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The management of pink pulseless limbs in supracondylar fractures has remained controversial, especially with regards to the indication for exploration in a clinically well-perfused hand. We reviewed a series of seven patients who underwent surgical exploration of the brachial artery following supracondylar fracture. All patients had a non-palpable radial artery, which was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. CT angiography revealed complete blockage of the artery with good collateral and distal run-off. Two patients were more complicated with peripheral nerve injuries, one median nerve and one ulnar nerve. Only one patient had persistent arterial constriction which required reverse saphenous graft. The brachial arteries were found to be compressed by fracture fragments, but were in continuity. The vessels were patent after the release of obstruction and the stabilization of the fracture. There was no transection of major nerves. The radial pulse was persistently present after 12 weeks, and the nerve activity returned to full function.

BACKGROUND-to explor the infections associated with acute appendicitis in surgically removed appendices in Diyala. Materials and Methods: this study include 160 surgically removed appendices with acute appendicitis . the patients were 66 fenales and 94 males. the age range was 5-53years with mean age 22.9±7.2 years.the surgically removed appendicitis were submitted for gross inspection and microscopic examination including direct mount, sedimentation and flotation techniques. Additionally specimens from 25 appendices were processed and examined histopathologically. Results: The rate of parasitic infection in surgically removed appendices was 26.2%. the rate of single parastic infection was 23.1%, while the rate of two parasticwas 3,1%. there were insignificant differences in the rate of infection regarding the sex and age of patients . Additionally there were significant differences in the histopathological changes observed in appendices with parastic infection compared to those without infection. conclusion: parastic infection may play a role in the development of acute appendicitis in patients with surgically removed appendices in Diyala province

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among blood donors and risky population in Diyala province.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, the records of HCV screening and confirmatory tests were reviewed for the period 1996-2001.Third generation Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and Enzyme immunoblot assay were used as screening and confirmatory tests respectively.Results: The prevalence of HCV infection among blood donors was 0.15%, with the highest in 1997. The highest prevalence rates were found among multiple blood recipient; hemophilia, thalassemia and hemodialysis patients (27.3%, 16.9% & 14.3%) respectively. Whereas, the patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and those with acute icteric hepatitis showed slightly elevated prevalence (2.9% & 2.1%) respectively. The overall prevalence in the province was 9.9/105 population. The mean age of infected patients was 29.7 years and the male: female ratio was 3:1.Conclusion: The prevalence of HCV infection in Diyala population is relatively low. However, the HCV infection is concentrated in certain risky groups, particularly multiple blood recipients.

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of different salinity levels and exposure time on the activity of proteolytic enzymes and the mRNA expression of amino acid (AA) and peptide transporter genes in various fish tissues of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). O. niloticus juveniles, weighing 25.30 ± 4.82 g, were subjected to salt concentrations of 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 g/L for 30 days. After being exposed to salt for 3 h (acute exposure) and 30 days (chronic exposure), fish tissues (liver, gills and intestines) were sampled. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to determine the mRNA expressions of peptide and AA transporter genes, while the activities of proteolytic enzymes were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits. Salinity and exposure time had no significant impact (p > 0.05) on the proteolytic enzyme activity in both intestine and liver tissues of O. niloticus, except for elastase and protease at 24 g/L salinity. PepT1a mRNA gene expression in the fish gut was observed to be considerably elevated (p < 0.05) at both exposure times with increasing salinities. PepT1b did not exhibit any appreciable alterations (p < 0.05) in the gills or intestines at the various salinities. In the intestine, the expression of PepT2 was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) with rising salinity for chronic exposure but remained unchanged for acute exposure. In contrast, the expression of PepT2 rose substantially (p < 0.05) in the gills with rising salinity for acute exposure and downregulated for chronic exposure. Both exposure time and salinity significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the expression of slc3a1 in the gut. There were significant variations (p < 0.05) in slc3a9 expression in the gut and gill at all salinities for both acute and chronic exposures. In contrast, substantial variations in slc3a19 expression were seen in the intestine at various salinities for acute exposure but not for chronic exposure. The gills displayed significant differences at all salinities for both exposure times.

Purpose – The current study aimed to examine the moderating role of perceived supervisor support in the nexus between employee empowerment and organizational commitment in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 274 frontline workers from 4-star and 5-star hotels at two different waves within a 7-month interval. The data received were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 23.0) and SmartPLS (V.4.0), respectively. Findings – As hypothesized in the study, employee empowerment was significantly related to organizational commitment. Furthermore, the results revealed that perceived supervisor support moderated the nexus between employee empowerment and affective and continuance commitment but did not moderate the nexus between employee empowerment and normative commitment. Originality/value – Arguably, support from supervisors has been theoretically identified as a key construct in enhancing subordinates' commitment to an organization. However, less is known in the literature about the moderating role of perceived supervisory support in the nexus between employee empowerment and organizational commitment, especially in the Ghanaian hospitality industry.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in manufacturing industries is gaining attention in academic discourse as a result of the undeniable improvement it has brought to industries in the past decades and the promising future it has for manufacturers that embrace it. The present study adds to the discourse from jewelry, textile, and fashion product manufacturing perspectives. With the PRISMA flowchart, data is gathered from the Scopus online database and analysed systematically to address research questions such as; what is the publication trend on ICT adoption in the jewelry and textile industries? How useful is ICT in the textiles and jewelry industries for sustainable fashion? How is the fashion industry sustained through textiles and jewelry making? The study reveals that technology adoption has helped the textiles and jewelry industries to meet market demand and sustain the fashion industry. Through digitalization, online marketing strategies have been adopted by firms to sustain the fashion industry. It is recommended that small-scale producers in the textile, jewelry and fashion industries should adopt technology to the fullest in their practices for a sustainable industry.

Objective: To classify cause-of-death (COD) for stillbirths occurring in a major referral hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.Methods: In a retrospective review conducted between June 8, 2011, and June 12, 2012, detailed information was collected on all stillbirths delivered at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Patient records were independently reviewed by investigators using the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand's Perinatal Death Classification system to determine COD for each case.Results: COD was analyzed in 465 stillbirth cases. The leading causes of death were hypoxic interpartum death (105, 22.6%), antepartum hemorrhage (67, 14.4%), hypertension (52, 11.2%), and perinatal infection (32, 6.9%). One hundred and fifty seven (33.8%) stillbirths were classified as unexplained antepartum deaths.Conclusions: This evaluation of stillbirth in a busy, tertiary care hospital in Kumasi, Ghana provides crucial insight into the high volume of stillbirth in Ghana as well as its medical causes. The study demonstrated the high rate of stillbirth attributed to hypoxic intrapartum events, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, and unspecified bacterial infections. Yet, our rate of unexplained stillbirths underscores the need for a stillbirth classification system that thoughtfully integrates the needs and limitations of low-resource settings as unexplained stillbirth rates are a common indicator of the effectiveness of a classification system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Different seasons present varied environmental factors that influence the occurrence of transfusion-driven diseases. Therefore, this study determined the patterns of blood transfusion among hospitalized patients and the effect of season on ABO/Rh phenotypes. Methods: A single-center retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 5089 hospitalized patients that were transfused with blood at Sunyani Municipal Hospital. Archived blood transfusion records were retrieved and analyzed using GraphPad Prism, and SPSS. The association, effect size, and yearly trends of transfusion patterns were determined. Results: The majority of the participants were females (63.0% [3208]), 36-49 years old (20.4% [1039]), O phenotype (48.1% [2447]), Rh-positive (93.1% [4737]), and transfused in the rainy season (61.0% [3103]). Patients’ ABO was weakly associated with age (r = 0.07, p≤0.001) and season (r = 0.05, p = 0.008). Eighty percent (4053/5089) of the transfusions were ABO group-specific, and 28.3% (1146/4053) of this occurred at the emergency ward. The source of transfusion request was weakly associated with season (r = 0.1, p≤0.001) and type of transfusion (r = 0.1, p = 0.002). The rainy season (slope: 142.9, p≤0.001) and ABO-specific transfusions (slope: 219.5, p≤0.001) showed consistent increasing trends over the years. Conclusion: Blood transfusion was frequent among females, adults, Rh-positive and O phenotypes, and in the rainy season. Age and season were significantly associated with ABO, but not Rh. A transfusion request was associated with the season and type of transfusion, with the majority of transfusions occurring in the rainy season and emergency ward. There was an increasing yearly trend in blood transfusions. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2023-05-02-03 Full Text: PDF

Globally, respiratory viral infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality affecting peoples of all ages. human respiratory syncytial virus is one of the most common viruses infect children and increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in adults, causing upper and lower respiratory infection, that may progress to pneumonia and death. Molecular detection and genotyping of human respiratory syncytial virus in Diyala province and exploring its association with clinical picture. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Diyala province, throughout two seasons; from January to May and from November to December/2018. A total of 323 patients who suspected as having RTIs of different ageswere enrolled.Data of participants including socio-demographic and clinical observations were collected by using a questionnaire specially designed forthis purpose. Three types of respiratory samples were collected including throat, nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs.In this study, real-time RT-PCR hybridization-fluorescence amplification was used to multiplex detected and identified of specific nucleic acid fragments for the seven RNA/DNA viruses, HRSV and HMPV among them, set of primers and probes were used in Real-Time PCR assay for Fusion (F) genes for determined the antigenic subgroups of Human Respiratory Syncytial virus and another set of primers used in the conventional PCR amplification forAttachment (G) gene for determined genotype of HRSV. Human privacy was respected by obtaining a verbal consent. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using the statistical package (SPSS- version25). Statistical significance was considered whenever the P value was equal or less than 0.05.The results found that the HRSV detection ratewas 4.6%with significantly higher in season one versus season two(93.3% versus 6.7%, P = 0.004). The 5 years old children had insignificant higher rate of infection compared to other age groups (53.3%, P = 0.099). Among the total of 15 HRSV positive swabs, 8 (53.3%) were throat swabs which was significantly higher compared to other types of swabs (P= 0.003). the HRSV positivity rate in male was insignificantly higher than female (60% vs 40%, P = 0.679): genotyping analysis showed circulate of the HRSV B subgroup in this study area.Study concluded that Human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B is one of most frequently detected pathogen causing wide range of clinical illnesses particularly among children around 5 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with endothelial injury and hemostatic abnormalities. However, the diagnostic role of coagulation parameters and natural anticoagulants in predicting PE has not been explored in Ghana. This study assessed plasma levels of these factors as surrogate markers of PE and its subtypes. This case–control study included 90 women with PE (cases) and 90 normotensive pregnant women (controls). Blood samples were drawn for the estimation of complete blood count and coagulation tests. The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and the calculation of the international normalized ratio (INR) were determined by an ACL elite coagulometer while the levels of protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin III (ATIII), and D-dimers were also measured using the solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. All statistical analyses were performed using the R Language for Statistical Computing. Results showed significantly ( p

Purpose – This study seeks to examine the mediating role of knowledge sharing (KNS) in the nexus between leadership behaviours and organizational performance (OP). Design/methodology/approach – Using the survey research design, data were obtained from 335 employees in the Ghanaian financial service sector. Responses were analysed using IBM SPSS (v.23.0), Smart PLS 3.0 and Haye’s (2017) PROCESS macro. Findings – KNS mediated the relationship between leadership behaviours and OP. In addition, transformational leadership behaviour and transactional leadership behaviour positively relate to OP rather than transfor-sactional leadership behaviour. Practical implications – The findings of this study give credence to the disputed notion that KNS plays a significant role in effective leadership behaviours that enhances OP. Originality/value – This paper provides a distinctive approach in examining the interrelationship among leadership behaviours, OP and KNS in the Ghanaian financial service sector.

The present work aimed at obtaining the optimum combination of stabilisers used in an instant ice cream formulation. Instant ice cream mixes were formulated using milk protein, fat, sucrose, stabilisers, emulsifiers and water. A basic formulation for ice cream mix was prepared according to the process flow of instant ice cream. Three different stabilisers mixtures, which were carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carrageenan, and sodium alginate used in 14 formulations were studied using mixture design methodology. Physical analyses on meltdown rate, hardness, melted ice cream viscosity, and overrun were performed. The results were compared with those of commercial instant ice cream to determine the acceptability and quality of the final products. From the optimisation study, the recommended combination of stabilisers was found to be 0.151% CMC and 0.149% sodium alginate. The optimised sample had a higher viscosity of 0.17 Pa.s than the commercial one (0.16 Pa.s), which corresponded to higher hardness thus indicating slower melting rate, which is a good texture for ice cream. The overrun of the optimised sample was 108.33%, which is considered high. The high amount of air, viscosity, and hardness resulted in a low melting rate of 0.22 g/min, which is desirable for ice cream consumption. Based on sensory evaluation, the optimised instant ice cream was the most preferred by panellists as compared to commercial sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The burden of hernia is disproportionately high in low-to-middle-income countries, due to the lack of fundamental resources needed to effectively diagnose and manage cases. The patterns of hernia, the haematological profile, and the predictive ability of blood cell indices were all investigated in this study. Methods: Fifty-four subjects: 27 hernia patients and 27 healthy controls were included in this single-centre, unmatched case-control study. Hernia was diagnosed using physical examination and ultrasound scan. Haematological indices of each subject were measured with an automated blood cell counter. Results: Herniae recorded were 92.59% inguinal, and 3.27% each epigastric and uterine prolapse. Hernia was prevalent in males (85.2%, p=0.008) and older subjects ≥53 years (48.1%, p=0.004). HgB (p=0.006), MCHC (p≤0.001), and RDW-CV (p=0.042) levels were significantly elevated in strangulated than non-strangulated hernia and controls respectively, while Abs GRAN (p=0.024) was decreased in non-strangulated than strangulated hernia and control groups respectively. MCHC (AUC=0.947 [0.895-0.999], p≤0.001) was the most sensitive predictor for herniation followed by age (AUC=0.750 [0.610-0.889], p=0.002); HgB (AUC=0.718 [0.580-0.857], p=0.006); and RDW-CV (AUC=0.700 [0.559-0.840], p=0.012). Also, MCHC (AUC=0.831 [0.723-0.938], p≤0.001); HgB (AUC=0.738 [0.590-0.887], p=0.005); and RBC (AUC=0.671 [0.502-0.840], p=0.045) respectively, were significant predictors of strangulation. Conclusion: Gender and age were significantly associated with hernias. Inguinal hernia and strangulation were common in the study setting, especially, among males. Also, there were significant variations in erythrocyte- and leucocyte indices across the groups, but not platelets. Erythrocyte indices were significant predictive biomarkers for hernia and strangulation. The CBC is a useful test for the early detection of herniation and strangulation. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-0401-1 Full Text: PDF

Response surface methodology was employed to obtain the optimum process conditions for frying sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas) via hot-air frying technique. Sweet potato samples were fried at different frying temperature (140-160°C) and time (4-12 min). These variables were used as independent variables whose effects on fat and moisture contents; hardness and color were evaluated. The experimental results were fitted with a second-order polynomial equation by a multiple regression analysis. From the response surface methodology analysis, the recommended frying condition from the study was found to be 150°C for 12 min. Optimized sweet potato samples were compared with deep fat-fried samples; where the former had very low fat content i.e. decreased by 90.1%, lighter color and harder texture. Panellist selected the optimized air-fried samples for several sensory attributes which relates to quality. Frying sweet potatoes via hot air-frying technique can be considered as a healthier alternative to prepare fried food for consumption. Practical applications This article describes an optimization study on frying sweet potato snack via hot air-frying technique. The aim was to produce a healthier snack food with low fat content and high acceptability. This work recommends an alternative technique to prepare fried food material to be utilized for domestic use and in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study sought to propose and test a model that examines the mediating roles of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the nexus between job rotation practices and employee performance. Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach and obtained data through questionnaires from 122 administrative staff of the University of Education, Winneba. The Partial Least Squares, Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to test the study’s proposed model. Findings: The results supported the proposed model, showing that organizational commitment and job satisfaction are partial mediators in the relationship between job rotation practices and employees’ performance. Policy Implication: The findings suggest that management must ensure that employees are satisfied and committed to the job rotation practices in order to enhance their performance. Thus, job rotation practices must provide the climate that encourages career growth and development and fosters creativity in employees and not just as a routine practice or a means of punishment. Originality: The study brings to bear the extent to which job rotation practices predict employee performance in a Sub-Saharan African Country and the indirect effects of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in this relationship.

African prints are given strategical names by market women in Ghana to sell the products. This is because the people cherish symbolism and admire prints backed by philosophies. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has been a source of inspiration for researchers over the years. Although, the famous model has been explored in many disciplines by scholars to obtain substantial results, the area of conceptual textiles surface designing is seemingly not addressed. The study is aimed at juxtaposing textile surface designs with philosophies to stir up the creative abilities of textile surface designers as well as the Ghanaian textile printing industries to meet the demands of the market. It explores Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with the Art studio-based research method in conceptual textile surface designing. Five conceptual textiles surface designs were created at the studio after a market survey to reflect the various levels on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The results show that philosophies are key factors in the patronage of textile prints in the Ghanaian setting. Incorporation of philosophies in textile surface designs would add more value to the locally made prints. It is therefore recommended that the local textile printing industries would embrace conceptual textile surface designing in their creations to catch the attention of the natives.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients require immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Early initiation of CPR and defibrillation before arrival at Emergency Department (ED) increases the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest. The main objective of this study was to identify the factors that influenced the outcome of early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients managed at the ED of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). The second objective was to determine the incidence of CPR initiated by the public prior to ambulance arrival. The present study was a one-year cross-sectional study. The OHCA patients were identified from the ED resuscitation logbook. Patients' medical records were used to obtain details of the resuscitation. Factors recorded included: aetiology of arrest, initiation of on-scene CPR, use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), mode of transportation and the incidence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the ED. Categorical data was analysed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Nine patients out of 98 had early CPR. Three patients achieved ROSC. Gender was significantly associated with ROSC (p-value=0.015). More patients who received early CPR achieved ROSC compared to those who received late CPR. The provision of early CPR and usage of AEDs by the public is still low. Female gender had a positive influence on ROSC. Efforts are required to increase the awareness and involvement of the public in initiating early CPR prior to the arrival of ambulance service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term Wali (loosely translated as guardian in English) in general refers to a person who consents to or executes a marriage contract. Under the majority school of law (jumhur) including the Shafie, wali constitutes one of the pillars of marriage, the absence of whom will render the marriage void. However, under the Hanafi school of law, wali is not a pillar but merely one of the conditions for execution of a marriage contract and his absence does not appear to render the marriage invalid so long as the marriage fulfils some other conditions and the wali does not intervene in the marriage of his ward. Nevertheless, this condition does not deny the importance of wali in the marriage of his ward. This paper attempts to highlight and emphasise on the fact that the appointment of wali in marriage of a woman is significant in protecting the women's or the wards' welfare (maslahah). The paper also examines the importance and wisdom of having wali in marriage of a woman and explores why the consent of wali is considered crucial particularly under the majority school of law. Additionally, a comparative analysis on the requirement of wali under the law in Malaysia and several Muslim countries will be conducted. The paper is based primarily on library research though interviews with certain scholars and their opinions on the importance of having wali in marriage have been taken into consideration. It is believed this study will contribute significantly to knowledge on this subject especially on the philosophy and wisdom of having a guardian (wali) under Islamic law. This is in the face of a rising trend among many Muslim women nowadays (with special reference to Malaysia) to disregard the need for a wali while contracting their marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed cash crop and an erratic rainfall with prolonged dry spells during critical pheno-phases of reproductive stages affects its yield. A field trial was carried out with groundnut genotypes- JL- 24, ICGV 91114, Narayani, Abhaya, Dharani and Greeshma to study the variability in morphological, biochemical and yield traits to moisture stress at flowering stage. Significant reduction in growth and yield components of all the selected groundnut genotypes was observed due to moisture stress. ANOVA for pod weight, seed weight, 100 seed weight, harvest index, total biomass were found to be highly significant (p<0.01) for genotypes, moisture levels and their interactions. Impact of moisture stress on plant height, leaf area, leaf and shoot biomass was lowest in Dharani and osmoprotectant- proline and activity of antioxidant enzymes- SOD and POD were higher in Dharani. The yield performance of Narayani, Abhaya, Dharani were similar as well as superior under control condition where as under moisture stress conditions Dharani recorded highest seed yield, HI with lowest reduction in seed number and 100 seed weight. Under control conditions seed yield had significant positive correlation with pod number, pod weight and seed number whereas under moisture stress conditions with SOD, POD, leaf area, leaf dry weight, pod weight, seed number, 100 seed weight and shelling %. The groundnut genotype Dharani performed best under both control and moisture stress conditions as its high antioxidative enzyme activity and proline content might have been ameliorated the ill effects of moisture stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forested countries in the global south that have agreed to engage in REDD+, a policy mechanism for addressing climate change, are receiving support to improve laws, policies, systems and structures. As a mechanism initiated at the global level and seeking to use forests to address a global commons crisis (atmospheric carbon concentration), understanding how REDD+ translates into implementation at the local level is essential. Therefore, using a systematic review approach, we examined 15 studies of REDD+ in the context of public and/or community managed forests, drawn from a comprehensive application of inclusion criteria to identify relevant published peer-reviewed empirical research. The common property resources literature was used to highlight the role of local institutions in REDD+ and to distil how REDD+ community forest projects conform to Ostrom’s collective action principles. The review revealed limited sharing of information and decision-making authority with communities; a general absence of FPIC; and a lack of defined benefit sharing and conflict resolution arrangements in many of the REDD+ projects.

Background: Otitis media is one of the well known diseases that infect children and adult. The severity of infection caused by the members of the genus Proteus depends mainly on the availability of virulence and pathogenicity factors. Objectives: to detect and evaluate the presence of virulence factors in local isolates of Proteus species causing otitis media. Patients and methods: Two hundred and seventy ear swabs were collected from patients with otitis media attended Baquba General Hospital for the period from. Swab were cultured on blood, MacConkey and chocolate agar plates and incubated at 370C for 24 hrs. Chocolate agar plates were incubated under 10% CO2 (Candle jar). Suspected colonies of proteus species were isolated and subcultured on MacConkey agar. The identification of bacterial isolate was performed according to the standard biological and biochemical methods. Virulence factors including; urease, β-Lactamase and extended spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBLs), Human and ovine blood agglutination and adhesion to epithelial cells, hemolysin, esterase and proteolytic enzymes were detected following standard biochemical methods. Biofilm formation was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Results: Out of 270 ear swabs, 240 (88.9%) were positive for bacterial growth and of these 35 (12.9%) were identified as of Proteus species. Following the standard biochemical and enzymes tests, 7 (2.6%) was found to be Proteus vulgaris and 28 (10.4%) were Protues mirabilis. Conclusion: P.mirabilis appeared as one of the causative agent of otitis media in patients from Diyala province, and most isolates have multiple virulence factors that may increase their infectivity and worsen the clinical picture of the disease.

Background: In countries where the rate of susceptible women to rubella infection is higher than 10%, preconceptional or prenatal screening is important to reduce the burden of the disease. Objectives: determination of anti-rubella IgG seropositivity and susceptibility rates among pregnant and childbearing women in Baquba-Diyala province. Subjects and methods: A total of 184 women were enrolled in the present study which was conducted in Baquba-Diyala province during the period from April/2007 to September/2008. Ninety eight pregnant women were chosen from those attending the primary health care centers in Baquba. They include 46(46.9%) who had previous abortions with a mean age 27.2 ± 5.3 years, and 52(53.1%) without previous abortion with mean age 23.7± 5.1 years. Additionally, 86 non-pregnant childbearing women were enrolled as a control group. Of those, 39(45.3%) had previous abortion with mean age 33.5 ± 7.8 years, and 47 (54.6%) without previous abortion, the mean age 30.7±7.8 years. Certain demographic factors were collected by personal interview. Anti-rubella IgG specific antibody were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 13 computer assisted program. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results revealed that the IgG seropositivity among pregnant women without previous abortion, and those with previous abortion was 96.1% and 76% respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.04). The seropositivity among non-pregnant women without previous abortion, and those with previous abortion was 85.1% and 100% respectively, with a statistically insignificant difference (p= 0.11). The overall susceptibility rate for rubella infection was 10.7%. There was insignificant effect of age, educational levels, residency, presence of pregnancy, and history of previous abortion on the seropositivity rate of IgG specific anti- rubella antibody. Conclusion: evaluation of the susceptibility of women in the reproductive age to rubella infection is essential to set a strategy for prevention of congenital rubella syndrome.

Background: Enteroccci are part of the normal intestinal flora of human and animal, but with increasing antimicrobial resistance, enterococci are recognized as serious nosocomial as well as community pathogens. Objectives: To investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of 44 isolates of enterococci recovered from different pathological specimens from in-and out-patients from Diyala province. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in Baquba GeneralHospital and Al-BatoolHospital for Maternity and children during the period from 1st. September/2005 to 30th. September /2006. A total of 343 specimens were collected from 213 inpatients and 130 outpatients. 200 (58.3%) were females and 143 (41.7%) were males. The mean age of patients was (32.8 ± 17.2) years. Specimens include, urine, stool, vaginal swabs, throat swabs, burn swabs, blood for culture, middle ear swabs, wound swabs, sputum and cerebrospinal fluid. Specimens were streaked on blood agar, and other differential and selective media. 44 isolates of enterococci (30 E. faecalis, 10 E. faecium, 3 E. gallinarium, and 1 E. avium) were recovered and identified according to standard bacteriological and biochemical criteria. The susceptibility patterns toward 13 antimicrobial agents were done by disc diffusion method. Data were statistically analysed. Results: The results revealed that the highest susceptibility of enterococcal isolates was toward the Nalidixic acid (79.5%), Ciprofloxacin (61.4%), Amoxacillin+clavilanic acid (61.4%), Rifampicillin (36.4%),Trimethoprim (22.7%), Vancomycin (11.4%). However, all isolates were resistant to Cloxacillin, Cefotaxim, Amoxicillin, Tetracycline, and Erythromycin. The susceptibility of non- β -lactamase producing isolates to penicillin were significantly higher than β - lactamase producing isolates (p

Back ground: Several previous reports on the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and certain human leukocyte antigens (HLA) have yielded controversial results. Objectives: This study was conducted to explore the association of HCV infection and certain HLA in patients from Al-Ramadi Province. Subjects and methods: Thirty two patients with chronic HCV infection as well as 64 apparently healthy individuals and 30 patients with clinically evident acute viral hepatitis, but HCV negative were enrolled in the present study which was conducted in Al-Ramadi city for the period from August/2004 to May/2006. HCV infection was diagnosed by detecting the anti-HCV antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and confirmed by Immunoblot assay. Determination of HLAs was done by Microlymphocytotoxicity technique. Results: The results revealed that the presence of HLA-DR5 (Odd ratio 2.7, P 0.022) and HLA-DQ2 (Odd ratio 3.1, P= 0.008), and the absence of HLA-DR7 (Inverse Odd ratio 3.2, P = 0.04) and HLA-DQ1 (Inverse Odd ratio 2.8, P= 0.012) were associated with significantly increased risk for HCV infection as compared to healthy controls. On the other hand, the presence of HLA-DR5 (Odd ratio 6.5, P= 0.005) and HLA-DQ2 (Odd ratio 5.1, P= 0.002), and the absence of HLA-DR7 (Inverse Odd ratio 4.8, P= 0.018) were significantly associated with increased risk for HCV infection. Conclusion: Genetic predisposition may play a role in hepatitis C virus infection in patients from Al-Ramadi city.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been associated with several extrahepatic conditions. Although a high prevalence of HCV infection was detected in patients with lichen planus, the pathogenetic potentials of HCV with skin diseases is still controversial. Aim: To determine the anti-HCV antibody seropositivity among patients with certain non-communicable skin diseases; lichen planus, psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, eczema, and urticaria. Patients and methods: Two hundred patients suffering from non-communicable skin disease were enrolled in this study which was conducted in Baquba for the period from 1st. November/2010 to 1st. July/2011. The patients were attending the Dermatology and Venereology Unit in the outpatient clinic of Baquba General Teaching Hospital. The patients group into 18 patients with lichen planus, 23 with psoriasis, 7 with vitiligo, 95 with eczema, 36 with chronic urticaria, and 21 with alopecia areata. The age range of the patients was (5-70) years. Additionally, 90 apparently healthy unpaid blood donors were included as control group. Anti-HCV antibody was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. Rsults: Only two patients were positive for anti-HCV antibody; one with lichen planus and another with eczema. All other patients with psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and urticaria were negative for anti-HCV antibody. There was no significant association between HCV infection and skin diseases under study. Conclusion: No association between HCV infection and lichen planus, psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, eczema, and urticaria, probably due to low prevalence of HCV infection among general Iraqi people.

There are a number of intriguing issues surrounding wh-questions that have drawn considerable attention in the literature. Among the most commonly observed is the fact that in certain languages, wh-phrases move overtly from their base-generated positions to a clause-peripheral position, while in other languages the wh-phrases remain in-situ and are not overtly moved. A well known and contentious issue, to which this paper contributes with novel data from Buli, is the status of the in-situ wh-phrase. For instance, do in-situ phrases undergo covert movement? If so how is this movement similar or different from overt movement? I argue that the language distinguishes two kinds of wh-in-situ phrases: one undergoes covert movement, a movement I claim is comparable in many ways to overt wh-movement, while the other one doesn’t. The key to this observation, I further argue, is the presence of an overt Q-particle in the language. Whenever the Q-particle is absent, the signs of movement disappear. This provides a very transparent set of arguments in favor of the mixed view that sometimes you have movement of wh-in-situ and other other times you don't.

Background: Surface contamination of public user interface systems such as computer keyboards and mouse devices may play a role in community-acquired outbreaks by acting as an environmental vehicle in transmission of potential hazardous microorganisms. There is no economical way to test all keyboards and mice out there, but there is a common-sense way to prevent bacterial contamination or eliminate it if it exists. Objectives: To explore the bacterial contamination rates in multi-user and single-user computer accessories (keyboards and mouse devices) in certain colleges of the Diyala University. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Bacteriology laboratory- Colleges of Veterinary Medicine- Diyala University for the period from October 2012 to April 2013. A total of 155 swabs were collected aseptically from 60 computers in 4 colleges, namely, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Science, and Education- Pure Science. Swabs were streaked on blood and MacConkey's agar plates then incubated for 24 hours at 37 ̊ C. Final identification of bacterial species was based on standard bacteriological and biochemical criteria. Results: The results showed that the overall contamination rate in the four colleges was (54.8%). The highest isolation rate of bacterial contaminant was Staphylococcus epidermidis (30.6%), followed by Escherichia coli (29.4%). Fungi constitute (17.6 %) of isolates. The College of Veterinary Medicine rank at the top with significant highest contamination rate (52.7%), followed by the College of Medicine with a contamination rate (21.2). Computers of the internet centers harbor the significant highest contamination rate compared to administrative units (71.8% and 28.2%) respectively. The contamination rate was higher in mouse devices compared to keyboards (57.6% vs 42.3%). Conclusion: The study concluded that continuous education of students and employees about the risk of bacterial contamination arise from using the computers, beside the periodic disinfection of computer accessories may aid the fight against transmission and spreading of infectious pathogens.

Background: Toxic-shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute onset; multiorgan disease caused mainly by Toxic-shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) producing Staphylococcus aureus strains.Testing for TSST-1 or anti-TSST-1 antibodies in the clinical setting may help to predict and prevent the appearance of TSS caused by nosocomial S. aureus infection. Objectives: Detection of TSST-1 in the sera of children patients arranged to undergo surgical operations, and its relevance with certain demographic factors. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Baquba General Teaching Hospital- Diyala province for the period from August 2015 to April 2016. Eighty eight patients from those undergoing surgical operations were enrolled. The age range was 1-14 years. Thirty one (35.2%) were males and fifty seven (64.8%) were females. Human privacy was respected by taking patient’s consensus. Venous blood samples were collected aseptically; the sera were separated and kept frozen till use. Serum samples were investigated for the presence of TSST-1 using ELISA technique. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 18. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results showed that the overall detection rate of TSST-1 among children undergoing surgeries was 44.3%. It was insignificantly higher among younger age group, females, and ruralizes. According to the type of surgery, the detection rate was higher among those patients with fractures (10.2%), followed by patients with burns (9.1%), but it failed to reach the levels of statistical significant. Conclusion: About one half of children patients undergoing surgical operations are infected with TSST-1 producing S. aureus.