In their cross-sectional study, Al-Rubaye et al studied the extent of vitamin D (VD) deficiency/ insufficiency, factors affecting its degree, and the adverse outcomes of the altered VD status among a group of mothers and their neonates from Baghdad, Iraq. They found that 96.6% of the mothers had VD deficiency/ insufficiency compared to 86.4% in their neonates. Maternal VD levels and neonatal weights were significantly correlated with neonatal VD levels. We believe that the study results need to be revised. This is based  two points listed in this letter to editor

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a public health problem and many studies support the link between kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular events.  Aldosterone has been shown for decades that a plasma aldosterone concentration is elevated in CKD. Whilst, Osteoprotegerin (OPG), after its capacity to protect bone, also osteoprotegerin is elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), where it could predict the deterioration of kidney function, cardiovascular, vascular events and all-cause mortality. On the other hand, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), in patients with CKD, its levels seem to increase progressively as kidney function worsens. The aim of the present study is to assess the correlations between serum osteoprotegerin

Background: Vitamin D deficiency/ insufficiency is common in different age groups in both genders especially among pregnant women and neonates where it is associated with several adverse outcomes including preeclampsia and preterm delivery.   Objectives: To assess the extent of vitamin D deficiency/ insufficiency among mothers and their neonates and some factors related to it and identify some adverse outcomes of the deficiency/ insufficiency on neonates (preterm birth and low birth weight). Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 Iraqi pregnant women and neonates admitted to “Al-Elwiya teaching hospital for maternity” in Baghdad- Al-Rusafah from 1st of June 2019 to 31st of August 2019. Dat

In two commercial broiler breeds (Cobb 500 and Hubbard F-15), the polymorphisms of the chicken insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene were studied. A total of three hundred avian blood samples were obtained. Using a fast salt-extraction technique, genomic DNA was isolated. Using polymerase chain reaction, 1146 bp fragments of the gene were amplified (PCR). The amplified fragments were subjected to restriction enzyme digestion using HinfI endonuclease enzyme, and the digested products were separated on a 2% agarose gel. The findings indicated two alleles T and C for the target locus, with respective frequencies of 73.3% and 26.7%. Three distinct genotype variations, TT, TC, and CC, were found, with genotype frequencies of 59.1 percent, 28.

     MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Transitional cell carcinoma(TCC) of the bladder Cancer (C) account 95 percent of bladder malignancies, with males having a greater prevalence than females. The current study sought to determine whether there is a link between miRNA-29c, miRNA-125, miRNA-141, miRNA-145 and miRNA205 expression levels and TCC/BC risk in Iraqi bladder cancer patients. In the current prospective cross-sectional investigation, 149 samples were collected (95 urine and 54 tissue biopsies). From November 2018 to August 2019, 37/95 urine samples were randomly taken from healthy persons. Total RNA was extracted from tissue and urine samples, and then converte

Background: Mothers are considered as the key role in effect on child's dental behavior. So it is important to involve her in oral health promotion program to prevent early childhood dental caries from occurring in early age. Objectives: To identify the knowledge, practice and attitude of mothers about the oral health of their children. And to measure the change in oral hygiene of children aged (4-7) years old after one month of interventional program on their mothers. Type of study: Non-randomized interventional.Methods: Non-randomized interventional study for one month in Al Shaab area in Baghdad to 65 mothers who have children aged (4-7) years .A modified administrated questionnaire is given to assess mothers’ knowledge, practice an

Background: The prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and their contribution to increased morbidity and mortality due to the difficult-to-treat diseases caused by these bacteria, has demonstrated a need to develop and use alternative antimicrobial agents to control multidrug-resistant bacteria. There has been a growing interest in medicinal plants and herbs and their extracts for the discovery of new natural therapeutic alternatives. Therefore, this current study aimed to know the antibacterial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the Sumac (Rhus coriaria L) fruits against multidrug-resistant clinical bacterial isolates and the effect of these extracts on biofilm production as an important virulenc