Verification and comparison of MIT-BIH arrhythmia database based on number of beats

The ECG signal processing methods are tested and evaluated based on many databases. The most ECG database used for many researchers is the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The QRS-detection algorithms are essential for ECG analyses to detect the beats for the ECG signal. There is no standard number of beats for this database that are used from numerous researches. Different beat numbers are calculated for the researchers depending on the difference in understanding the annotation file. In this paper, the beat numbers for existing methods are studied and compared to find the correct beat number that should be used. We propose a simple function to standardize the beats number for any ECG PhysioNet database to improve the waveform database toolbox (WFDB) for the MATLAB program. This function is based on the annotation's description from the databases and can be added to the Toolbox. The function is removed the non-beats annotation without any errors. The results show a high percentage of 71% from the reviewed methods used an incorrect number of beats for this database

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction identification of Candida species colonized sputum of patients suffering from various respiratory tract disorders in Duhok, Iraq

Background: Candida species are part of the body normal flora. Under certain conditions, these opportunistic microorganisms may lead to infection. The purpose of this study was to identify Candida species isolated from sputum from patients suffering from respiratory tract disorders.Methods: A total of 59 sputum samples taken from patients attending Azadi hospital at Duhok province, Kurdistan Region/Iraq. For primary isolation, sputum samples were cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Suspected colonies of Candida isolates were then sub cultured on chromogenic Candida agar for presumptive identification. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using a genomic DNA extraction kit. For rapid identification of Candida spp, specific primers based on the genomic sequence of DNA topoisomerase 11 of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis I, C. parapsilosis II, C. guilliermondi, C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. kefyr and C. glabrata, C. tropicalis I, C. tropicalis II, C. lusitaniae were used. The Multiplex PCR products were separated by electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel, visualized by staining with ethidium bromide, and photographed.Results: Three Candida species namely C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis were differentiated by their colour produced on Chromogenic Candida agar. PCR with the primer mixes yielded 4 different sized of PCR products corresponding to C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. Keyfer and C. tropicalis II, C. glabrata was the most common species (33.33%), followed by C. albicans (16.66%). The highest rate of isolation of Candida species was between the ages of 36 to 45.Conclusion: This study concluded that phenotypic characteristics on selective agar medium such as chromogenic Candida agar are useful for presumptive identification of Candiada spp with the support of molecular method such as multiplex PCR.

Identification of Candida spp. isolated from vaginal swab by phenotypic methods and multiplex PCR in Duhok, Iraq

Background: Candida species are the second most common cause of vulvovaginitis worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify the species of vaginal Candida isolates by using phenotypic and Multiplex PCR techniques.  Methods: 91 isolates from patients admitted to Azadi hospital and Maternity hospital in Duhok city were collected. The vaginal swab specimens were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Colonies were then sub cultured on Chromogenic Candida agar. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using a Genomic DNA Extraction kit. For rapid identification of Candida spp., specific primers based on the genomic sequence of DNA topoisomerase 11 of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis I, C. parapsilosis II, C. guilliermondi, C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. kefyr and C. glabrata, C. tropicalis I, C. tropicalis II, C. lusitaniae were used. The multiplex PCR products were separated by electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel, visualized by staining with ethidium bromide, and photographed.  Results: 4 Candida species, namely C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. tropicalis were distinguished by Chromogenic Candida agar on the basis of colony colour and morphology. PCR with the primer mixes yielded 7 different sized of PCR products corresponding to C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. krusei and C. tropicalis II. The analysis revealed C. glabrata and C. albicans were the most common species isolated with the percentage 40% and 30% respectively.Conclusions: This study concluded that phenotypic characteristics on selective agar medium such as chromogenic candida agar are useful for presumptive identification of Candiada spp. with the support of molecular method such as multiplex PCR.  

Isolation of Entomopathogenic and Opportunistic Fungi from Soil in Duhok Province,Kurdistan Region of Iraq by Different Selective Isolation Media

Soil is a natural habitat for several important insect pathogenic fungi which play a key role in regulating populations of soil dwelling insect pests. Forty soil samples were collected during 2012-2013 from different agro ecosystems at Duhok governorate were screened for the presence of soil dwelling entomopathogenic fungi using four different selective isolation media. The four isolation media were prepared by modifying previously prepared DOC2 medium and a selective medium based on the use of Cetyletrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) with oatmeal agar (OT) as a basal medium. The percentage occurrence of fungi and number of detected species was significantly affected by the type of isolation medium. The least number of recovered species (5 species) was on DOC2 medium, whereas, the highest number (14 species) was displayed by CTAB+OT medium. The two true entomopathogenic species Lecanicillium lecanii and Metarhizium anisopliae were successfully recovered only with our new formula by combination of DOC2+CTAB and OT+CTAB media, whereas, DOC2 and DOC2+OT media failed to recover the two species. This result indicated that addition of CTAB to media was a vital factor for the recovery of the two entomopathogenic species. L. lecanii and M. anisopliae have been recorded for the first time from Iraqi soil. Several other opportunistic pathogens were also detected. These include Aspergillus flavus, A.parasiticus, Clonostachys rosea and Fusarium species. The distribution of entomopathogenic and opportunistic fungi is discussed in relation to different agroecosystems and to some physical and chemical characteristics of soil samples. Key words: Entomopathogenic fungi, soil, Iraq.

Diversity of Microfungi in Litter of Pine Forests in Duhok

The litter microfungi of Pine forests located in Zawita and Atrush were studied with objective to compare the composition, frequency of occurrence and diversity of fungi in forest habitats from Duhok, Kurdistan region of Iraq. A total of 11 species in addition to sterile mycelia were identified from L1 litter layer from the two sites, whereas, 9 species were identified from L2 layer at both sites. In general, the detected species from both litter layers (L1,L2) at the two sites included: Aspergillus flavus, A.fumigatus, A.niger, Alternaria alternata, Aurobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporoides, C.gallicola, Fusarium sp., Papulaspora pallidulla, Penicillium glabrum, Rhizopus sp. Scytalidium lignicola,Ulocladium atrum in addition to non-sporulating mycelia. Of these A.pullulans was the most frequent species on freshly and decomposed pine needles litter at the two sites. The least (SI) index for fungal community inhabiting Pine litter was recorded between L1 and L2 layers at Zawita. Whereas, the highest (SI) was found between L1 layer at Atrush and L2 layer at Zawita site. Papulaspora pallidulla represents a first record for Iraqi mycobiota. Brief description along with photographs are provided for the newly reported species

Comparison Between the Most Frequent Fungal Species Colonizing Grapevine Berries at Different Maturation Stages

The study was undertaken to investigate the most frequent fungal species present on the surface of grape berries at different maturation at vineyards from Duhok governorate, Kurdistan region of Iraq. The associated fungi were detected both before and after surface disinfection on  Dichloran Rose Bengal Chlormophenicol agar (DRBC) medium. The most abundant genera and species found on all the three stages of maturation by decreasing orders were Aspergillus (A.niger, A.carbonarius, A.tubingensis), Cladosporium cladosporoides, Penicillium (P.brevicompactum,P.citrinum,P.glabrum), Alternaria alternata  and Aureobasidium pullalans.  This result support the theory that risk of ochratoxin A contamination can be defined based on the mycobiota present on surface of healthy grape berries

Environmental Modelling of Ionic Mass Transfer Coefficient in a Unique Electrocoagulation Reactor

Ionic mass transfer in a novel electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) using a rotating impeller anode is studied experimentally using the limiting current density method. The CFD simulation is also conducted for characterizing the novel electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) and validating the experimental study of ionic mass transfer. Variables included rotational speed and anode diameter. The Bland-Altman method was used to verify the accuracy of experimental and simulation results. Data for the condition 11852 < Re < 58550 and 88 < Sc < 285 were found to fit the equation for the largest diameter of 11.2 cm; Sh = 2.1Re0.93Sc0.33. Based on COD removal efficiency, optimal EC performance is realized at the largest anode diameter of 11.2 cm, confirming the enhancement of aluminum mass transfer by increasing the anode diameter. The experimental values of current density and mass transfer coefficient are validated by CFD simulation for all the rotational speeds and anode diameters. The accuracy is up to 95% for the experimental current densities compared with simulation values

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10&nbsp;years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37&nbsp;years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

PHYSIOLOGICAL ,CYTOGENETIC AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF SAMPLE OF CAPTAGON ADDICTS IN AL-RAMADI PROVENANCE.

The study was carried out on (80) individuals of insomnia tablets (Captagon), The ages of the individuals was between (20-40) years and the period of tablet taking was between (2-5)years . The study sample was divided into two group (40)drivers and(40)night guards , and (20) person as control sample , The study aimed to study some side effects of the drugs which accompany this case of addiction. The study also aimed to identify the physiological changes which could happen to the addicts of such drugs and study the cytogenetic and molecular measurements of the addicts . It has been found that the use of Captagon causes many side effects like (fatigue and anxiety) and a significant decrease P average of the total W.B.Cs Count (4600 and 4100)cell/ml3 , associated with decrease of immunity of the addicts greatly.There is a significant increase of the average of the E.S.R. P increase of the biomarkers of the liver function tests TSB ( 3.2 and 3.8)mg/dl , ALP(24 and 28)K.A.U./dl ,GOT(32 and 34)U/L and GPT (36 and 38)U/L . On the other hand there were a significant increase of the average of the biomarkers of Kidney function tests blood urea (42 and 47)mg/dl and serum creatinine (1.4 and 1.8) mg/dl . Although there were no chromosomal aberrations or disorders , there were formations of micronuclei of the individuals of sample(9 and 13)% and this may refer to micro deletions breaks which could not be observed easily through this test. Also there was an increase in the mitotic index (MI) with (3.0 and 2.7) and molecular aberrations were forming new bands in the RAPD-PCR test (3 and 7)% of the individual of the sample