University of Thi-Qar Journal of Science

In this paper, the behavior of a plasmonic filter structured around a metal-air-metal waveguide incorporating a washer-like resonator was investigated. The transmittance spectrum and magnetic field (Hz) distributions were analyzed using the finite element method (FEM) within the COMSOL Multiphysics software (version 6.0). The impact of various geometrical parameters-such as width of the washer (????), gap width (????), external radius of the washer, and material configuration on the optical characteristics of the filter including transmission, reflection, and absorption were thoroughly examined. Our results showed that enlarging the value of ???? led to a redshift in the transmission spectrum and strengthened the resonant interaction, whereas narrowing ???? weakened the optical coupling and shifted the spectrum toward the blue region. Hence, the observed spectral shifts and tunable features emphasized the filter’s adaptability, which can be leveraged in various photonic and nano-optical platforms with minimal structural changes. We observed that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and quality factor were significantly affected by the washer radius and structure length, highlighting the resonance resolution and transmittance efficiency. The proposed filter achieved transmission exceeding 70%, a quality factor of up to 70, and a bandwidth of 10 nm. These values were obtained at the resonance wavelength of 800 nm. Furthermore, comparing the results between silver and gold using the Drude model revealed that gold offered a lower transmission efficiency and quality factor comparing to silver. We did not focus on gold, as it has low absorbency, making it an ideal choice for high-performance optical filtering applications. These insights contributed to the advancement of tunable plasmonic systems used in fields like optical sensing and spectral filtering.

Thiazole and benzothiazole structural frameworks have long been regarded as privileged heterocyclic frameworks in medicinal chemistry, as they form the basis for a diverse range of commercially available drugs with varying biological activities. Conventional synthesis methods, such as the Hantzsch reaction, have paved the way for synthesizing thiazole and benzothiazole derivatives; however, many of these methods involve toxic reagents, significant amounts of waste, or have unwanted reaction conditions that compromise the principles of green chemistry. This comprehensive review will critically and comprehensively assess the expanding and developing role of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) as efficient and sustainable heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of thiazole and benzothiazole derivatives. Metal oxide nanoparticles, including ZnO, CuO, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, ZrO₂, and Bi₂O₃, have a high surface area, thermal stability, tunable acidity and basicity, and are easily separated and reused, making them ideal for green synthesis. The review emphasizes their successful implementation into one-pot, multicomponent reactions (MCRs), which are atom-economic and convergent. Their key advances are reported, mainly the extraordinary efficiency of ZnO NPs, which reaches 93% in 7.0 minutes, as well as their magnet separability of Fe₂O₃ NPs, making catalyst recovery convenient, and their synergistic effect on nanocomposites like Fe₃O₄@SiO₂.TiO₂. The review concludes that nano catalysis, especially with MONPs, is a strong, green chemistry framework that overcomes the challenges of classical methods in preparing these important heterocycles

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, described as the uncontrolled growing of cells in the colon or rectum. Vitamin D, metabolized in the liver and has garnered attention for its potential protective effects against CRC. The aim of this research is to evaluate vitamin D levels and its link with some liver enzymes in Iraqi participants with colorectal cancer. Overall, 70 colorectal cancer cases-divided into 35 newly diagnosed and 35 under medication were included, along with 30 individuals without colorectal cancer as controls. Blood sample were collected from Iraqi CRC patients and controls. Serum levels of vitamin D and liver biomarkers were analyzed using Cobas C311 and Chemiluminescence Immunoassay technology. The result showed significant variances in vitamin D levels between the studied groups (p=0.0001), with an inverse relationship between vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase (r=-0.33, p=0.0007). This study suggests that vitamin D could have a potential regulatory role in colorectal cancer patients.

This study shows that the suggested model greatly improves the OFET-based photodetector's performance for the organic semiconductor pentacene and the dielectric polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). This model shows how the threshold voltage affects both types' electrical characteristics (the output and transfer). Various incident optical power (Popt) values between 100 and 1000 μW/cm² were tested. The results show that the threshold voltage exhibits nonlinear behaviour, rising as incident optical power increases. Where MATLAB software simulation is used to calculate the electrical properties output (Id-Vd) and transfer (Id-Vg) properties, including current (Id) values, switching ratio (Ion/Ioff), and responsivity (R). Pentacene exhibits transfer and output properties typical of p-type OFETs. The ideal drain current value for output (Id-Vd) and transfer (Id-Vg) properties is found at an incident optical power of Popt = 1000 μW/cm2, a threshold voltage of Vth = -0.63 V, and a gate voltage of Vg = -30 V. While the responsivity shows the opposite behavior, the observed switching ratio values increase as the threshold voltage and incident optical power decrease. The OFET-based photodetector functioned best at the lowest threshold voltage value of -0.63 V. This decrease in threshold voltage (Vth) is critical for OFET-based electronic applications because it boosts photocurrent and enhances responsiveness R

This study aimed to understand the role of serum Protein induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist II (PIVKA-II) and its correlation with lipid profiles as diagnostic biomarkers in patients with different stages of hepatitis C virus infection. A case-control study involved 150 participants aged 5 to ≥81 years, 50 individuals were healthy, and 100 had HCV infection. The mean serum levels of PIVKA-II were significantly increased in acute hepatitis C (AHC), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), Hepatitis C virus-induced liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC) and sustained virologic response (SVR) groups compared to healthy control group. PIVKA-II showed significant negative correlation with Triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in both acute and chronic hepatitis C groups, and negative correlation with low density lipoprotein (LDL) in HCV-LC group. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of PIVKA-II in HCV patients showed higher sensitivity and specificity in all four included HCV stages. Elevated serum PIVKA-II in HCV patients in this study predict its possibility in using as biomarker for diagnosing different HCV stages - acute, chronic, cirrhosis, and sustained virologic response from healthy individuals. However, the small differences in mean serum PIVKA-II levels between HCV groups make it unsuitable biomarker to differentiate between studied stages of HCV infection. The negative correlation between PIVKA-II and serum lipid profiles in treatment naïve HCV patients can be used as a prognostic biomarker for liver disease severity and the risk of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The variation, in the secondary metabolite profile of trees is greatly affected by the climatic conditions. The main aim of the study was to compare the phytochemical profiles of Quercus brantii and Quercus infectoria leaves and evaluate their effectiveness in green synthesis of ZnO NPs. Phytochemical variation of leaves of two abundant oak species in Barzewa forest, Q. brantii and Q. infectoria leaves has been examined and the role of their aqueous leaf extract in green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles has been studied. Q. brantii leaves was significantly higher in total phenol and flavonoid contents (10.50 and 0.267 mg/g) compared to Q. infectoria (8.41 and 0.026 mg/g) respectively. While, tannin content did not differ significantly between the two species. Both species’ role was confirmed as reducing and stabilizing co- factors in the conversion of ZnO metal oxide to nano ZnO. UV–visible spectroscopic analysis verified successful synthesis with a specific ZnO NPs peak absorbance at 370.4 nm for Q. brantii and 374 nm for Q. infectoria. In both species a consistent peak at 399.35 cm⁻¹ evidenced the presence of Zn–O stretching vibration in Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Whereas X-Ray Diffraction spectroscope (XRD) confirmed wurtzite hexagonal structure crystals for both species. ZnO- mediated by Q. brantii leaves yielded a smaller crystallite size 27.55 nm compared to Q. infectoria, which produced ZnO NPs with 46.12 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that smaller, more homogeneous particles were generated with Q. brantii, with an average diameter of 46.11 nm. In comparison, larger diameter (50.01 nm) and more heterogeneous nanoparticles were generated by Q. infectoria. The findings of the study highlight the significant role of selecting specific species of any plant depending on their phytochemical profile for optimizing the nanomaterial synthesis-based plants

The thermal analysis behavior of some organoselenium compounds based on 4-aryl-1,2,3-selenadiazole was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis. The studied compounds have been selected to be substituted with different electron donating and electron withdrawing groups to investigate the effect of these groups on stability of studied compounds. The thermal analysis (TG and DTG) has been carried out under inert atmosphere by using nitrogen gas. The thermal analysis indicated that the thermal decomposition of the studied compounds is exceedingly affected by both of the steric effects and electronic nature of the substituted groups. The electron with drawing groups such as CN and NO2 indicate mostly improved thermal stability. On the other hand, the electron donating groups such as CH3 and OCH3 indicate reduced thermal stability. Furthermore, there are parameters like the residual mass at high temperatures and steps of decompositions may provide valuable insights on the thermal resistance of the studied compounds. The results highlight the structure property relation of studied compounds and propose their possible for using in polymer stabilization, chemical vapor deposition and high temperature materials.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects 40–100% of the global population and is usually asymptomatic. However, it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals, including thalassemia patients. This study aimed to detect HCMV infection by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) among 50 thalassemia patients (31 males, 19 females) and 50 healthy blood donor controls in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq, from November 2024 to April 2025. Results showed that 50% of thalassemia patients were infected with HCMV, compared to 14% in the control group. Among patients, infection was more frequent in males and most common in the 11–20-year age group (14 cases). Rural residents had a higher infection rate (32%) compared to urban ones (18%). The high prevalence among thalassemia patients may be associated with repeated blood transfusions. These findings emphasize the importance of routine HCMV screening and preventive measures for high-risk populations, particularly thalassemia patients

Linear Gain spectra of Si/SiOx undoped and doped Quantum Dot laser are studied under the inhomogeneous broadening assumption for four the height disc quantum dot laser are (h=0.2nm,h=0.5nm,h=1nm,h=1.5nm) the disc height QDL size effect on the gain, .the wavelength and the linear gain increase obtained by increase QDL size height and so four the radius at quantum dot are (ρ=8 nm, ρ=10 nm, ρ=12 nm, ρ=16 nm) . we show that disc radius QDL size effect on gain-wavelength relation where at increase QDL radius (ρ=16 nm) the gain lower and shift wavelength amount (15 nm) to right. We studied at four 〖SiO〗_x mole concentration (x=0.11,0.15,0.25,0.35) for WL (barrier layer) The different concentrations in the SiOx WL layer (mole fractions in the WL), the gain for four SiOx -mole fractions, The gain peak reduced and shifted to down (absorption) for tow curve with increasing SiOx concentration in the WL. The gain for the doped structures doubles the undoped ones. The gain increases while the wavelength is reduced with increasing Cd content due to the broader band discontinuity between QD states. These visible bands are essential in different applications. The effect of QD size effect is also examined. The wavelength is extended by 20 nm for each 1 nm QD height increment

This work clearly demonstrated a response to changes in glucose concentration via a linear shift of the resonance wavelength with increasing concentration. The photonic crystal-based sensor was constructed using COMSOL based on the finite element method. Furthermore, it was shown that as the radius of the silver rod increased, plasmonic interferences and increased scattering caused the resonance spectrum (FWHM) to broaden and the quality factor to decrease. It was also shown that changing the radius (r1) of the photonic crystal material had an impact on the maximum transmittance, resonance wavelength, and spectrum width. Research findings showed that the largest detection limit was 2.25•10⁻⁴ RIU, and the best sensitivity was 500 nm/RIU at r1 = 0.123 μm. GaAs had the shortest spectrum width and best sensitivity, while TiO2 had the widest spectral range and the highest detection limit. These results suggested that the sensor could be a useful tool for accurately measuring glucose levels.

Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, cause oral candidiasis, which is an infection of the oral mucosa. A total of 100 oral swab samples were obtained from patients with oral lesions as well as patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy in in Erbilto study the relationship of Candida species and cancer. On CHROM agar, they were identified depending on the color of the colony, including: Candida albicans (light green), C. dubliniensis (blue to dark green), C. tropicalis (dark green, often with a halo), C. parapsilosis (white or creamy), C. lusitaniae (Creamy to pale pink), C. kefyr (pink to purple), and C. glabrata (Pink to creamy). Method Congo Red Agar (CRA) was used for the detection of biofilm formation, while only a few Candida species had biofilm production. The results of CHROM agar and Vitek 2 compact assays were identical to some extent with the molecular method. The antifungal susceptibility of Candida species was evaluated using the drug agar well diffusion method against five antifungal agents: Fluconazole, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, and Nystatin. Most isolates demonstrated resistance to Fluconazole, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, and Ketoconazole, whereas Nystatin showed sensitivity against most tested Candida species. In this research, each ethanol Golden berry extract (EGB), aquatic Golden berry extracts (AGB) were used. In the agar well diffusion method, most Candida showed low susceptibility values against (EGB) extracts, while all (AGB) extracts were resistant. In conclusion, Candida albicans was the predominant species isolated from the oral cavity of cancer patients. This study provides the prevalence, antifungal resistance patterns, and molecular identification of oral Candida species.

Baclofen, a GABA_B receptor agonist, is commonly used to manage muscle spasticity. Although systemic administration is effective, its use is limited by adverse effects. Topical application offers targeted delivery to affected muscles, potentially reducing spasticity while minimizing systemic side effects. To develop an innovative in vivo model for simulating muscle spasms using lactic acid, formulate a baclofen-loaded transferosomal gel suitable for topical application, and investigate its therapeutic efficacy in alleviating muscle spasms in the in vivo model. Twenty male rabbits (Lepus domestica) were divided into four groups. Muscle spasms were induced by intramuscular injection of 30 m Molar lactic acid. Baclofen nanoliposomes were incorporated into a Carbopol 934 gel for topical administration. Zeta potential of the formulation was determined, and the following clinical parameters were measured: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), calcium ion (Ca²⁺), potassium ion (K⁺), phosphorus ion (P), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea, and serum creatinine. Baclofen nanoliposomes coated with Carbopol exhibited a high negative zeta potential (−63.3 mV). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in LDH, CK, AST, ALT, Ca²⁺, K⁺, P, blood urea, and serum creatinine between the spasm-induced group and the baclofen gel–treated group. This study provides the first evidence of the safety and efficacy of topical baclofen gel in reducing muscle spasms, supporting its potential in nano-liposomal drug delivery applications and paving the way for future innovations in targeted spasm therapy.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with hepatic and renal complications that may be detectable by routine biochemical tests. Regional data on hepatic and renal functions in T2D are limited. This study evaluated liver and kidney biomarkers in patients with T2D from Al-Muthanna province. In this case-control study, 60 patients with T2D and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled, after obtaining informed consent from all participants. Demographic data and laboratory measurements, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Random Blood Sugar (RBS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, Total serum bilirubin (TSB), blood urea, and serum creatinine were collected and compared between groups using a t-test.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease marked by the loss of immune tolerance to nuclear antigens, predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. The present study aims to assess disease activity in SLE patients and serum concentrations of chemokine (IFNα, Galectin-9) in relation to disease severity. A case-control study was conducted on 100 SLE patients and 25 healthy controls between January 7 and April 5, 2025. Serum IFNα, Galectin-9 levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA. Interferon-alpha levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls (p < 0.001), with severe cases showed the highest values (354.8±159.7pg/ml) was elevated in active SLE, with severe cases demonstrated the highest levels compared to mild–moderate disease (4.8±1.2 ng/ml , p < 0.01). Clinical manifestations according to SLEDAI revealed that mucocutaneous involvement (54%), musculoskeletal (48%), hematologic (42%), and renal involvement (38%). indicating that chemokine upregulation reflects both systemic immune activation and specific organ involvement. Increased serum levels of IFNα, Galectin-9, especially in severe SLE, underscore their potential role as reliable biomarkers. Their Strong correlation with SLEDAI supports their role in assessing disease activity and monitoring progression.

Female reproductive tract infections (FTIs) are common issues among women in general, negatively affecting reproductive health, and are more widespread among married women. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the types and causes of FTIs in married women. It demonstrated the prevalence of various kinds of female reproductive tract infections among married women, especially during pregnancy, which can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. These infections include fungal, bacterial, and sexually transmitted infections, which are transmitted sexually, caused by multiple factors and risk elements such as unhealthy sexual behaviors, poor hygiene, social influences, weakened immunity, frequent use of medications, and certain types of contraceptives. Female sex hormones also significantly influence the development of infection by impacting behavioral, immunological, and physiological parameters in affected women. Consequently, understanding these factors is essential for developing effective infection prevention strategies. The widespread prevalence of female reproductive tract infections (FTIs) calls for a comprehensive approach to assessing the health risks to both mother and child

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) constitutes one of the main global causative agents of paediatric pharyngitis. However, the molecular aspects of the circulating strain in Iraq remains unknown. This study aims to determine the patterns of genetic divergence, the content of the superantigen gene, and the clonal relationships of S. pyogenes pharyngeal isolates obtained from children in Baghdad City. A total of 174 isolates were collected from three hospitals. Confirmed identifications were performed using standard medical microbiology methods. Twelve virulence gene factors were identified using PCR; emm typing was performed using 5\' end hypervariable region sequencing; and clonal analysis was performed using PFGE of SmaI-digested DNA and the resulting dendrograms. Among the 21 recognised emm types, the most frequent were emm12, emm22, and emm1. Core virulence genes (scpA, sagA, slo, and nga) were evenly distributed among the isolates, whereas retention of the superantigen genes was discordant. This work is novel in that it examines the molecular profile of S. pyogenes in Baghdad City and situates its diversity within a global and regional clonal framework, along with its associated virulence traits

The study aimed to assess the impacts of vitamins (C, B6) and minerals (magnesium, calcium, and zinc) on pathways of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD, and IgG), cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, LEP, ADP and TNF- α), lipid profile (S.CH, S.TG, LDL, HDL and V.LDL), and the body weight in standard diet and high-fat diet rat models. Sixty male albino rats were designated into two groups (S.D = 30 rats) and (H.F = 30 rats) during the period from October 2024 to May 2025. ELISA was used to detect immunoglobulins and cytokines; lipid profile was estimated by (Cobas C111) and body weight was measured by lab balance. IgA was non-significant in both groups. IgM in both groups was not significant. IgD was significant (p<0.05) in standard diet group but was non-significant in high-fat diet group. The variations in both groups for IgE and IgG were not remarkable. IL-10 was significant (p<0.05) in S.D group but not in H.F.D group while IL-12 and TNF-α were not significant in neither groups. Adiponectin was significant (p<0.05) in both groups. Leptin was non-significant in S.D group but was significant (p<0.05) in the H.F.D group. Cholesterol was reported to be significant (p<0.05) in both groups while TG was only significant (p<0.05) in S.D group. LDL and HDL were significant (p<0.05) in both groups. V.LDL was significant (p<0.05) in S.D but not in H.F.D. The body weight was increased significantly (p<0.05) from the first week to last week

One of the most prevalent illnesses in the globe is toxoplasmosis. It affects a significant percentage of people worldwide. It affects all warm-blooded species, including humans, and is known to be asymptomatic. The second most prevalent TORCH infections are rubella, which is brought on by the rubella virus (RV), and the parasite T. gondii. Infection risk is highest in patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate seroprevalence of T. gondii and rubella infection among in breast cancer female. This study included (160) female breast cancer patient and control groups, Data and sample collection started from 1 of September 2025 to Ended on January 2026, this study was conducted at Kirkuk specialized center for oncology and Hematology in Kirkuk city. The blood samples collected from female breast cancer patients at different ages. The blood drawing mechanism included obtaining the patient‘s consent initially, and drew 5 ml of venous blood after sterilizing the patient‘s arm. The blood was placed in a test tube with a yellow cap, and the gel tube was then separated from it by means of a centrifuge. After the serum was separated Regarding the blood, the serum was distributed into two Ependorf tubes for the purpose of storing and freezing it for using serological test by IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Rubella virus in human serum can be quantitatively determined in vitro using immunoassay. The Cobas e 411 immunoassay analyzers are designed to employ the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay "ECLIA.". T.gondii IgG antibodies showed a significant difference (P-value = 0.001) between patients with breast cancer and control groups. Patients with breast cancer had significantly different levels of rubella (IgG) antibodies than control individuals (P-value = 0.001). Additionally, the rate of co-infection with T. gondii (IgG) and Rubella (IgG) in patients with breast cancer A substantial change was observed (P-value = 0.002)

In pediatric populations with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), an autoimmune condition brought on by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells and a complete lack of insulin, vitamin D deficiency is a serious problem. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Iraqi pediatric patients and healthy individuals (all aged between 4 and 18 years).The study involved 80 pediatric patients with T1DM and 40 individuals healthy ,among the biochemical markers examined it Vitamin D levels and lipid functions involved total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) also measure fasting blood glucose (FBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).After examining the results, following analysis of the data, it was discovered to rise with a highly significant difference (p ≤ 0.001) of the TC, LDL, FBS, and HbA1c levels as compared to the healthy group. The results also revealed decreased serum levels of HDL and vitamin D3, with a very significant difference (p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, levels were high both TG and VLDL with a significant difference (p <0.05). The study found the patients have a relatively high rate of vitamin D deficiency, therefore, early childhood is the optimal time to begin screening and treatment for vitamin D deficiency

The current study follows the role of some adjustable factors, and this includes High percentage of Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), Hypertension, obesity(BMI), vitamin D levels and the competitive with total CK and CK-MB in progression and worsening with cardio-vascular disease (CVD). It was aimed to determine levels total CK , CK-MB and verifying their relationship with some modifiable risk factors and follow-up of condition myocardial throughout the measurements of CK-MB relative index in CVD patients. The study included 60 subject divided into two groups, 30 healthy individuals as a control group, 30 patients with cardiovascular disease(CVD) which were previously diagnosed. Samples were collected from patients at Heart Center and Private Clinics in Thi-Qar City, during June 2024 to November 2024. Blood samples were collected from patients and healthy after fasting for at least 8 hours. Vitamin D, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the total CK- enzyme and the enzyme isoenzyme CK-MB were determined using ELIS.A

Currently, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the foremost cause of death and disability across the globe. This is due to the complexity of the underlying biological processes that drive CVDs, including endothelial dysfunction, dysfunction of the heart muscle, and dysregulation of the neurohormones (hormones that affect the nervous system) that affect heart. To maintain cardiovascular homeostasis, natriuretic peptides (NPs), specifically ANP and BNP function to help control blood pressure, fluid status, and vessels. NPs achieve these physiological effects through their regulation of cGMP, which is involved in the modulation of vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis. In addition, NPs oppose the RAAS and sympathetic nervous system, thus limiting myocardial remodeling and preventing CVD progression. ANP and BNP and their inactive forms, NT-proBNP, have become reliable clinical biomarkers for diagnosing patients, providing risk stratification, and determining prognosis for CVDs. Elevated levels of NP indicate myocardial stress, ventricular dysfunction, and increased risk of a negative clinical outcome. Furthermore, research suggests that NPs may have therapeutic benefits in modulating the neurohormones to improve CVD outcomes. This article summarizes the key aspects of the structure, physiological functions, and molecular mechanisms of NPs and presents evidence to support their role as both clinically significant biomarkers and physiologically necessary regulators of CVDs

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections (MDRIs) represent a major global health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. In Iraq, data on antimicrobial resistance among pediatric patients remain limited

Laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is a type of enzyme known as a multicopper oxidase, which can oxidize a wide array of phenolic and non-phenolic substances, utilizing molecular oxygen to accept electrons. In our research, we assessed the capability of three macrofungal isolates—HM001, IN002, and SH003—to produce laccase. Initial tests showed that isolates HM001 and SH003 demonstrated the most significant activity, producing decolorization zones measuring 45 mm and 16 mm in diameter, respectively. Further quantitative tests revealed that isolate HM001 had the highest enzyme activity, reaching 50 U/mL by the twentieth day of incubation, making it the focal point for more detailed studies. Molecular analysis confirmed that this isolate was Agaricus nevoi, marking a novel discovery for Salahaddin Province, Iraq. We purified the laccase enzyme using a process that included ammonium sulfate precipitation at 70% saturation, followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and size-exclusion chromatography using Sephadex G-150, enhancing the specific activity of the enzyme from 100 to 1000 U/mg. The purified laccase worked best at 37°C and a pH of 7–8, maintaining its stability within a temperature range of 32–37°C. We estimated the molecular weight of the enzyme to be 50 kDa. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Agaricus nevoi is a valuable new source of laccase, exhibiting robust enzymatic performance and stability under moderately warm and neutral pH conditions. This successful purification and characterization of the laccase underscore its potential for future use in biotechnology and industry, especially for the efficient oxidation of various phenolic substances

One of the most prevalent bacterial infections in the world, urinary tract infections are linked to rising antibiotic resistance. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are proinflammatory cytokines that are vital to the host immune response and may be used as biomarkers of the severity, and prognosis of infections.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship among IL-1β , IL-6 and IL-8 levels in patients with bacterial UTIs and compare their profiles with those of healthy control.
A total of 120 participants were included in this study, comprising 60 patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and 60 healthy controls. The age of participants ranged from 17 to 55 years. Each group included 56 females and 4 males. Samples were collected from Al-Mahaweel General Hospital and Merjan Teaching Hospital. Like Clinical evaluation urinalysis bacterial culture and identification were performed and urine cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seriously Statistical analyzes assessed differences between groups and relationships between cytokines. Urinary tract infection patients showed significant differences in urinalysis parameters, nitrite positivity was detected in 71.7% and Escherichia coli was identified as the dominant pathogen. IL-1β and IL-8 levels were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (P < 0.001), while IL-6 showed a non-significant trend towards higher levels. Correlation analysis showed strong positive cytokine associations in healthy individuals, but weaker or partially disrupted associations in UTI patients, suggesting altered immune regulation during infection. Increased concentrations and altered correlation patterns indicating infection-related immune dysregulation characterize the interconnected inflammatory network formed by IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in bacterial UTIs

This study examined the optical characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) and its nanocomposites (GO@TiO₂, GO@ZnO, and GO@SnO₂). The nanocomposites were prepared using a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the structure and morphology of the materials.