Sawa Medical Journal

Background: The nutritional needs of a mother are very important to the health of the mother and the
fetus, as they affect the pregnancy process and postnatal development. Objectives of the research: The
objective of this research is to assess the nutritional welfare of the pregnant women in the primary health
care centers at Baghdad City and to determine the dietary consumption in reference to the recommended
dietary allowances (RDA). Methodology: The research was a descriptive study, which was performed
between the 1st of January and 13th of April 2023 in the Primary Health Care Centers of Baghdad and
which included a purposive sample of 100 pregnant women. A self-administered questionnaire, including
demographics, obstetric history, and nutritional status and knowledge, were used to collect the data.
Reliability (Cronbachs Alpha = 0.78) was tested using a pilot study (n=20) and content validity was
established by naming experts. The completion of questionnaires lasted between 10 and 15 minutes, the
SPSS 24.0 was used to analyze the data on descriptive and inferential analysis. Result: The researchers
discovered that majority of pregnant women were between the ages 20-29 (74.44), and more than half of
them were of the preparatory level and above (52.63) and the majority were unemployed (83.46). The
mean age at marriage was 22.2, first pregnancy 23.7 and mean pregnancies 1.8. Risks that came before
the pregnancy were miscarriage (8.27%) and complications during birth (12.78%). Women who were
underweight lost weight less than necessary (p=0.000), and obese women lost weight also less (p=0.040).
The majority of them were over-nourished, protein and energy-wise, but calcium, folacin and vitamin A
levels were low. Conclusions: The study found out that majority of pregnant women were well-nourished
in terms of energy and protein and were deficient in calcium, folic acid, and vitamin A, which were
probably caused by unbalanced diets, and had an impact on the maternal and fetal health and predisposed
to complication risks.

Background: Urinary tract infection (Utls) are one of the most common bacterial infection worldwide,
affecting millions of individuals annually and imposing a significant public health burden. The majority
of (Utls) are caused by Urpathogenic Escherichia coli, although other pathogenic bacteria such as
Klebsiella penumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. Azadirachta indica (Neem)
is a versatile tree with multiple health benefits. Different parts of the tree were shown to exhibition
antimicrobial effects against a wide variety of microbes. Screening of this medicinal plant for bioactive
compounds may lead to progress of less expensive new antimicrobial agents with improved safety and
efficacy. Objective: To isolate and identify bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and
evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria; and To assess the potential
effectiveness of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract against UTI pathogens. Material and methods:
Methods: A study was reached between October 1, 2025, to December 30, 2025. A total of 100 urine
specimens from men and women aged 5 to 70 were carefully collected and examined, Bacterial isolates
were diagnosed. This was confirmed with the use of HiCrome UTI agar media and the isolated bacteria
were tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion methods, following the
standards set by the CLSI. Ethanolic and Aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica were prepared at varying
concentrations, which were applied on inoculated plates of Muller Hinton agar. The disc diffusion method
was used to screen the antibacterial activity of both Azadirachta indica extract and synthetic antibiotics.
Results: The most frequently identified organisms were as follows: 35.9% Enterococcus faecalis followed
by 29.3% Staphylococcus aureus, 21.0% E. coli and only 6.6% have pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial
infection, all of which were multidrug-resistant (MDR). At all tested concentrations Azadirachta indica
leaf extract exhibited significant antibacterial action against every bacterial species. Conclusion:
Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract shown strong antibacterial activity against a range of bacterial
pathogen strains.

Blastocystis hominis is an important and globally prevalent intestinal parasite, particularly in developing
countries such as Iraq. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of B. hominis in stool samples of
patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy individuals using microscopic methods, to identify the
parasite’s morphological forms, to assess its association with other intestinal parasites, and to study the
parasite’s growth rate in Jones’ medium.The present study was conducted from September 2025 to
January 2026 and included 220 stool samples, comprising 70 samples from healthy individuals and 150
samples from patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Microscopic examination and cultivation in Jones’
medium were used for parasite detection.The overall prevalence of B. hominis was 22.72% using
microscopic examination. Among patients with gastrointestinal disorders, infection was observed in
51.43% of males and 48.57% of females, while among healthy individuals, the prevalence was higher in
females (60%) compared to males (40%). The most affected age group among patients was 15–30 years
(31.43%), whereas among healthy individuals, the highest prevalence was observed in the 45–60 years
age group (33.33%). The lowest infection rates among patients were recorded in the 45–60 and ≥60 years
age groups (11.43%), and among healthy individuals in the 15–30 and ≥60 years age groups (13.33%).
Additionally, higher infection rates were recorded in urban areas among both patients (57.14%) and
healthy individuals (60%), compared to rural areas (42.86% and 40%, respectively). High prevalence of
B. hominis was observed in stool samples of patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy
individuals. The vacuolar form was the predominant morphological stage, followed by the granular and
cyst forms, while the amoeboid form was observed at lower rates. The study also indicated that mixed
infections of B. hominis with other intestinal parasites were more common than single infections.

Babesia species are intraerythroytic protozoa of the phylum apicomplexa. The merozoite stage of Babesia
have diagnostic significance and are found as intracellular inclusion of infected red blood cells.The
trophozoite stages appears as ring forms which measure about (1–5 µm).These parasites are transmitted
by hard ticks and can cause a zoonotic disease known as babesiosis. The study was conducted in Babil
Province to detected and diagnosis Babesia parasite in sheep based on age,sex and region,samples were
examined during the period from October 2025 to April 2026.The sample were examined using
traditional methods with blood smear stained with Gemisa and the total infection rate was approximately
37.33% of 150 samples (56/150). The incidence rate among males uses approximately 34.88% out of
(15/43)while the incidence rate among females was approximately 38.31% out of(41/107)There was no
difference between the incidence rates among males and female. Injuries were recorded based on location
(AL-Qasim,,AL-Hashimiya ,AL-Kifl ,AL-Musayib ,AL-Shomali) districts. The infection rate in Al
Qasim district was approximately 95.23%out of (20/21)and in the and in the Al-Hashimiya district it was
50% out of (8/16),In the Al-kifl district il,the infection rate was approximately 26.31%out of (10/38),while
in Al-Musayib district it was approximately21.05% of (8/38) and in Al-shomali district it was 27.02%out
of (10/37)Recorded injuries in areas with high moral difference ) P<0.01(. Approximately 50% of lambs
aged
(1–12) months were infected,out of total of (6/12),while the infection rate in older lambs aged(1–2)year
was approximately 25.80%of (8/31). The percentage of adult aged (2–4)years was 48.57% of
(17/35),while the older adult were over four years old, 34.72% of the (25/72) recorded as infected.There
is no significant difference in terms of injury across age groups.

Background: Oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance are frequently co-reported
across the glycaemic spectrum, yet the concurrent inter-relationships among these perturbations remain
incompletely characterised in integrated observational analyses. Objectives: This cross-sectional study
aimed to characterise concurrent associations among surrogate markers of oxidative stress
(malondialdehyde [MDA] and reduced glutathione [GSH]), systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C
reactive protein [hs-CRP]), glycaemic dysregulation (fasting blood glucose [FBG], HbA1c, HOMA-IR),
lipid parameters, and mineral homeostasis in a cohort of 75 adult participants stratified by glycaemic
status. Methods: Participants (n = 75; males = 35, females = 40; mean age 48.2 ± 11.1 years) were
classified as normoglycaemic (n = 30), prediabetic (n = 19), or diabetic (n = 26) per ADA 2023 criteria.
Twenty-one biochemical parameters were measured. Between-group differences were assessed by
Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction. Bivariate associations were
examined by Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses; multiple linear regression and principal
component analysis (PCA) were applied as exploratory multivariate approaches. Results: Significant
progressive differences were observed across glycaemic strata for all key biomarkers (all Bonferroni
corrected p < 0.001). FBG demonstrated strong positive associations with HbA1c (r = 0.974), HOMA-IR
(r = 0.933), MDA (r = 0.927), and hs-CRP (r = 0.945). HOMA-IR was inversely associated with HDL-C
(r = −0.828) and positively associated with TG (r = 0.915), MDA (r = 0.936), and hs-CRP (r = 0.954).
MDA and GSH showed a strong inverse association (r = −0.951, p < 0.001). Exploratory PCA identified
a dominant first component (PC1) explaining 68.9% of total variance, with substantial co-loadings from
FBG, HOMA-IR, MDA, and hs-CRP. In regression modelling, FBG, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were
independently associated with HbA1c (Adj. R² = 0.952, p < 0.001).

Salmonella has a significant impact on global health. It is one of the most widespread diseases in
the world, causing serious intestinal and serological illnesses, depending on its species. This study
aimed to isolate and identify Salmonella from different food sources, namely red meat, chicken
products, and milk leaches, and to study its susceptibility to antibiotics. Samples were collected
from different areas and markets in Nineveh Governorate. Salmonella spp. were isolated using
selective xylose lysine XLD and SS agars. Out of 180 samples, 66 were positive divided into three
food groups, were identified as local food sources in red meat give-up (90%), (70%) and (80%)
for minced Meat, cuts and sausage respectively, while chicken products reported (40%), (30%)
and (40%), From its sections chicken meat, chicken eggs and chicken liver, respectively, and milk
products which its percentages are (30%), (30%) and (40%) And belonging to Yogurt, Cheese and
Cream respectively, in imported sample collected of this present study red meat give (40%), (20%)
and (30%) for every section of Minced, Meat cut and sausage respectively, although chicken
products scored (40%), (20%) and (20%) positive samples affiliated with chicken meat, chicken
eggs and chicken liver respectively, and dairy was (10%) ,(20%) and (10%) results for Yogurt,
Cheese and Cream respectively, Antibiotic susceptibility testing was also performed to determine
the degree of its antibiotic resistance of the 66 positive samples which had identified from this
food groups were amoxicillin (36.8%), (64.3%) and (42.4%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (52.6%),
(64.3%) and (42.4%), cefotaxime (15.8%), (50%) and (45.5%), ceftazidime (89.5%), (85.7%)
and (63.6%), cephalexin (42.1%), (57.1%) and (51.5%), meropenem (10.5%), (14.3%) and
(24.2%), doxycycline (78.9%), (64.3%) and (51.5%), ciprofloxacin (5.3%), (14.3%) and(24.2%),
norfloxacin (26.3%), (35.7%) and (24.2%), levofloxacin (5.3%), (14.3%) and (24.2%),
Gentamicin (42.1%), (50%) and (45.5%), Streptomycin (78.9%),

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a central cytokine which bridges innate and adaptive immunity and plays a
crucial role in renal pathophysiology. In this study, the dual physiological and immunological role of IFN
γ in renal failure is investigated, confirming its contradictory role in both kidney injury and treatment. the
novelty of this study lies in unifying separate analytical frameworks integrating signaling-based
immunological pathways and kidney function, a measurable biological marker (biomarker), is proposed
for quantifying IFN-γ-mediated consequences. Unlike conventional studies that separate inflammatory
pathways, this study illustrates a multi-dimensional approach model combining dynamic glomerular
filtration rate (GFR), immune cell infiltration, and cytokine kinetics. The key results are used to be derived
from real-world clinical datasets, and simulation results show that IFN-γ exhibits a dose-dependent
biphasic behavior, encouraging inflammation at high levels, while promoting immune regulation at
controlled concentricity. The key methodology illustrates enhanced predictive accuracy in evaluating
renal failure advancement compared to traditional pure biomarkers. Moreover, MATLAB simulation is
applied to validate the strength of the model over diverse physiological environmental conditions. The
contribution of this study is a novel perspective through combining both domains, immunological and
physiological, into a merged predictive approach, displaying possibilities for early strategy-based
diagnosis and targeted curative treatment in both chronic kidney disease (CKD) rather than acute kidney
injury (AKI).

This study investigated the effect of tinidazole treatment in eliminating Giardia parasite in experimentally
infected male rats. The study included some parameters targeted by Giardia in glucose metabolism, insulin
values, liver enzymes, and albumin in the serum of male rats after four weeks of infection. Results using
tinidazole showed that some parameters approached normal levels. Glucose levels showed the lowest
value in the fourth week post-infection (131.±14.30) mg/dL as shown in Table (1), with a recovery rate of
68.67%, indicating the efficacy of tinidazole in reducing the parasite's effect on glucose pathways and
enhancing insulin secretion and glucose absorption. Insulin resistance HOMA-IR approached the normal
limit in all infected groups, with the lowest value in the second and third weeks, then returning to the
normal limit (14.87±1.63) in the fourth week compared to the control group, with an insulin recovery rate
of 73.09%. In contrast, insulin sensitivity values decreased, with the lowest value (0.199±0.034) in the
third week post-infection compared to the control group. Results also showed tinidazole's effectiveness in
indirectly reducing the parasite's effect on liver enzymes, with a slight effect on ALT(GPT), AST(GOT)
levels. Albumin levels were close to the control group in weeks 2, 3, and 4, with the best value (2.23±0.38)
g/dL and a recovery rate of 90.00% in the second week post-infection.

Background: β-thalassemia is a hemoglobinopathy which is inherited, in which the red blood cell
production is ineffective and the hemolytic anemia is severe, requiring chronic blood transfusion and
ultimately resulting in secondary systemic iron overload. The HAMP gene encodes hepcidin, a potent
inhibitor of iron absorption that orchestrates systemic iron homeostasis in a masterful fashion, at the
interface of the opposing erythroid suppressive and iron-sensing stimulatory iron-regulatory pathways.
The aim of this case-control study was to explore the dynamics of relative expression of HAMP gene, and
identify the direct pathophysiological links of progressive hepatic stress and the renal clearance parameters
in Iraqi multi-transfused β-thalassemia patients.
Methods: 50 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients and 35 age and sex matched healthy controls
were recruited. Automated hematological and biochemical panels were used to measure hemoglobin (Hb),
serum ferritin and hepatic transaminases (S.GOT/AST, S.GPT/ALT), laboratory tests for GPT/ALT,
blood urea and serum creatinine. The upstream kinetic of the transcription of the HAMP gene was
measured by quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-qPCR) normalized with GAPDH gene.
Results: the results showed that the mean hemoglobin level of thalassemic patients was significantly
decreased (8.61±0.78 g/dL vs. 13.93±1.64 g/dL, p<0.0001) along with a significant increase in iron
accumulation as demonstrated by massive hyperserotonemia (3462.18±27.00 ng/mL vs. 95.77±54.05
ng/mL, p<0.0001). In the patient group, HAMP gene expression was significantly higher by 9.64±2.15
fold (p<0.0001) than in the controls when measured as a relative gene expression. Bivariate mathematical
mapping showed that there was zero correlation between the fluctuations in the levels of HAMP and the
fluctuations in the levels of serum ferritin (r=+0.218, p=0.127). More importantly, HAMP upregulation
was highly correlated, statistically significant, and positively associated along the renal axis with the levels
of blood urea (r=+0.312, p=0.027) and serum creatinine (r=+0.384, p=0.006).

Objective: What distinguishes breast cancer in women is the abnormal proliferation of cells. Moreover,
it is widespread among women worldwide, but understanding its basic causes remains complex. It has
been found to have a close relationship with the immune system, namely interleukins (IL) and Toll
receptors (TLRs), with the spread and development of cancer among women affected around the world.
The aim of this study is to assess the levels of IL-23, IL-27, and TLR3 to determine their roles in
pathological processes
Methods: Sixty blood samples were These samples were taken from women with this disease, and the
same number of samples were also taken from healthy women who did not have breast cancer In the city
of Kirkuk. All of them were between 22 and 48 years old, and we measured some immune indicators,
including IL-23, IL-27, and TLR3.
Result: This study showed a significant increase in interleukinin concentrations (23, 27) in addition to
elevated Toll-3 receptors For women with breast cancer. The results indicate the importance of these
immunological markers in women with breast cancer, and suggest their use as indicators of disease
progression or as potential tools in developing treatments for breast cancer.
Conclusion: Breast cancer development is linked to changes in IL-23 and IL-27 levels, as well as TLR3.
Evidence suggests that these cytokines contribute significantly to tumor growth and spread, and that TLR3
helps the immune system fight cancer cells. These cytokines may represent a therapeutic strategy for
controlling breast cancer in advanced ways.

The enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw after pretreated of alkaline for saccharification was
studied. Sub-strate wheat straw was pretreated with different concentrations of NaOH (1.0, 2.0
and 3.0 wt%) and treated with different autoclave times (20, 40, 60 min) at 121°C. Results are
showed the percentage of cellulose was increased with increasing alkali concentration up to
2.0%, and the maximum cellulose content and lignin removal (58.74% and 43.25%)
respectively, was observed after 40 minutes of sterilization. Enzymatic hy-drolysis of treated
wheat straw was carried out using different enzyme loads (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) of cellu-lase.
As a result of the analysis of reducing sugars, it was found that the highest saccharification
(56%) was obtained. Also, the optimal enzyme concentration and incubation period were
recorded at 1% (w/v) and (1 h), resulting in a saccharification of 56%.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, composed of ascorbic acid (AA), monohydro-ascorbic acid (MDHAA),
and dihydro-ascorbic acid (DHAA). These three forms are interconvertible. This study aimed to evaluate
the relationship between the effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on steroid hormone levels in male white
rats and its antioxidant properties. Eighteen adult male Wistar white rats, aged 3–4 months, were used in
this study. The mice were randomly divided into three equal groups (6 mice per group): a control group,
a medium dose of 250, and a high dose of 400. Vitamin C was administered orally for 21 days. The results
showed an increase in testosterone concentration in both the medium and high dose groups. Elevated FSH
levels were observed in the high-dose group, while LH levels decreased in the medium-dose group,
attributed to increased negative feedback resulting from elevated testosterone. Statistically significant
improvements in the enzymatic activity of the two key enzymes in the steroid biosynthesis pathway, 3β
HSD and 17β-HSD, were also observed in both treatment groups. Antioxidant results following vitamin
C treatment showed a marked decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, along with a high increase in
the activity of the antioxidant-enzymes SOD, CAT, and GSH. A significant increase in vitamin C
concentration within testicular tissue was also observed, indicating effective protection against oxidative
stress. The study demonstrated that vitamin C-treated mice exhibited statistically significant increases in
sperm concentration, motility, and the percentage of normal sperm morphology, reflecting the positive
effect of vitamin C on testicular and sperm function in general.

Thyroid diseases have become increasingly prominent among endocrine disorders in recent years. There
is a close functional relationship between the thyroid gland and the reproductive system, leading to a high
probability of co-occurring disorders. Reproductive health problems are a major concern worldwide, and
investigating the effects of thyroid diseases on pregnancy is relevant. Subclinical and overt
hypothyroidism is mostly attributed to thyroiditis and causes risks such as premature birth, miscarriage,
and failure neurodevelopment in the child.
The aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in the first
trimester of pregnancy and to compare the results with mothers with normal thyroid function.
Methods: This study was conducted over a period of seven months. Women in the first months of
pregnancy underwent a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level test. For women with high TSH levels,
fT3 and fT4 hormones were also measured in the same sample. The women were divided into two groups:
Group 1: all women with (TSH) levels above (2.5 mIU/ml), considered to have hypothyroidism (12
women); and Group 2: women with normal thyroid function, with (TSH) levels between (0.1- 2.5 mIU/ml)
88 women.
Results: Patients ranged in age from (19- 37 years), with a mean age of (26.50±3.778 years). The average
gestational age of the study participants was (8.136±2.731) weeks. The mean TSH, fT3, and fT4 values
were (2.376 ± 1.241mIU/ml), (2.168±0.7969nmol/L), and (97.95±33.50nmol/L), respectively. Thyroid
disorders were found in 12% of the 100 patients. 88% of the patients had normal thyroid function.
Conclusion: The current study revealed a high prevalence of hypothyroidism (12%) among pregnant
women in the first trimester. Because of the significant impact of thyroid dysfunctions on the health of
both mother and fetus, we recommend routine thyroid testing before, during, and after pregnancy

Background: Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of major veterinary and public health concern
in Iraq. Consumption of raw milk and occupational exposure remain key transmission routes. This study
investigated the occurrence of Brucella spp. in raw milk from cattle, sheep, and goats, and evaluated
serological evidence of human exposure among high-risk individuals. Methods: In total, one hundred fifty
raw samples of milk from cattle, sheep and goats were all tested from both the farm and local markets.
Also, 100 serum samples of humans were tested with 70 from high risk exposed people and 30 from lower
risk control. Milk cultures were done on selective media Brucella agar containing antibiotics and incubated
under 5 to 10% CO2 to facilitate growth of brucella. Gram staining, biochemical testing and PCR
confirmed the presence of brucella by testing for bcsp31 and IS711. Expression levels of host immune
response genes (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) were determined by using RT-qPCR from peripheral blood
leukocytes of ELISA positive and ELISA negative humans. IgG in milk (animals) and IgG in serum
(humans), was tested by indirect ELISA. ROC curves were created for assessing the accuracy of
diagnoses.. Results: Among the 150 analyzed milk samples, 12% (eighteen) tested positive for Brucella
spp. Cattle had a positive rate of 12%, sheep had 8%, while goats had the highest rate of 16%. Of the
eighteen isolates, the PCR results were 94.4% for bcsp31 and 88.9% for IS711. The percentage of high
risk humans who were positive by ELISA was 25.7% (eighteen out of seventy); while 3.3% one out of
thirty were positive among controls. ROC curve analysis demonstrated an excellent ELISA performance
for humans and a good performance for the milk ELISA. Additionally, gene expression analyses indicated
the presence of significantly higher quantities of cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) in the seropositive
individuals' serum compared to seronegative individuals. IL-10 was also elevated, indicating a possible
mixed Th1 and anti-inflammatory regulatory profile due to positive serology..

The CRISPR-based diagnostics capitalizes on the collateral activity of Cas12 and Cas13 to detect nucleic
acids specific to the diagnostic target at high speed. Detectors like DETECTR and SHERLOCK have been
deployed during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, and have given rise to amplification free, multiplexed, and
paper based formats. The current study describes an experimental pipeline to design and validate a
CRISPR Cas diagnostic of an RNA virus model based on simulated clinical samples. It compares
isothermal amplification of a single pot of RT RPA/RT LAMP with CRISPR readout amplification to
amplification free Cas13 detection. Optimized one pot workflows can detect limits similar to RT qPCR
within less than 40 minutes, and amplification free Cas13 assays can detect amounts of approximately 102
copies/µl of multiplexed crRNAs and improve signal capture to a level suitable to screening applications.
Issues such as sample preparation, reagent stability, multiplexing, and regulatory obstacles are addressed,
and approaches to point of care implementation discussed. The results reveal the future potential of
CRISPR diagnostics to be used in rapid epidemic response and indicate future development of non-nucleic
acid targets using aptamer based modules.

We aimed to investigate the effects of the natural compound 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) on biofilm
formation, microbial growth, and acid production by Streptococcus mutans, one of major etiological
agents related to dental caries. To determine this, we performed our study and found that the higher the
concentration of DIM (100 µg/mL) in comparison to other concentrations the more evident biofilm
reduction occurs. A moderate inhibition of bacterial growth at higher concentrations was also noted in our
experiments, indicating that DIM is acting mainly by inhibiting bacterial virulence rather than by causing
general inhibition of viability. In addition, pH values significantly increased upon treatment with DIM,
suggestive of reduction in acid production and reduced cariogenic potential. Overall, results indicate that
DIM may act as a potential natural agent with anti-biofilm and anti-virulence activity against
Streptococcus mutans..

Background: Male fertility is heavily influenced by oxidative stress, particularly severe in countries that
face environmental challenges. This study aimed to examine the effect on sperm quality parameters of
locally available antioxidant supplementation in Iraqi men diagnosed with oxidative stress.
Methods: A randomised double-blinded placebo controlled trial was conducted to evaluate direct effects
using a sample size of 180 Iraqi men aged 25–45 who presented with infertility and elevated seminal
oxidative stress markers. Participants received locally available antioxidants (pomegranate extract, date
palm pollen and vitamin E) or placebo for a total of 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures include
sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index.
Results: There were significant improvements in outcomes in the treatment group compared to placebo.
These included sperm concentration that increased by 68.4% (p < 0.001); progressive motility increased
by 45.2% (p < 0.001); normal morphology contributions increased by 52.3% (p < 0.001); the extent of
DNA fragmentation decreased by 41.7% (p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in associated
measures of seminal antioxidant capacity. This was measured by the reduction of malondialdehyde and
increases in total antioxidant capacity.
Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation using acceptable local products is an effective means to
improve sperm quality measures in Iraqi men diagnosed with infertility associated with oxidative stress,
using a culturally relevant and acceptable intervention.

A total Background: Herpes virus 8 infection results in the tumor known as Kaposi sarcoma. Which is a
concomitant disease of AIDS and arises through a viral infection, which is a systemic disease whose
complications include shortness of breath with severe cough and swelling in the legs. This paper seeks to
analyze the global indicators by regions for this disease and make the necessary comparisons. Material &
Methods: The data on Kaposi sarcoma disease for the year 2022 was used according to the availability of
the source, the National Agency for Research on Cancers / Global Cancer Observatory, giving an accurate
analysis of incidence, mortality and prevalence. Comparisons by regions for both sexes have been done.
Results: The results of the investigation showed that the male disease rates were much higher than the
female, African countries have the highest numbers and percentages, and the best survival rates were in
Northern America, Oceania, and Europe. Conclusion: Kaposi sarcoma poses a serious public health
challenge, especially in areas where AIDS is common. The paper describes the general trends of the
disease and their indicators by region. Improving health care related to Positive effects of AIDS on
reducing effects this disease, and early diagnosis leads to early treatment.

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequently transmitted sexually transmitted
infection in the world, and it is a known contributor to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, which is a serious
public health issue in developing countries like Iraq, is associated with HPV. Even though it is clinically
important, there is little evidence on the risk factors associated with HPV infection in Iraqi women,
especially at the governorate level.
Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify the prevalence of risk factors for HPV and the
sociodemographic characteristics associated with those risk factors among women who visited
gynecology clinics at the Al-Sadr Teaching hospital in Najaf, Iraq.
Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted over a seven-month period between September 2025
and March 2026. In this study, a total of 250 women aged 18 and older were recruited through systematic
random sampling. Data were collected with a structured interview-administered questionnaire, which
included sociodemographic data, reproductive history, sexual behaviours, hygiene practices, tobacco use,
Pap smear history, and knowledge of and vaccination against HPV. The data were analysed using SPSS
version 26 and descriptive statistics with Chi-square tests.
Results: The overall mean age of the women who were surveyed was 33.4 +/- 9.2 years of age. The most
common risk factors were early first marriage (< 18 years of age) in 23.2% of respondents, high parity (6
or more births) in 22.0% of respondents, previous STI infections in 17.2% of respondents and past use of
oral contraceptives in 38.8% of females. There were 70.4% of respondents who had never received a Pap
smear test. 72.8% of the respondents were unaware of HPV and HPV vaccinations. The rate of vaccination
against HPV was 3.6%.

Proteus mirabilis bacteria are a major cause of urinary tract infections, particularly in people who use
catheters or have urinary tract problems. These bacteria are able to survive and cause disease thanks to
their production of several virulence factors. There has been increased concern recently about its presence
in animals and their products, which could allow it to be transmitted to humans. These bacteria usually
live in the intestines of humans and animals, and have been found in farm animals, pets, wild animals, as
well as food products. This review explains how it spreads, how it jumps to humans, and highlights the
similarities between strains found in animals and humans, particularly in antibiotic resistance and
detection, and in its ability to cause disease. It also shows that it may worsen bowel diseases, not just
urinary tract infections. The study highlights the necessity of employing the "One Health" concept to
enhance surveillance.

Cancer is one of the major causes of death in the world. The existing treatment methods mainly utilize
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; these treatment methods are widely utilized, but do not work
well with some types of tumors because of their very expensive nature, side effects and adverse reactions.
Anti-cancer agents that have been developed recently are effective yet costly. Consequently, it is now vital
to find alternative candidate drugs that will improve the efficacy of treatment and decrease the cost of
therapy. Food dietary bioactive compounds have become the focus of attention as fast absorbed
phytochemicals with the potential to regulate cellular activity and possibly have preventive and/or
therapeutic effects on cancer. One of the key groups of bioactive compounds which are food- and
beverage-derived has been reported to be flavanols, which are also known as flavonoids, which are
candidate anticancer agents. The mechanistic study can be used to narrow down lead candidates to
subsequent in vivo examination. Flavonoids comprise a group of polyphenolic compounds of varied
chemical structures that occur naturally. These pigments help plants to resist ultraviolet (UV) radiation
and act as attractants to pollination and seed scattering. Flavonoids are common in the plant kingdom and
they are frequently eaten by humans. The curiosity about medicinal plants has increased, and it has
triggered the assessment of the medicinal preparations to become modernized to the business realm. The
importance of the flavonoids has been derived because of the availability of many of them in most of the
foods that are readily available like fruits and vegetables, and because of the wide range of biological and
pharmacological activities, which are deemed desirable in lowering the rate of occurrence of various
ailments, anti-allergic, anti-inflammation, anticancer and cardiovascular protection. It is known that
flavonoids have anticancer effects which work in various ways. As such, the clarification of the anticancer
properties of flavonoids would assist in identifying the potential candidates in the identification of new
anticancer agents, in addition to the preparation of anticancer drugs using natural and/or traditional
medicine.

Background:
Menopause is associated with hormonal changes that may affect mineral metabolism and bone health. In
Iraq, data on serum calcium, phosphorus, and calcitonin patterns in postmenopausal women compared
with premenopausal women are still limited.
Objectives:
To compare serum calcium, phosphorus, and calcitonin levels between postmenopausal and
premenopausal Iraqi women, and to evaluate the ability of these markers to discriminate postmenopausal
women who may be at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Methods:
The study involved participants from Al Diwaniyah, Iraq: 120 participants total (32 postmenopausal
women; 102 male participants). Samples were collected to measure total serum calcium, inorganic
phosphorus and calcitonin levels using standard lab techniques. Comparisons between the groups were
made using independent samples t-test and ROC curve analysis to evaluate how well calcium, phosphorus,
and calcitonin levels can tell apart cases (premenopausal women) and controls (postmenopausal women). .
Results:
Compared to premenopausal controls, postmenopausal patients have significantly lower average
phosphorus and calcium levels (with p values of < 0.001 and 0.0024, respectively). The calcium ROC
analysis yielded a modest AUC of 0.67 with a cut-off of < 8.55 mg/dL (sensitivity 78%, specificity 52%).
Conversely, the phosphorus ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.69 with a cut-off of < 3.85 mg/dL
(sensitivity 74%, specificity 58%). In contrast, calcitonin showed a high level of discrimination with an
AUC of 0.88 and a cut-off of ≤ 27.84 pg/mL (sensitivity 95%, specificity 82% .)

Vitiligo is a skin disorder resulting from the destruction of melanocytes, leading to their cessation of
melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color, and its transformation into white patches on
the skin. It is considered an autoimmune condition, resulting from an immune disorder, genetic
predisposition, psychological stress, or environmental factors such as sunburn. Vitiligo affects males and
females of all ages and is not limited to a specific body weight. However, individuals with vitiligo exhibit
differences in liver enzymes and antioxidant levels. This study investigated the relationship between
antioxidants, liver enzymes, and blood types. Forty serum samples were collected (20 from healthy
individuals and 20 from individuals with vitiligo). Demographic and epidemiological characteristics,
including age, sex, and weight, were measured, and no significant differences were observed between the
two groups. The enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT) were studied, and a significant increase in all liver
enzymes was observed in the patient group compared to the control group, according to the p-value. Our
study recorded imbalances in antioxidants (SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH, TAC), which were statistically
significant. SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC all showed a significant decrease compared to the control group,
while the antioxidant MDA in the patients showed a significant decrease compared to the control. The
reason for the decrease in antioxidant levels is attributed to oxidative stress (resulting from free radicals
ROS, which depletes antioxidants) and a deficiency in nutrients such as (vitamin C and E, in addition to
a deficiency in selenium, zinc, and alpha-lipoic acid), which are essential elements for the function of
antioxidants. The current study of blood types did not observe any significant differences in predisposition
to vitiligo. Similarly, we did not find any correlation between the four blood types and liver enzymes in
patients, nor were there any differences between the four blood types and antioxidant levels. This suggests
that the disease is not related to blood type but is purely an autoimmune disease.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is a leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Its pathogenesis is
multifactorial, involving a complex interplay where genetic susceptibility plays a significant role and
environmental triggers, particularly chronic viral infection, are increasingly recognized as critical factors
in initiating the autoimmune response. Among these, the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) a ubiquitous double
stranded DNA (ds DNA) herpesvirus that establishes lifelong latency in host B-lymphocyte, has emerged
as a primary candidate. Elevated levels of EBV-Early-antigen-immunoglobulin-G (EBV-EA-IgG)
generally signify either an acute primary infection or an active phase of viral reactivation. While EBV
nuclear antigen IgG (EBNA IgG) detection characteristically rules out acute mononucleosis, confirming
that the patient has established lifelong viral latency. Aims of the study: To investigate the association of
anti-EBV-EA IgG and anti-EBNA IgG levels in patients with HT. Methods: We conducted the current
case-control study on the Iraqi population. The 100 individuals in this study were divided into two groups:
the Patient group (50 subjects) newly diagnosed with HT, and control group include healthy people (50
subjects). ELISA used for serological test to assess anti-EBV-EA IgG, anti-EBV-EBNA IgG and anti
TPO. Results: In the current study, the seroprevalence of anti-EBNA IgG in patient group was (94%),
while in control group was (90%); there was no statistically significant association between the two groups
(p-value > 0.46). the seroprevalence of anti-EBV-EA-IgG in patient group was (72%), compared to only
(9%) in the control group, demonstrating a highly statistically significant association between the groups
(p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: The present of EBV-EA IgG in patients with HT compared to the
healthy group suggests a possible association between EBV-reactivation and HT progression. In contrast,
no significant association was found between EBNA IgG and HT.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation among university
students using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI), evaluate the concordance of Beck
suicide risk with three artificial intelligence platforms (DeepSeek, Gemini, and ChatGPT), and
identify thematic drivers of suicidal ideation through qualitative analysis of free-text responses.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 495 university students
using a self-reported questionnaire that included sociodemographic variables, the Beck Scale
for Suicide Ideation, and an open-ended question about current psychological state and
stressors.
Results: Among participants, 52.93% were classified as low risk, 37.78% as moderate risk,
and 5.26% as high and very high risk for suicidal ideation. Significant associations were
observed between suicidal ideation and female gender and economic status, with students
reporting insufficient income demonstrating the highest risk levels. Moreover, analysis of AI
concordance revealed significant differences in BSSI scores across DeepSeek-derived risk
categories (F=39.251, p<0.0001), with fair agreement with the BSSI (Quadratic Weighted
Kappa (QWK)=0.248). In contrast, Gemini (F=1.952, p=0.101; QWK=0.231) and ChatGPT
(F=1.994, p=0.114; QWK=0.119) demonstrated no statistically significant differences between
risk groups, with Gemini showing fair and ChatGPT showing slight agreement, respectively.
Thematic analysis of free-text responses identified academic pressure, particularly examination
stress, workload, and fear of failure, as the primary contributing factors.
Conclusion: Suicidal ideation represents a critical mental health concern among university
students. The concordance of AI platforms with BSSI remains varied, ranging from fair to
slight, establishing them as decision-support platforms rather than alternatives for clinical
assessment.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal
immune responses in colonic tissues. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-37, are critical
regulators of intestinal immune homeostasis. However, their expression levels and their value as
diagnostic markers in treatment-naive UC patients are still poorly understood, with limited data available
from Middle Eastern countries. The study aims to evaluate IL-10 and IL-37 levels in sera as non-invasive
biomarkers for UC diagnosis and disease severity.
Methods: This prospective case-control study recruited 40 treatment-naive UC patients and 40 healthy
controls from Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq, from October 2025 to April 2026. Sera from UC
patients and healthy controls were examined for IL-10 and IL-37 levels using enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For assessing the severity of the disease, Endoscopic Mayo Sub-score
was used. For assessing the diagnostic performance, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis was
used, and correlation analysis was used to see the relationship between cytokines and disease parameters.
Results: Significantly lower serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) were found in patients with UC
compared with healthy controls (8.33 ± 1.14 pg/mL vs. 12.31 ± 1.08 pg/mL; P = 0.001), representing a
32% decrease. Similarly, interleukin-37 (IL-37) levels were also found to be lower in patients with UC
(24.79 ± 5.23 pg/mL) than healthy controls (40.90 ± 5.07 pg/mL; P = 0.001), representing a 39% decrease.
ROC curve analysis for IL-10 showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.996 (95% CI, 0.988 to 1.000)
with 95.0% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity for a cutoff < 10.47 pg/mL, while ROC curve analysis for
IL-37 showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.973 (95% CI, 0.945 to 1.000) with 92.5% sensitivity
and 95.0% specificity for a cutoff < 34.71 pg/mL. IL-10 levels were inversely correlated with endoscopic
severity of disease (mild, 10.23 ± 1.4; moderate, 8.21 ± 1.3; severe, 7.69 ± 1.1 pg/mL; P < 0.001), but
there was no correlation with severity (P = 0.668) for IL-37.

Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of hypertension in pregnancy and is a leading cause of
maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide. Abnormal regulation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like
receptor 2DL1 (KIR2DL1) has been linked to defective placentation caused by impaired uterine natural
killer cell function at the fetal–maternal interface.
Objective: To quantify KIR2DL1 expression in the peripheral blood of preeclamptic patients and assess
its potential as a diagnostic marker.
Materials and Methods: The study design was hospital-based, and sixty pregnant women were included
in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to either the preeclampsia group or the health
control group, consisting of thirty participants in each group. The RNA was extracted from the blood, and
RT-qPCR was used to determine KIR2DL1 expression using GAPDH as an endogenous control. The
2⁻ΔΔCt formula was used for data analysis. The Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation, and ROC
curve were used.
Results: The expression of KIR2DL1 was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared to the
controls (median fold change: 1.950 vs. 1.005; p = 0.0001). The ROC curve showed perfect discriminative
power of the marker for preeclampsia, with an area under the ROC curve of c1.00 and sensitivity and
specificity of 100% at a cut-off of 1.240. The expression of KIR2DL1 correlated positively with maternal
age in the preeclampsia group (rho = 0.462; p = 0.030).
Conclusion: High expression of KIR2DL1 in peripheral blood cells is strongly and significantly related
to preeclampsia, suggesting that there is excessive inhibitory receptor activity at the maternal-fetal
interface. KIR2DL1 holds great potential to become a molecular diagnostic biomarker for preeclampsia.

Background: Nutrition is essential during pregnancy, affecting maternal and child health. Mid- Upper
Arm Circumference is a low-cost measure of nutritional status.
Objective: To assess the nutritional status of pregnant women in Al-Samawah City using Mid-
Upper Arm Circumference, the association between pregnant women nutritional status Mid Upper Arm
Circumference and socio-demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among
400 pregnant women. sample distributed throughout (Al-Hussein
Teaching Hospital, Maternity and Children's Teaching Hospital, and Samawah Primary
Healthcare Sector). The data collection period started on 21, December 2025 to 1, March 2026. The
questionnaire reliability was assessed.
Result: The results showed that there was no significant association between age and nutritional status
(P=0.284), and maternal education and MUAC categories did not significantly correlate (P=0.367),
Furthermore, shorter intervals <2 years were more common in the at-
risk/malnourished group (60.0%), there was significant association with inter-pregnancy interval
(P=0.016). BMI and MUAC categories were significantly correlated (P=0.0001).There was a significant
association (p=0.022) between MUAC and a history of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. were more likely
to be overweight or have normal MUAC. Furthermore, gestational weight increase and MUAC had a
significant association (p=0.006).Hematological markers, biochemical indicators, physical activity level,
did not substantially associated with MUAC.
Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors did not significantly correlate with maternal MUACbased
nutritional risk. On the other hand, BMI and gestational weight gain and a history of ectopic pregnancy

Breast cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide, and despite
the progress in treatment, there is still a continuous need to search for new compounds that may help in
improving therapeutic outcomes. In this work, a series of imidazole–chalcone hybrid compounds (PIM
1–PIM-5) were synthesized through a simple multistep procedure. The synthetic route started with N
alkylation of imidazole (1) using propargyl bromide (2) to form a propargyl-substituted imidazole
intermediate, followed by formylation at the 4-position of the imidazole ring. The resulting aldehyde was
then subjected to Claisen–Schmidt condensation with different substituted acetophenones (3) to afford the
target chalcone derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against
MCF-7 using the MTT assay. The results showed that the compounds exhibited different levels of growth
inhibition depending on the substituent on the aromatic ring. Among the tested derivatives, PIM-4
displayed the highest activity with an IC₅₀ value of about 7.4 µM, while the other compounds showed
moderate to lower activity. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using
spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR.

Chicken farms and shops generate a lot of organic waste in the form of feathers, blood, intestines and
other types of biological waste. If chicken waste is not disposed of correctly it could lead to severe
environmental pollution and microbial contamination. Therefore, the objectives of the study were two
fold: to determine the bacterial contamination found in the waste generated from feathers of commercial
poultry; and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the various bacteria isolated from poultry
feathers. Microbiological techniques were used to isolate and identify bacteria present in samples taken
from the feathers of broilers and layers produced in commercial facilities. Six genera of bacteria were
identified as present in the analysed feather samples – Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Enterobacter spp. In addition to
identifying the isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on each of the isolated bacterial
species to determine their susceptibility to a variety of commonly used antibiotics. The results indicate
that the isolated bacterial species exhibited a variety of responses when exposed to the different classes of
antimicrobial agents. Some bacteria demonstrated susceptibility to specific antibiotics but had resistance
against a variety of other antibiotics. The results show that there is a presence of potentially pathogenic or
antibiotic-resistant bacteria in poultry waste and the importance of correct poultry waste disposal
management and hygienic practices when disposing of poultry waste. Incorrectly disposed poultry waste
may help spread infectious microorganisms and cause pollution of the environment. To summarize, these
results provide further evidence that effective waste management systems, adequate hygiene measures,
and control of antibiotic use in poultry production are critical to reducing environmental contamination
and protecting human health from the potential microbial hazards associated with poultry waste.

Background: Obesity among young Iraqis is increasing drastically, and it has been recognized as a
chronic state of oxidative stress that may predispose individuals to cardio vascular diseases. Oxidative
stress reduces nitric oxide bioavailability, which may be a mechanism by which obesity leads to
endothelial dysfunction. However, studies involving young Iraqis have been limited.
Aim of study: The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation between obesity and oxidative
stress biomarkers in addition to endothelial functions among young Iraqi adults.
Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design over a three-month period from
February to April at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in Najaf, Iraq. Respondents were aged between 18 and 35
years, with individuals with Body Mass Index above 30 categorised as obese in comparison to normal
controls.
Results: Findings suggest that participants within the obese group exhibited higher serum MDA levels
plus lesser levels of TAC along with reduced flow-mediated dilation in comparison to non-obese controls.
There was negative correlation between MDA and FMD, while MDA showed a statistically significant
positive relation with TAC.
Conclusion: Participants who were obese exhibited increased levels of oxidative stress, thereby
confirming the importance of preventive measures and lifestyles interventions within this young Iraqi
population.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension represents a significant public health issue due to its potential adverse
effects on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a key regulator of
various physiological processes including blood pressure, has been proposed as a possible contributor to
the development of gestational hypertension when present at elevated levels during pregnancy. This study
explored the relationship between ACTH concentrations and blood pressure in pregnant women, with the
aim of assessing its influence on maternal health. Thirty pregnant women were enrolled, from whom blood
samples were obtained to determine ACTH levels, while blood pressure was monitored throughout
pregnancy. The results demonstrated a significant association between elevated ACTH concentrations and
increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Participants with higher ACTH levels consistently
exhibited greater blood pressure values compared to those with normal levels. Additional factors such as
age, body mass index, and gestational age were incorporated into the analysis to enhance reliability.
Although elevated ACTH appears to be a potential contributor to gestational hypertension, no statistically
significant differences were observed in liver function or other biochemical parameters between the
comparison groups.

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder and a leading cause of physical disability worldwide. It is also
classified as an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, with cytokines
playing a role in the disease process and insulin resistance. This research aims to analyze IL1F10 gene
expression, which encodes the anti-inflammatory interleukin-38, in diabetic patients to understand its role
in inflammatory and insulin-resistance pathways. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was
used to measure gene expression based on fold change. The results showed a decrease in IL1F10
expression in diabetes patients compared to control groups (median [interquartile range: 25-75%]) (0.097
[0.018-1.819]). IL1F10 expression was significantly affected by disease duration and treatment status
only. Disease duration showed a marked reduction in the expression level of newly diagnosed patients
compared to other groups [3.846 (1.427-5.910) vs. 0.384 (0.010-1.169); 0.058 (0.021-2.134); and 0.059
(0.018-0.803); p-value = 0.007, respectively]. While treatment status showed a marked increase in the
expression level of untreated patients compared to those treated [3.846 (1.819–5.910 vs. 0.056 (0.018
0.754); p < 0.001, respectively]. ROC curve analysis demonstrated the reliability of IL1F10 expression in
differentiating between diabetic patients and control groups (area under the curve = 0.696; probability
<0.001). Finally, the expression of IL1F10 mRNA is down-regulated in diabetic patients and is only
significantly affected by disease duration and treatment status, and can be considered a potential risk factor
for diabetic patients.