Abstract: Objectives: To assess, the serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement subfactors (C٣, C٤) in newly diagnosed epileptic patients in the pretherapy stage and ٣ months after valproate therapy, in comparison with controls. Methods: This study was conducted at Iben-Seena Hospital and the College of Medicine- University of Mosul from January to December ٢٠٠٩. Forty-two newly diagnosed epileptic patients were selected and included in this study. Fifty apparently healthy subjects , age and sex matched to the patients group also included and taken as a control. Initially from both the patients and controls, blood samples were taken and assessment of sera levels of immunoglobulins and complement subfactors were done by single radial immuno diffusion method, using commercial kits. Then patients were put on valporate therapy for ٣ months and a blood sample were taken from the patients and assay of the same parameters mentioned above were done using the same technique and the same kits. Results: There were insignificant differences between patients in pre-therapy stage and controls with regard serum immunoglobulin levels (and complement subfactors). Also there were insignificant differences between epileptic patients before and ٣ months after therapy with valproate . Conclusion: valproate as an anticonvulsant have no influence on serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement subfactors (C٣, C٤) after ٣ months of therapy.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the chemical and biopharmaceutical equivalence of frusemide tablets from ٥ different companies. Methods: This study was conducted on five brands of frusemide tablets available in the pharmacies of Mosul city from different manufacturing companies. These brands have been evaluated using some quality control tests of uniformity of weight, hardness, disintegration time, dissolution rate determination for the tablets. Results: The results obtained have been discussed in some detail using monographs in the United State Pharmacopeia (USP) and British Pharmacopeia (BP). All the brands content were within the acceptable range of USP (٩٠-١١٠ %), the disintegration time of all the brands also within the range of the USP and BP. . The dissolution profile also were within the acceptable range of USP not less than ٨٠% of the labeled amount of frusemide is dissolved in ٦٠ minutes. Conclusion: All the brands tested in this study may be used interchangeably.

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the effect of carbamazepine on full blood count in epileptic patients. Patients and Methods: This study was done in the Outpatient department of Ibn– Sina Hospital in Mosul, during the period from October ٢٠٠٤ to September ٢٠٠٥. Epileptic patients under oral carbamazepine therapy (٢٠٠-١٢٠٠ mg/day) were included in this study. The patients were ٤٤ males and ٢٦ females. The duration of treatment was between ١–٣٠ years. The control subjects included ٤١ males and ٣٥ females. They were apparently healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken from patients and controls and analyzed for full blood count including hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW), red blood cell count (RBC count), hematocrit % (PCV), white blood cell count (WBC count) and platelets. Results: In both male and female patients, Hb was significantly lower than that in the control group, respectively. The other measurements of full blood count, there were no significant differences compared with the control group in both male and female, respectively. Conclusion: Chronic use of carbamazepine in epileptic patients is relatively safe on full blood count. Periodical examination of full blood count is necessary for epileptic patients under carbamazepine therapy.

Abstract: In vitro inhibition of human plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities by the strong cholinesterase inhibitor chlorpyriphos (organophosphate) and the weak cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, metoclopramide, and diphenhydramine) in different concentrations was evaluated. The protective ability of each one of the weak cholinesterase inhibitors alone and with a combination of two of them against the inhibitory action of chlorpyriphos was also detected. The results showed different patterns of inhibition depending on the inhibitor and its concentration when used alone or within a combination. When testing the protective ability, the results differed for each one of the inhibitors and for the combinations, depending on its own ability to bind the cholinesterase. Donepezil showed no ability to protect the enzyme against chlorpyriphos, but caused further increase in the inhibition when used alone or in combination. Diphenhydramine could have affinity to bind the enzyme more than metoclopramide and donepezil when used in combination against chlorpyriphos toxicity, and metoclopramide had higher affinity to inhibit erythrocyte cholinesterase in combination more than diphenhydramine and donepezil . The use of weak cholinesterase inhibitors alone or in combination may reduce the toxicity of organophosphates depending on the inhibitor used , but still not to a significant extent.

Abstract: Objective: The concentration-dependent nephroprotective effects of orally-administered aqueous green tea extract (AGTE) were studied. Materials and Methods: Forty rats of both sexes (weighing ٢٠٠-٢٥٠g) with various concentrations {٠.٦٢٥%, ١.٢٥% and ٢.٥% of aqueous green tea extract (AGTE)} as their main source of drinking fluid ٧ days before and ٥ days after administration of methotrexate (MTX). The parameters of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were daily measured in kidney homogenate in addition to histopathological examinations after killing. Results: Analysis of data revealed significant amelioration of oxidative stress in groups of animals treated with different concentrations of AGTE compared to MTX-treated group as evidenced by lowering MDA contents and elevation of GSH levels in kidney tissue homogenate but the levels still significantly different compared to controls. Furthermore, increasing concentrations of AGTE produce no concentration-dependent improvement of the damage induced by MTX in kidney tissue, as observed in kidney rats sections in concentrations ٠.٦٢٥% and ٢.٥% AGTE, while improvement in renal morphological changes was observed in group of animals treated with ١.٢٥% AGTE + MTX. Conclusion: The concentration-dependent protective effects of AGTE against MTXinduce kidney damage were not evidenced, where higher concentration of AGTE (٢.٥%) used in this study resulted in deterioration in the renal functions and morphology, which may be due to its pro-oxidant effect; while renal protective effects was evidenced in a concentration of ١.٢٥% AGTE, an effect that could be related to its antioxidant properties at this concentration.

Abstract: The use of plants for healing purposes predates human history and forms the origin of much modern medicine. Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources, a century ago, most of the few effective drugs were plant based. Adiantum capillus has long held a place in herbal medicine systems worldwide. It is prepared traditionally as an infusion for the treatment of respiratory and urinary disorders. The pharmacological activities of A. capillus infusion were evaluated in this study. The result obtained on the rabbit jejunum and bronchial smooth muscle indicated that A. capillus extract has attenuated the response to histamine, suggesting antihistaminergic mechanism in the observed effect. The extract showed no significant effect on the contraction of the jejunum and bronchial smooth muscle induced by pilocarpine. Therefore the antihistamine effect of the extract was not associated with antimuscarinic activity. A. capillus has produced a significant increase in the urine flow and urinary Na+ and K+ excretion rate in rabbits. This effect of A. capillus act at site before the distal nephron. The infusion of the plant produced a non significant slight reduction in the blood pressure without affecting the heart rate of the rabbit. The hypoglycemic effect of A. capillus extract was studied in alloxan-diabetic rabbits. The extract induced a significant hypoglycemic effect after oral administration which had similar efficacy to the hypoglycemic effects of metformin. The maximal rate of decline in blood glucose concentrations response was observed on the sixth day of the procedure.

Abstract: Background: There are very little studies to determine the effects of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) on thyroid function tests in hormonal contraceptive users at least in our locality. Objective: To evaluate the effects of COCPs on serum level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) , free triiodothyronine (FT٣) and free tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine) (FT٤) and in relation to the duration of their usage in Mosul City. Design: A case control study. Subject & Methods: This study was conducted during the period from September ٢٠٠٨ to March ٢٠٠٩. A total of ٧٨ healthy married women , age range between ١٩-٣٥ years, from those who were attending AL–Batool and AL-Khansa Family Planning Centers in Mosul, who were taking Microgynon tablets which are one of monophasic, second generation combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) (contain ٠.٠٣ mg of ethinyl estradiol and ٠.١٥ mg levonorgestrel) (N=٤٨) for a period ranged between ٣ months to ٥ years and these were considered the users group. Other ٤٠ healthy married women who did not use any hormonal contraceptives and were drawn from the same population and matched for age, body mass index (BMI) with the users group and they were considered as the non users groups. Blood samples (٥ml) were obtained from COCPs users and non-user groups. The sera obtained from the blood samples were used for the estimation of serum TSH, FT٣, FT٤ using Menividus analytic device. Results: This study revealed non significant differences in TSH , FT٣ and FT٤ serum levels between COCPs users and non users and no correlation between serum TSH, FT٣ and FT٤ levels and duration of hormonal contraceptives usage. Conclusion: This study supported that the free thyroid hormone tests are the tests of choice in assessing thyroid function of women taking COCPs and concluded that COCPs can be regarded as a safe drugs in women using these types of hormonal as far as thyroid function is concerned.

Abstract: Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) have proven to be persistent and sometimes complicated problem. More than one third of all nosocomial infections possibly involve airborne transmission. The aim of this study is to estimate the types of bacteria that could be present in air-conditioning systems of some hospitals and their antibiotic sensitivity profile. Materials and methods: Swab samples were taken from air-conditioning system filters and rendered for bacterial identification and evaluation of their antibiotic susceptibility. Results: The results showed twenty isolates from three different hospitals. Ibn Sina showed ١٦ isolates (٥ S. aureus; ٣ S. epidermidis; ٤ S. saprophyticus; ١ E. coli; ١ Proteus mirabilis; ١ Klebsiella pneumoniae and ١ Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Ibn Al- Atheer hospital showed only ٢ isolates (١ S.aureus, and ١ Streptococcus) and Al- Jumhori hospital showed only ٢ isolates (١ S. aureus, and ١ S. saprophyticus); most of this isolates are resistant to the antibiotics used in this study. Conclusion: there are a risky bacteria located in air conditioners especially indoor conventional systems more than the hospital designed systems and still both represent a susceptible source for nosocomial infection.

Abstract: Objectives: To assess the effect of glibenclamide and metformin on serum uric acid level in patients with type ٢ diabetes. Study design: Case control study. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted from March ٢٠٠٩ to January ٢٠١٠. Fasting blood sugar and serum uric acid level were measured in patients suffering from type- ٢ diabetes mellitus who were referred to Al-Wafa Diabetic Center in Mosul City. Group ١: ٣٢ patients on glibenclamide therapy, group ٢: ٤٢ patients on metformin therapy and group ٣: ٤٢ patients on combination therapy, group ٤: ٣٢ patients on restricted diet, and ٢٣ apparently healthy volunteers, were taken as a control group. Results: The study showed a significant increase in the serum uric acid level of the diabetic patients as compared with the control. Glibenclamide and/or metformin showed no significant difference in the serum uric acid level in patients with type ٢ diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Glibenclamide and/or metformin had no significant effect on serum uric acid level in patients with type ٢ diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present study was designed to study the taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide among epileptic patients. A total of ٧٣ epileptic patients participated in the study. The epileptic state of the patients was well controlled by carbamazepine therapy, with their serum level of carbamazepine within therapeutic range. The other group consists of ٦٢ healthy volunteers, serving as a control. Test strips impregnated with phenylthiocarbamide have been used to identify tasters from non tasters of both patients and control groups. The individuals who perceive phenylthiocarbamide as bitter tasting was regarded as tasters while those describe it as tasteless were regarded as non-tasters. The results showed no significant difference with regard perception of phenylthiocarbamide between epileptic patients on carbamazepine therapy and controls.

Abstract: Background: Newborn babies are known to have risk for occurrence developmental dysplasia of the hip so early clinical screening test is very important to detect this problem and prevent further abnormal growth. The aim of this study is to find the rate of occurrence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) among newborn babies and establish good screening program. Patients and methods: From August ٢٠٠٦ to March ٢٠٠٩ in AL-Khansaa Maternity and Children Teaching hospitals, ٩٥٩٢ newborn babies were examined clinically using Barlows and ortolani tests for detecting DDH. Results: Only ١٦٢ newborn babies out of ٩٥٩٢ examined babies had DDH and it was found more common among female and more on left side than right side. Female sex, rural residence, first born baby breach, caesarean section positive family history, multiple pregnancy post-mature babies, high birth weight (>٣٥٠٠ g). Conclusion: The occurrence of neonatal DDH is still form a major problem among newborn babies causing a lot of morbidity need to follow up to avoid further complicating problem.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate serum total cholesterol (TC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in healthy subjects in winter and summer seasons. Subjects and methods: This study was conducted at the college of Pharmacy, University of Mosul. Twenty healthy subjects, non-smokers, free from any medication were included in this study. Five mL of blood sample from each subject was taken in winter and other blood sample was taken from the same subject in summer and analysed for serum TC and MDA. Results: No significant difference was noticed between winter and summer for serum TC (٤.٦٥±٠.٥٩ mmol/L versus ٤.٤٥±٠.٦ mmol/L). However, serum MDA in summer (١.١٩±٠.٢ µmole/L) was significantly higher (P < ٠.٠١) than in winter (٠.٩٦±٠.١٦ µmol/L) Conclusion: Oxidative stress increases in hot weather. Seasonal serum lipid profile levels depend on life style of the people and their geographical location.