No abstract

Phlebotomus papatasi sand fly is the main vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iraq. The aim of this study was to assess and predict the effects of climate change on the distribution of the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases and the main vector presently and in the future. Data of the CL cases were collected for the period (2000-2018) in addition to sand fly (SF) abundance. Geographic information system, R studio and MaxEnt (Maximum entropy niche model) software were used for analysis and predict effect of (elevation, population, Bio1-19, and Bio28-35) on CL cases distribution and SF occurrence. HadGEM2-ES model with two climate change scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 were used for future projections 2050. The results showed that the CL case trend was increased over the period (2000-2018) with highest peak observed in 2017. Incidence rate for same period was varied and increased. Near perfect crimination (SF as vector) led to high predictive performance of the model in 2050. The study concluded that the climate conditions are the major determinants of ZCL distribution and SF occurrence. Habitats suitability for the ZCL and SF will be stay in the future comparing with the current conditions. Evaluation of the effect of environmental conditions and bioclimatic factors on ZCL distribution and SF occurrence may provide a guide for CL prevention and control programmers.

This study was based on the determination of aphid species that infested Chrysanthemum sp. (Asterales, Asteraceae) in the middle of Iraq; five aphid species belong to subfamily Aphidinae were recorded: Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763, Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877, Coloradoa rufomaculata (Wilson, 1908), Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette, 1908) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776). A. gossypii was the most dominant species throughout the study period while M. persicae is the lesser species.A summary of the main taxonomic characters is presented here and a pictorial key which was designed to separate aphid species colonizing Chrysanthemum sp. is also presented.

Many insects are known to give response in adaptive way for seasonal changes in day lengths. Photoperiod control’s many developmental responses and allows insects to survive periods of unfavorable environmental conditions. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different photoperiod lengths on biological parameters of green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea. Four different photoperiod regimes were selected with varying lengths of light/dark hours (8/16, 10/14, 24/0 and 0/24) at a constant 26±2°C temperature with 70 % RH (relative humidity) in the laboratory. Photoperiod regimes affected the development of C. carnea from egg to adult. In complete darkness (L: 0 D: 24), minimum egg laying, hatching, larval survival and adult emergence were recorded. Incubation period for eggs, larval period and pupal duration were also significantly longer in complete darkness as compared to other treatments 8L: 16D and 10L: 14D. Whereas, the treatment with complete light hours (L: 24, D: 0) resulted in maximum egg laying hatching, larval survival and adult emergence. The incubation period for eggs, larval and pupal duration significantly shortened as compared to other treatments.Sex ratios skewed towards female when full light hours were provided for development.

The current study presents the cellar spiders genus Nita Huber & El-Hennawy, 2007 (Araneae, Pholcidae) as the first record for Iraq spider fauna, this genus represented by the species Nita elsaff Huber & El-Hennawy, 2007 were identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. A short morphological description is also presented for cellar spiders listed in Iraq; including this species in addition to Artema Atlanta Walckenaer, 1837.

Leishmaniasis diseases constitute an important public health problem in both tropical and subtropical areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Babylon province, Iraq. The current work included the recording of 142 new cases of CL infection in Babylon province for the period from November 2019 to February 2020. Male infection was represented by 87 cases (61.27%), while females composed 55 samples (38.73%), with a significant difference (p<0.05) between the two groups. The age group of 5-14 years was found to have the highest recorded CL cases  (56; 39.44%), while the age group of less than one year had the lowest  cases  (1; 0.70%), with the differences being significant at p<0.05. Al-Gazali location was found to include the highest recorded CL cases  (29; 20.42%), whereas Kish location had the lowest cases (1; 0.70%). The dry type of CL lesions was represented in 112 cases (78.9%), while the wet type was represented 30 cases (21.1%). The ulcero-crusted form of CL sores was more frequent  (105; 73.7%), followed by the papulonodular form  (30; 21.1%). According to the location of lesions, the upper limb lesions were more frequent  (90; 63.16%), followed by the lower limb lesions  (37; 26.32%). About 82 (57.9%) of the recorded CL cases were appearing as new cases, whereas 60 cases (42.1%) were recorded as a relapse after treatment. The study concludes that CL is highly distributed in Babylon province.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a heterogeneous disorder found in 3% - 10% of women worldwide, and it constitutes about 80 % of anovulation infertility. In cases of resistance to CC surgical option in form of ovarian drilling, for using maneuver with less invasive than laparoscopy we study the effect of transvaginal ovarian drilling under ultrasound guide in patients with resistant polycystic ovary syndrome to clomiphene citrate This study was conducted o evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal ovarian drilling under ultrasound guide in patients with resistant polycystic ovary syndrome to CC. In this, A prospective, clinical trial study 42 infertile women with PCOS resistant to 3 months course of treatment with CC enrolled in this study. The preoperative assessment includes history, physical examination, the serum levels of FSH, LH, AMH, testosterone, and TVS was done for ovarian morphology.  Transvaginal ovarian drilling under ultrasound guide using a needle connected to manual vacuum pressure that punctured each ovary between 3 – 6 punctures. Postoperatively Signs of spontaneous ovulation, levels of FSH, LH, AMH, testosterone, and pregnancy rate were recorded. The results revealed that There is a significant reduction in the level of LH, FSH, Testosterone, and Anti-Mullerian hormones. Signs of spontaneous ovulation was developed, and the pregnancy rate after the operation was recorded. This low cost, no recorded adverse effects, and quickly done manoeuvre has an excellent result in improving fertility rate in resistant PCOS women to CC.

Psychoda alternata Say, 1824 (Diptera : Psychodidae : Psychodinae) is newly recoded for fauna of Iraq . Shortly description and the important diagnostic characters are figured.