Background Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a life-threatening condition caused by the presence of microorganisms, generally caused by a range of bacteria in the blood. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as biomarkers of pediatric BSI. Methodology The study was conducted on 150 blood samples collected from the patient who admitted to Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad. During the period from November 2020 to March 2021, ninety blood samples from them were positive culture and 60 blood samples were negative culture (control group). The isolates were identified depending on the morphological, microscopic examination, and biochemical tests. Moreover, serum was obtained from all participants for the determination of the screening level of human PCT measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and CRP by slide agglutination test. Results The results in this study revealed that the mean levels of serum PCT and CRP in Gram-negative group and Gram-positive group were significantly difference from the control group. Conclusions The adoption of these biomarkers as routine diagnostic tests for sepsis may help in the early diagnosis of pediatric sepsis.
A faunistic review of the genus Chaitophorus Koch, 1854, including four species in Iraq is given; the distribution data of each species and their hosts have been recorded. In this investigation the poplar leaf aphid Ch. populialbae (Boyer de Fonscolombe, 1841) is recorded here for the first time in Iraq on popular trees Populus euphratica Oliv. during the period from November 2016 to April 2017 in Baghdad province.
A brief description for apterous viviparous female of this species is given; and a key to the species of the genus Chaitophorus is constricted.
Al-Naymi, N.A.Sh., H.A.S. AL-Nuaimi and M.R. Nashaat. 2022. Toxicity Stress of the Durah Power Plant Ash and its Effect on the Alga Chlorococcum humicola (Naeg) Rabenhorst 1868. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 40(2): 188-192. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-040.2.188192 This study illustrates the acute toxic effect of ash released from Durah power plant (DPP) on the biology of the phytoplankton species Chlorococcum humicola in Iraq. The results showed that the median lethal concentration for killing 50% of the Alga population (LC50) was 0.15 and 0.13 ppt (parts per thousand) for 24 and 48 hours exposure to crude ash concentrations, respectively. In contrast, no LC50 value was recorded for 72 and 96 hrs after exposure. The reduction
... Show MoreKarst aquifers in semi-arid regions are vital yet exceptionally vulnerable lifelines. This study investigates how tectonic, geomorphological, and climatic factors control the dynamics of karst springs in the El Menzel Causse (Middle Atlas, Morocco). Using an integrated approach that combines field investigations, remote sensing, and quantitative hydro-climatic analysis, we identify the mechanisms driving the system’s severe decline. Results indicated that the structural architecture of the major fault systems in the North Middle Atlas Fault (NMAF) and the Median Middle Atlas Fault (MMAF), governs the spatial distribution of more than 50 springs, which occur preferentially within highly permeable fault damage zones. However, the aquifer is
... Show MoreBackground The appropriate disposal of medication is a well-recognized issue that has convened growing recognition in several contexts. Insufficient awareness relating to appropriate methods for the disposal of unneeded medicine may result in notable consequences. The current research was conducted among the public in Iraq with the aim of examining their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the proper disposal of unused and expired medicines. Methods The present study used an observational cross-sectional design that was community-based. The data were obtained from using an online questionnaire. The study sample included people of diverse genders, regardless of their race or occupational status. The study mandated that all pa
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