Bivalves, species were predominated in most of the study months which are species: Melenodies nodosa, Bellamya bengalensis and Melanopsis turbculata from Gastropoda and two of the species are bivalve: Corbicula fluminalis and Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857), and the last species, L. fortunei, was recorded in the current study for the first time in freshwater of Iraq. The total biodiversity values of Molluscs at the Euphrates River at Al-Madinah area (Site. 1), Al-Sharsh area (Site 2), Al-Mashib area (Site 3) and Al-seba area (Site 4) were 3.1, 2.9, 2.4, 1.8, respectively, and It was noted that the highest seasonal densities of the species in the current study were recorded in the winter season, reaching 1013, 905, 762 and 639 individuals / m2 in four sites, respectively.

Effect of Smoking on Low-Density Lipoproteins Level in Human.

Smoking destroys the vascular system, increases plaque deposits in atherosclerosis, and increases inflammation. The present study was performed to determine the effect of smoking on the levels of low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein in smokers. A cross-control study was carried out in the outpatient clinic in Baghdad, Iraq. The study was carried out 60 by individuals from February 2021 to July 2021. Participants in this study included adult smokers and non-smokers of both genders, and the levels of LDL and VLDL were determined using an Automatic Chemistry Analyze. The results revealed that the total number of smokers was 60 individuals from both genders; there was a significant difference in mean low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein levels. There is a significant difference in LDL Values between non-smokers and smokers (129.853±7.880; P<0.05). Non-smokers showed lower LDL values (104.460±7.950; P<0.05). Regarding VLDL values, results revealed that smokers were showing higher values than a non-smoker (49.641±4.02), (28.986±1.676) respectively, P<0.05). LDL and VLDL levels are more prevalent in current cigarette smokers than in non-smokers. Heavy smokers have higher LDL and VLDL values for a cigarette than non-smokers, which is consistent with observations in other populations.

The prevalence of hirsutism in Iraqi females.

A random total of 325 females was collected and studied for the presence of hirsutism. Ages ranged from 16 to 45 years with a mean 27.2 +/- 7.4 SD. According to the Mcknight method [2], 59% of females had hirsutism in different areas, single or in combination and most, according to the Ferriman-Gallwey [4], scoring system were 20 to 34 years of age. The incidence of associated diseases such as melasma, acne vulgaris, and female pattern alopecia were not much different in the total females and in the hirsute group studied.