Iraq Virtual Science Library

The issues related to personal status provisions are gaining increasing and continuous importance, due to their close connection to human life and the organization of family affairs, in addition to the emergence of many new issues and matters in this field that require delving into them, not only from the theoretical side as is the case in previous studies and research, but rather these provisions must be addressed from the practical, applied side and integrating legal jurisprudence with Islamic jurisprudence because we cannot hide the influence of Islamic law on personal status provisions, considering it the historical and original source of most of the texts contained in this law, in addition to being the official reserve source, as stipulated in the first paragraph of Article 1 of the Iraqi Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959. However, this does not negate the fact that legislation is the primary official source for resolving disputes before the judiciary, and therefore we decided to search for the official sources of the law, in addition to the necessity of addressing the interpretative sources of this law, represented by the judiciary and Islamic jurisprudence, as a form of guidance and inspiration under the title of sources of personal status law.

Periodontal disease (PD) and cognitive disorders (CDs) are common in older people, and these variables appear to be linked. The aim of this article was to assess this association using an umbrella meta-analysis. PubMed and MEDLINE were searched for records until June 2025. The groups were compared using odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR). A total of 20 meta-analyses were included. Individuals with PD and its consequences had higher chances of having/developing all-type CDs: periodontitis (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37-1.97, p = < 0.0001), tooth loss (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.32-1.71, p = < 0.0001). The risk was much higher for patients with severe periodontitis: (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.26-3.20, p = < 0.0001). Pooled analysis for cohort studies was (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20-1.32, p = < 0.0001). PD is associated with CDs with low to moderate certainty of evidence measured by GRADE.

English language teachers in rural areas often face complex challenges that impede effective teaching and learning. This study investigates the experiences of English teachers in rural schools of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, focusing on resource constraints, professional development gaps, and socio-cultural factors influencing English language teaching. Using a qualitative design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 rural English teachers (8 female, 7 male) to capture their perspectives. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed chronic shortages of teaching materials and technology, low student motivation linked to limited English exposure, inconsistent parental support due to socio-economic pressures, and insufficient teacher training and institutional support. These challenges are interrelated and worsen educational inequities between rural and urban settings. Despite these obstacles, teachers demonstrated agency and resilience in adapting to their context. The findings highlight an urgent need for policy interventions, including improved resource allocation, targeted professional development, and community engagement initiatives, to support rural English teachers. This study amplifies teacher voices from an under-researched context and contributes to broader debates on rural ELT, teacher agency, and resource equity in language education.

The advent of e-marketing has transformed the business landscape, offering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a powerful tool for growth, particularly in emerging economies like the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In Erbil city, SMEs face the dual challenge of leveraging digital tools for competitiveness while operating within a unique socio-economic context. This study aims to investigate the impact of electronic marketing on business growth in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Erbil city. To achieve this end, the researchers utilize analytical descriptive approaches. Using a quantitative case study methodology, data were collected through a pre-tested, structured questionnaire distributed to 85 e-marketing group leaders in Erbil City. A total of 79 valid responses were obtained for statistical analysis. The study yielded multiple conclusions, indicating a substantial and positive correlation between the adoption of e-marketing mixes and business growth, illustrating that the proficient utilization of digital marketing tools enhances revenue growth, market expansion, and customer engagement. The research presented a set of recommendations; the most important thing is that small and medium-sized firms ought to aggressively employ social media marketing to promote brand awareness and foster client involvement, while collaborating with local influencers can bolster brand recognition and broaden reach in the Kurdistan market.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDental caries and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are prevalent especially in developing children. There seems to be an association between these two variables.ObjectiveTo evaluate this association among children and adolescents using a systematic review and umbrella meta‐analysis technique.MethodsThe PRISMA reference databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for all records published before January 2025. Meta‐analyses that evaluated the association among < 18‐year‐olds were included. Parameters like odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare between the groups. I² and Cochran's Q (χ²) tests were used for measuring heterogeneity, whereas Egger's test was utilised to measure publication bias. A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) was used to assess the quality of the meta‐analyses. The degree of certainty of the outcomes was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.ResultsA total of five meta‐analyses were included. Children with IDA were significantly over three times more likely to have dental caries than children without anemia (OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 2.45 to 5.40, p < 0.0001. Heterogeneity: I² = 80%, p = 0.007. Publication bias: p = 0.14. GRADE: Moderate). The pooled analysis for serum ferritin showed a tendency toward lower ferritin level in children with caries; but without statistical significance (MD = −3.96, 95% CI: −8.48 to 0.57, p = 0.087. Heterogeneity: I² = 66.3%, p = 0.031. Publication bias: p = 0.003. GRADE: Very low). Children with dental caries had lower haemoglobin levels, but the finding was not significant with high level of heterogeneity and publication bias (MD = −2.20 g/dL, 95% CI: −4.59 to 0.19, p = 0.071. Heterogeneity: 80.%, p = 0.006. Publication bias: p = 0.005. GRADE: Very low). Children with caries had lower MCV, but this result was non‐significant with evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias (MD = −1.96 fL, 95% CI: −4.02 to 0.10, p = 0.062. Heterogeneity: I² = 57.2%, p = 0.096. Publication bias: p = 0.041. GRADE: Very low).ConclusionDental caries was more prevalent among anemic children compared to non‐anemic ones with a low level of certainty.

Retraction is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity, as it corrects the literature and alerts scholars and the public. Recognizing and analyzing retracted articles in scientific literature is essential. This study aims to describe meta-analysis articles retracted in 2024 across various fields. This study utilized PubMed and Google Scholar to identify meta-analysis articles retracted between 1 January and 18 August 2024, without language restrictions. After an initial screening, selected papers were thoroughly reviewed for eligibility. Critical data recorded included the nationality of the retracted article, citation count before retraction, journal and publisher names, impact factor, retraction reason, retraction authority, and the time between publication and retraction. The study comprised 35 retracted meta-analysis articles; most of these retractions were from China, accounting for 29 articles (82.85%). Most retracted articles, with 34 articles (97.14%), were from the medical and healthcare fields. These retracted articles received 526 citations before being retracted. The average impact factor of the journals was 2.89 ± 0.97. The primary reason for retraction was an inadequate or compromised peer review process, identified in 11 articles (31.43%). In conclusion, article retractions are frequently due to inadequate or flawed peer review processes. Enhancing peer review practices and developing better systems for informing researchers about retracted literature in their fields are crucial. Additionally, special attention should be given to manuscripts from specific countries.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is extremely rare in the adrenal glands, especially in children. Because this is an underrecognized condition, the vast majority of cases are diagnosed only after adrenalectomy. An 11-year-old female with hereditary spherocytosis presented with dull right hypochondrial pain. Ultrasonography showed chronic calculous cholecystitis, and splenomegaly. A computed tomography revealed a 4 × 1.7 cm mass in the right adrenal gland with no fat content. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with adrenalectomy was done. Histopathological examination of the adrenal mass revealed hematopoietic precursors demonstrating megakaryocytes, admixed myeloid precursors, and erythroid precursors without adipose tissue. Nearly 30 cases of adrenal EMH have been documented in the literature. Despite being a benign condition and most of the cases diagnosed incidentally, adrenalectomy was done for the majority of patients even though conservative treatment has shown good results in several case reports. Approximately 75% of cases occurred in the right adrenal gland, with bilateral and left side constituting 12.5% each. Patients with hereditary spherocytosis may present with an adrenal mass due to EMH, even in pediatric age groups. In patients with known hematologic diseases, preoperative diagnosis through functional imaging or biopsy may prevent the need for surgical intervention.

Enterovesical fistula (EVF) is a rare condition that typically presents with classical symptoms such as pneumaturia, fecaluria, or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, diagnosis may be significantly delayed in nonverbal patients or those presenting with atypical symptoms. We report a case of a 27-year-old nonverbal female with autism and developmental delay, who presented to the ICU with recurrent seizures, profuse diarrhea, and profound electrolyte disturbances.Her past medical history included recurrent UTIs with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, as well as a seizure disorder. She also had a history of cauda equina syndrome that required neurosurgical intervention, resulting in a neurogenic bladder, and was later diagnosed with an EVF, which was surgically corrected one year prior. However, during this ICU admission, she was found to have a recurrence of the fistula. Computed tomography (CT) urography confirmed the diagnosis, revealing an EVF at the upper bladder, along with contrast-enhanced colonic air-fluid levels and reflux into the right ureter. The recurrence contributed to significant electrolyte derangements, including hypokalemia and hypocalcemia, which exacerbated her seizure activity.This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for EVF in nonverbal patients, especially when presenting with nonspecific symptoms such as seizures and diarrhea. Heightened clinical vigilance and timely imaging are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management, helping to prevent serious complications and guide timely surgical intervention when needed.