Metabolic syndrome has emerged as an important health concern globally, especially in developing countries where urbanization and lifestyle changes are rapidly increasing. No reliable epidemiological information regarding the prevalence and risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome is available among Iraqi adults in primary health care (PHC) clinics. This study was designed to determine the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome and identify potential risk factors among adults attending PHC centers in Baghdad. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used, targeting 412 adult subjects selected randomly from multiple PHC centers in Baghdad. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and biochemical data were col

Background : The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is defined as the triad of liver disease, arterial deoxygenation, and pulmonary vascular dilatation. The reported prevalence of HPS in cirrhotic patients varies between 5% -17.5%.Objective : To estimate the prevalence of hepatopulmonary syndrome among patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension and to study the correlation between HPS and the severity of liver disease.Patients and methods : Thirty patients were studied for the presence of HPS using transthoracic contrast echocardiography for detection of pulmonary vasodilatation. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was determined in erect and supine position using a pulse oximeter , (SaO2 ≤ 92 % in supine position and/or a d

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorder affecting females. The pathology of PCOS is complicated and associated to chronic low-grade inflammation, this includes a disruption in pro-inflammatory factor production, leukocytosis, and endothelial cell dysfunction, also associated with high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and leukocyte count. In addition, PCOS is characterized by hormonal and immunological dysfunction. Inflammation of the ovary affects ovulation and induces or aggravates systemic inflammation. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, is crucial in the recruitment of inflammatory and immunological cells to the place of inflammation

Objective(s): To assess Baghdad University students’ knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS, and to find out
the relationship of Baghdad University students’ knowledge and attitudes with certain variables (gender,
socioeconomic status, field of study).
Methodology: A descriptive analytic study was used to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Baghdad University
Students’ toward HIV/AIDS. The study was conducted (November 1st 2012 to July 15th 2013). A non-probability
(purposive sample) of 400 students (males-138 and females-262) were selected from four colleges and they were
in the fourth class, a probability (stratified random) method was used to select four colleges at University of
Baghdad as a study settin

Background: Smoking is considering a major risk factor for development and progression of periodontal disease. Investigations regarding the association between smoking and periodontal disease have consistently demonstrated negative periodontal effects and greater probabilities of established periodontal disease among smokers in comparison with non smokers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of smoking on periodontal health status and on the salivary levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), and to correlate the clinical parameters of periodontal health with the biochemical findings in smokers and non-smokers. Materials and methods: Unstimulated saliva sample was collected

Background: An individual’s quality of life is adversely affected by overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The key element that characterizes OAB is urgency which together with nocturia and urge urinary incontinence, are considered the most irksome symptoms. The side effects of the anticholinergic medication have caused a significant number of patients to discontinue their treatment. More recently, there has been research conducted on the potential correlation between an anticholinergic burden and the development of dementia. The detrusor muscle has been demonstrated to relax as a result of the activation of β3 adrenoceptors, which in turn facilitated the development of the first β3 adrenoceptor agonist. Mirabegron is the initial m