Journal Of Wassit For Science & Medicine

Benzene and its derivatives are major global energy sources due to their widespread industrial and transportation uses. However, serious health complications are connected to benzene exposure, raising concerns about environmental safety and public health. The study aims to evaluate the effect of benzene exposure on kidney function, as well as the effect on the level of the vital antioxidant glutathione, due to its crucial role in cellular protection from oxidative stress. The present study was performed on fuel stations workers in Baghdad from February to June 2024. Blood serum samples were collected from 40 workers at benzene stations and 40 non-exposed persons as control. Urea concentration, creatinine concentration, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were all estimated, as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration was determined. The result illustrates that the urea concentration increased significantly in benzene station workers (26.00 ± 1.53 mg/dL), compared to the individual control (19.10 ± 1.12 mg/dL). As well as a significant decrease in serum glutathione in benzene station workers (349.08 ± 9.69 µmol/L) compared to the control (574.60 ± 15.37 µmol/L). While there were no differences in creatinine concentration and uric acid. That indicates a higher likelihood of developing kidney disease and a few other health problems associated with oxidative stress. The study found that fuel station workers' benzene exposure alters several biochemical parameters. These changes may indicate a higher risk of health issues, such as disruptions in kidney function, and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants.

Zingiber officinale is widely used in traditional Asian medicine. Ginger may be used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments. Ginger contains active ingredients such as phenolics (like zingerone) and sesquiterpenoids (like gingerol and shogaol). That shows antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Ginger has numerous medicinal uses for a wide range of illnesses, such as growth problems, atherosclerosis, TB, vomiting, rubella, and inflammatory diseases. To evaluate the anti-fungal activity of Z. officinale against Aspergillus fumigatus Results of the study indicate that Z. officinale extracts, both aqueous and ethanolic, have strong antifungal activity against the A. fumigatus. The concentration and kind of extract affected the antifungal action. The alcoholic extract worked better than the aqueous extract. Possibly because ethanol extracts contain stronger antifungal compounds. Antifungal effectiveness was evaluated in the current study using the poisoned food method. Results of the "disc diffusion method" on the growth of A. fumigatus using ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Z. officinale. The inhibition zones for the tested fungus were (28.6 mm) at a concentration of 25 % ethanolic extracts and (16.2 mm) at a concentration of 25 % aqueous extracts when compared to the control. The result demonstrates that ethanolic extracts were more effective than aqueous extracts, and the effect increased with increased concentration.

The current study investigates the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in gingivitis patients at Aziziyah General Hospital from November 2024 to February 2025. A total of 139 clinical samples were collected and analysed using selective media, including mannitol salt agar, and blood agar, alongside gram staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results indicated that 63 isolates (45.3 %) were positive for S. aureus, with the highest prevalence found in plaque-induced gingivitis (39.6 %). Moreover, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in 29 % of cases, with varying SCCmec types detected among isolates. Findings underscore the significance of S. aureus as a major pathogen in periodontal disease and highlight the need for effective monitoring and treatment strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.