The Impact of Some Widely Probiotic (Iraqi Probiotic) on Health and Performance

Probiotics (Greek: for life) are commonly defined as monoor mixed cultures of live microbes. When applied to animals or humans, they exert a beneficial effect on health of the host. These beneficial effects include disease treatment and prevention as well as improvement of nutrients’ digestion and absorption. Probiotic microorganisms are generally, albeit not exclusively, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus. However, use of other bacterial species such as Bacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. as probiotic strains has also been described in several commercial products. This article intends to present an up-to-date version regarding Iraqi probiotics currently used and health benefit obtained from their consumption. However, the employing of microbes to promote a good health is very common, while the current review paper provides a comprehensive view of some common probiotics in Iraq as all strains are very important to be familiar with them before any applying process. Ideally, microbial probiotics should have a beneficial effect and not cause any harm to the host. Therefore, all strains must have been studied comprehensively prior to use in humans or animals and thus are given GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status.

Geochemistry of Termite Hills as a Tool for Geochemical Exploration of Glass Sand in the Iraqi Western Desert

Sand glass deposits was located in the mid of the Western Desert of Iraq. It is situated within Rutba Formation (Ceno-manian). Ancient traditional mining method is still used in exploitation the unconsolidated white glass sand from glass sand quarry. The overburden thickness ranges from 2 to 4 m in average. Termite hills were observed around the glass sand quarry extending far from the quarry area. Termites could burrows down and penetrate the sand glass bringing it up to the surface. The depth of penetration reaches more than 35 m. The field observation of the white color of termite hills which are built up by sand glass gave a good indicator for the hidden subsurface deposit and it appears to be a surface signature for finding glass sand directly under the termite hills. The scattered white hills of glass sand on the surface with high content of SiO2, concordant Zr/Hf and Th/U ratios and heavy mineral distribution in both of quarry and termite hills provide a strong evidence of that those termite hills could be an effective tool for exploring subsurface hidden glass sand up to 35 m depth.

On the Current and Restoration Conditions of the Southern Iraqi Marshes: Application of the CCME WQI on East Hammar Marsh

Water quality of the East Hammar marsh after restoration was assessed by using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI).The model was applied in two approaches based on the historical data and the CCME aquatic life guidelines as objectives. Variables included in the index calculation were Water Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, pH value, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphorus and Sodium. The CCME WQI analysis in both approaches reflected that water quality of the East Hammar marsh is rated as poor based on 2005-2006 data, meaning that the conditions of the marsh are often depart from natural or desirable levels particularly in respect to sodium and nitrogenous compounds;it simply has not recovered yet. The results reflect that the marsh area is still far from the current guideline criteria and, too far from restoration.

Reservoir Characterization of the Early Jurassic Butmah Formation Using Well Log Data in Selected Wells from Iraqi Kurdistan Region

The reservoir characterization of Butmah Formation (Early Jurassic) was studied in two wells: (AT-1) and (SH-1B) from Atrush and Shaikhan Oilfields respectively, in Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Well logs including;sonic, density, neutron, gamma ray, and resistivity, were employed to investigate the formation. The petrophysical properties, such as lithology, shale volume, porosity, water saturation, hydrocarbon saturation, and bulk water volume, were estimated using Interactive Petrophysics Software (IP). Water saturation, bulk volume of water, residual hydrocarbon, and movable hydrocarbon were plotted as Computer Processed Interpretation (CPI) for Butmah Formation in the studied wells. In order to check reliability of log data, lithology of the formation was detected using neutron-density cross plot and M-N cross plot. The results of log interpretation display that Butmah Formation is composed of dolomite, limestone with anhydrite and shale in the studied wells. The calculated shale volume shows low clay content. Therefore, Butmah Formation is considered as a clean formation in both wells. Porosity was estimated using porosity logs (sonic, density, and neutron) and had the average total porosity of (7% - 8%) in the two wells. Based on the determined petrophysical properties, particularly porosity and hydrocarbon saturation, it can be concluded that Butmah Formation seems potentially good in reserving oil.

The Major Psychocutaneous Disorders in Iraqi Patients

Background: Many skin diseases can be evoked by psychological problems. Dermatological conditions could also lead to psychological disorders;hence psychodermatology is an emerging subspecialty that focuses on the interface of psychiatry and dermatology. Objective: To assess the frequency of the major disorders of so-called psychocutaneous disorders which are commonly seen among Iraqi population. Patients and Methods: This case descriptive study had been done in Department of Dermatology-Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq during the period from March 2011 to October 2013. All cases were collected and categorized according to the disease problem. Patients were interviewed to search for the main triggering and precipitating factors involved in pathogenesis of these disorders. The clinical picture was well described in order to reach a final diagnosis. Psychological interview and analysis were performed for all patients to reach the specific emotional and psychiatric disease by consultant psychiatrist. Results: A total of 100 patients with major psychocutaneous disorders were seen and evaluated. Nineteen were males and 81 were females with female to male ratio: 4.26:1. Their ages ranged from 7 - 73 (26.5 ± 5.217) years. The frequency of these diseases was as follows: trichotillomania 53%, dermatitis artifacta 37%, delusion of parasitosis 6% and neurotic excoriation 4%. Conclusions: The major psychocutaneous diseases in Iraqi population were: trichotillomania, dermatitis artifacta and these are problems of mainly young females while delusion of parasitosis and neurotic excoriations were diseases of middle age females.

Tracing of Sertoli-Cell-Only Syndrome and Other Histopathological Abnormalities in Iraqi Males with Primary Infertility of Azoospermia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the histopathological examination of the testicular biopsies in infertile males with azoospermia. The patients were referred to the Urology Department in Salah Alden Hospital. Methods: The present study was carried out from May 2017 until June 2018 and the number of the patients group was 60. The patients aged between 20 to 50 years. 20 of them were selected and subjected to histopathological examinations by taking biopsies from their testes. Results: The sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS) was the most common positive histopathological finding comprising 35% of the cases. This was followed by testicular atrophy with 30%, while maturation arrest was 20%. The percentage of hypospermatogenesis was 10% and normal spermatogenesis was 5%. Conclusion: Among the 20 specimens examined, the sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS) was the most common positive histopathological finding. The semen analysis and testicular biopsy provide valuable information about the etiology and the fertility potential of an individual.

Frictional Melanosis of Rubbing Thighs in Iraqi Patients

Background: Frictional melanosis of rubbing inner thighs is a common problem among Iraqi females causing great psychological and cosmetic impact. It might simulate lifa disease but it is a different entity. It is unfortunately not reported in the medical literatures although commonly encountered in daily clinical practice. Objective: To evaluate the hyperpigmentation of inner aspects of thighs in Iraqi females as an isolated pigmentary problem. Patient and Methods: Sixty patients with frictional melanosis of rubbing thighs were seen in Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital in this case descriptive, clinical and histopathological study, during the period from April 2011 to March 2012. Any associated skin problems were also noticed like folliculitis and boils at area of friction. Forty individuals were enrolled in the present work as the healthy control group. The pigmentation was assessed by clinical, Wood’s light and histopathological examinations (H&E and Fontana stains). Body mass index was obtained for all patients and obesity was graded according to WHO recommendations. Results: The ages of patients ranged between 19 - 52 (32.86 ± 7.65) years, with 59 (98.3%) females and 1 (1.6%) male. By Wood’s light examination, accentuation in pigmentation was observed in 39 (58%) patients, while 21 (42%) of lesions showed no change. Body mass index was ranged from 23.3 - 43.6 (34.04 ± 4.13), history of vigorous rubbing of pigmented area with washing tool (lifa) was positive in 46 (76.6%) patients. Skin biopsies in 10 patients showed pure dermal melanophages in 3 of biopsies with slight melanosis of basal layer of epidermis, while the other 7 biopsies showed mainly increase in basal melanin. There was a statistically significant association between obesity and the severity of pigmentation of the inner thighs. Forty control individuals (2 males and 38 females) were assessed, their ages ranged from 19 - 50 (31.72 ± 6.40) years. All females were within normal weight while males were overweight and BMI was ranged from 19.7 - 28.2 (22.49 ± 1.84). All control individuals showed no pigmentation of inner aspects of thighs. Conclusion: Frictional melanosis of rubbing thighs is considered a new entity which had been not reported before in the medical literatures. This is a disease of mostly young obese females and the effective therapy is weight reduction and possibly liposuction.

Breast cancer among Iraqi female in their fifth decade: a retrospective study

Background:Breast cancer is a major public health concern for women around the world.Breast cancer incidence increases with age,and this is an important factor for the management of this disease.The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profiles of female Iraqi breast cancer patients in their fifth decade,and to evaluate patients'molecular profiles and 5-year disease-free survival(DFS).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted at Baghdad Oncology Teaching Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 12 December 2016.Of 979 individuals seen,285 were aged between 40 and 49 years.Results:The median age at diagnosis was 45 years.The highest incidence of breast cancer occurred among women in their fifth(40-49 years old)and sixth(50-59 years old)decades of life(29%and 28%,respectively).The most common stages at diagnosis were stages II and III,with 40.8%and 39.5%,respectively.Luminal A-like cancers were seen in 124 women(58.5%)and 29 women(13.7%)presented with triple-negative cancers.De novo metastatic disease comprised just 6.7%of the group studied.The median DFS was 48 months(95%CI:41.4-54.5 months).Conclusions:The highest incidence of breast cancer occurred among women in their fifth and sixth decades of life.The most common diagnosis was stage II breast cancer of the luminal A molecular subtype.HER-2(human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)overexpression and triple-negative were the least common subtypes.The median DFS was 48 months.

Drought mapping using Geoinformation technology for some sites in the Iraqi Kurdistan region

Iraq has suffered severely from drought in recent years and the year 2008 was the driest,particularly in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.This study incorporated Geoinformation technology into mapping the drought that severely affected the Kurdistan region in the years 2007
2008.Geoinformation technology provides support in the theories,methods and techniques for building,and development of Digital Earth aspect.Five vegetation,soil,water,and land surface temperature(LST)indices were applied to two Landsat 7 ETMimageries of June 2007 and June 2008,to assess the drought impacts in Erbil governorate Kurdistan during the study period.The indices that were employed in this study were Normalized Difference Vegetation Index,Bare Soil Index,Normalized Differential Water Index,Tasseled Cap Transformation Wetness,and LST.The results revealed a significant decrease in the vegetative cover(56.7%)and a decline in soil/vegetation wetness(29.9%)of the total study area.Likewise,there was a significant reduction in the water bodies surface area in the region such as Dokan Lake,which lost 32.5%of its surface area in comparison with the previous year,2007.The study results showed that the soil moisture content was the most effective actor on the vegetative cover,LST,and drought status in the study area.

土耳其对伊拉克库尔德地区政策的新动向:态势、动因与制约

2018年至今,土耳其与伊拉克库尔德地区政府在诸多重要领域展开合作,包括政治互信加强、军事配合作战、经济互惠互利等。传统意义上,土耳其对伊拉克库尔德人政策的导向,源于其对库尔德问题联动性的高度重视。当前形势下,埃尔多安政府对伊拉克库尔德人政策的导向又增添了蕴含“新奥斯曼主义”理念的“百年愿景”,以期土耳其在能源供应、周边安全与政治影响等领域有所建树。百年未有之大变局为土耳其政府实施“积极进取”的外交政策提供了机会窗口,但历史与现实之间的巨大落差,或使土耳其对伊拉克库尔德地区政策难以如愿。

伊拉克库尔德人自治运动与美国外交政策(1961—1975)

20世纪60年代初至70年代中期,伊拉克库尔德人自治运动开启第一波高潮。其间,美国对伊拉克库尔德人的政策历经两次调整,由漠视库尔德人的政治诉求转为援助库尔德民主党的武装部队,最终又转为放弃支持库尔德人的民族事业。政策不断调整的背后蕴含着美国对库尔德人政策的逻辑,即以美国在中东地区的核心利益为中轴,以美国与主权国家的双边关系为限度,受到隔岸平衡战略的深刻影响。这决定了美国对伊拉克库尔德人的态度会始终徘徊于政治冷漠与暗中干预之间,亦是美国拒绝支持伊拉克库尔德人独立建国的根本原因。

阿拉伯社会学研究的历史学转向——阿里·瓦尔迪历史社会学思想及其影响析论

阿里·瓦尔迪是20世纪伊拉克著名的历史社会学家。在社会学框架的基础上,其研究对象经历了从社会学到历史学范畴的转变,形成了独树一帜的历史社会学思想。瓦尔迪的历史社会学思想以发掘伊拉克历史规律为研究重心,形成了机制性叙事与时序性叙事相结合的研究路径,以探寻伊拉克民族国家构建失败的原因为核心问题意识。瓦尔迪思想不仅对现实具有“揭示性”,对未来具有“预见性”,还影响了当代伊拉克乃至伊斯兰世界的知识分子。瓦尔迪是20世纪阿拉伯社会学的集大成者,同时还推动了伊拉克历史学的发展。他以社会学与历史学并举的研究方法突破了社会学与历史学间的壁垒,呼应了西方历史社会学的风潮,为伊拉克学者在世界历史社会学发展历程中赢得了一席之地,同时也为突破西方话语体系做出了贡献。

“创伤英雄神话”的祛魅——伊战小说《战争污秽》的多元叙事

美国战争文学传统中盛行一种从白人男性视角记录士兵天真丧失与战争创伤的“创伤英雄”叙事范式。这种叙事范式阻碍了公众对美国资本主义战争真相的认知和反思。罗伊·斯克兰顿的伊战小说《战争污秽》将美国士兵与文化、性别和种族他者并置,用多元叙事方式向读者呈现更真实、完整且更具道德复杂性的当代战争真相。小说用士兵创伤与平民创伤的融合和冲突构成对创伤英雄神话的祛魅,揭示了全球资本主义政治秩序下的人权危机和战争创伤的跨国特质。

伊拉克战争对国际法治的冲击和影响

美英发动的伊拉克战争对国际社会提出了一系列值得认真思考的国际法问题。本文着重探讨这场战争对国际法基础的冲击以及违反联合国宪章规定非法使用武力问题 ,探讨在国际武装冲突中实施国际人道法面临的困境。在此基础上 ,作者提出了加强国际法治的若干建议。

伊拉克油田岩心酸化反应动力学参数研究

针对伊拉克X油田开发过程中面临的开采难度大等问题,室内通过旋转岩盘实验仪,分别测定了盐酸与伊拉克X油田碳酸盐岩储层岩心在90℃、120℃和140℃下反应的速度常数、反应级数以及H+有效传质系数等,通过以上酸岩反应动力学参数,建立了不同温度下酸岩反应动力学方程,同时确定了盐酸与该储层岩心反应的反应活化能,为该油田碳酸盐岩储层酸压优化设计提供可靠依据。

伊拉克战争对美国软实力的削弱

伊拉克战争使美国的结盟体系出现裂痕,美国霸权的合法性进一步削弱,美军虐俘事件更是损害了美国的国家形象,并且美国民主改造伊斯兰世界的计划受阻,伊拉克战争也没有达到预期的反恐目标。伊拉克战争削弱了美国文化的吸引力、意识形态的吸引力和利用国际机制的能力,美国的软实力在这场战争中明显受损。

论世界新军事变革趋势和中国新军事变革

新军事变革始于上世纪80年代末90年代初,其目标是把工业时代的机械化军队改造成信息时代的信息化军队。美军已确立2030年全面数字化的发展目标。1991年以来美国发动的多场战争技术含量越来越高,反映出新军事变革的特点和规律。新军事变革很可能发展成一场波及全球、涉及全部军事领域、有史以来最深刻的军事变革。为顺应世界新军事变革加速发展的趋势,应积极推进中国特色军事变革,不断加强国防和军队现代化建设,为全面建设小康社会、加快推进社会主义现代化建设提供可靠的安全保证。