Bio Med Vision Journal

Background: Communicable diseases are responsible for a heavy burden on human health. Health workers were the front line in preventing these diseases. Wrong or positive attitudes of health workers can reflect negatively or positively on infection control efforts. The primary objective of study evaluating attitudes levels between health care workers towards transferable diseases. The secondary objective, assessing association with social-demographic characteristics of health workers. Materials and Methods: The data from Al-Sadr Hospital, by use a frequency study started from the 1st of December 2021 to the 30th of May in 2022. The sample from 384 health care workers by using a self-survey administration, the data collected randomly sample, then collected then analyzed via a statistical program. Results: The current study showed that (58.1%) of health workers had positive attitudes. Also, the result indicated that (66.1%) of the participants are females, half of them were hold a bachelor's degree and married, the majority (51.5%) of them a young age group, (35.9%) of sample receive a training courses, (66.4%) have less than five years of experience, and in relations profession, (27.3)% from sample a nurses. In addition, showed no significant relationship between attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics of health workers. Conclusion: The study said that half or more half of the health care workers possesses positive attitudes, then these attitudes levels requirement to be raised up through by making a training developments on infection diseases control by health director. Maximum sample are young and have fewer than five years of experience in the profession, educational level a statistically significant with courses.

Gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea, represent a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of effective and accessible therapeutic strategies. Dietary interventions, particularly those containing soluble fibers such as pectin, have emerged as promising solutions due to their profound impact on gut health and its microbiota. This meta-analysis systematically reviews the current scientific understanding of the multifaceted role of pectin in alleviating diarrhea, with a particular focus on the unique contribution of grated green apple. The analysis delves into pectin's physicochemical properties and mechanisms of action—including water binding, modulation of the gut microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids, and support of the intestinal barrier—and critically evaluates the available clinical evidence. It is hypothesized that the mechanical disruption inherent in green apple grating enhances pectin's bioavailability by increasing its solubility and usability for microbial fermentation, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. While historical regulatory decisions highlight the need for stronger evidence, recent targeted clinical trials provide strong support for the benefits of pectin in specific diarrheal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). This paper identifies key limitations in current research, such as methodological heterogeneity and the need for standardized characterization of pectin, and proposes future research directions, including randomized controlled trials of grated green apple, to enhance its role as an evidence-based dietary intervention.

The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of shiitake mushrooms on some common fungi found in the soil of Mosul City. The fungal extract from Shiitake was prepared using ethanol or water. Different concentrations of the extract were prepared to analyze the antifungal properties of the mushroom by first making a stock solution and then adding specific amounts to the plates containing (Potato Dextrose Agar) PDA medium to achieve the desired concentrations. The active components found in Shiitake were pinpointed through the use of HPLC. The findings revealed how the aqueous extract of Shiitake affected Trichoderma sp. Penicillium sp. with the impact intensifying as the extract concentration levels rose. In the case of Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus sp. the influence was noticeable, at a concentration of 0.5 units. Furthermore the ethanolic extract exhibited efficacy against Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus sp. At concentration levels leading to a decrease in growth diameter as the concentration increased. As for Aspergillus sp. its impact was more pronounced at concentrations. Analysis using HPLC revealed that phenolic compounds such as Chlorogenic Acid, Quercetin, Caffeic Acid, Lutine and Vanillic Acid were identified, along with their retention times and concentrations in mg/g for both types of extracts. Notably Vanillic acid and Caffeic acid demonstrated effectiveness compared to compounds present in Shiitake mushrooms. In conclusion, it is evident that shiitake mushrooms contain levels of compounds particularly vanillic acid and caffeic acid, which play a vital role, in combating fungal infections.

It is a comparative assessment of natural deposition of radioisotopes in wild plants' stems and leaves from 11 sites of Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Levels of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K activities were determined using high-resolution gamma spectrometry, and radiological equivalent indices—Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed Dose Rate (D), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE), Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), and hazard indices (Hex, Hin, Iγ) were determined. All results indicated invariably greater radionuclide accumulation in leaves than in stems at every station. Mean Raeq in leaves was 63,473 Bq/kg and in stems 60,854 Bq/kg, and the highest values were found in Kairouan, Hammam al-Alil, and Makhmur. Although hazard indices never exceeded internationally accepted thresholds, elevated AEDE and ELCR values in some places point to potential long-term exposure risks. Spatial and anatomical heterogeneity highlight the value of wild plants, particularly foliar tissue, as sensitive bioindicators of environmental pollution. The study stresses the importance of continued radiological surveillance and environmental management, especially in ecologically and agriculturally important regions. These findings contribute to regional radioprotection planning and form a basis for future assessments of environmental contamination in northern Iraq.

Background: The rapid shift to online learning during the pandemic has reshaped pharmacy education in Iraq, yet student perceptions remain underexplored. This study examines how pharmacy students view online and hybrid models, with attention to gender, location, and access to technology. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October 2024 and January 2025 with 386 fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students from different universities across Iraq. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated tools, assessing demographics, learning preferences, and attitudes toward digital education. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Most participants were female (72.5%) and lived in urban areas (77.5%). The mean perception score was 22.48 (SD = 8.5), indicating moderate acceptance of online learning. Male students and those from rural areas reported more favorable views. Smartphones were the primary learning device for 81.1% of students. While many appreciated the flexibility of online formats, concerns persisted about practical skill development and future employability. Over half preferred face-to-face instruction, citing poor internet, lack of interaction, and unsuitability for lab-based courses. Conclusions: Pharmacy students in Iraq show moderate and context-dependent attitudes toward online learning. Their preferences are shaped not only by infrastructure but also by geography, gender, and lived experience. As institutions move toward blended models, efforts should focus on mobile-optimized content, faculty training, and innovative teaching strategies that support practical learning in digital environments.

Background: Antibiotics' resistance is one of the global health problems. The misapplication and misuse of antibiotics ultimately result in antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic prescription is a complex processes that affected by many factors; these factors are mutually reliant and related to physicians' knowledge, healthcare providers' participation, healthcare system itself, patients and the general public. Aim of the study: To identify physicians' perspective concerning antibiotics resistance. Methodology: A cross sectional study was used to find physicians' view about antibiotics resistance. The sample consist of 300 physicians who working in different governmental health institutions in Mosul City. Data was collected from study population by direct interview using a prefilled questionnaire after obtaining verbal consent. Data collection was extended over a period of three months. Data analysis attempted by using software program SPSS. Results: More than half of participants (59.3%) was in the age group was between (25-<35) years. Male were forming 55.7% of study population. More than half (54%) were permanents, and 35% of study population had experience between (5-<10) years. Antibiotic intakes by patients, and antibiotic prescriptions by doctors was rated as the most sectors that to be targeted to slow down the development of antibiotic resistance by 68% and 52% of physicians subsequently. The availability of antibiotics and own experience the most rated factors affecting antibiotic prescription by 57.3% and 51% of participants subsequently. About two third (62.3%) of participating physicians anticipate that the use of antibiotic often results in development of antibiotic resistance. Conclusion: According to physicians' point of view; the doctors, patients and health institutional facilities have a role in the prevention of antibiotic resistance. It is recommended to implement a national strategy for rational antibiotics' prescription.

This study investigates incidence of Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia at Baghdad province during the months of 2024. Samples were collected from patients admitted Baghdad hospitals during a period of January to the end of December 2024 and examine by Macroscopic Examination by direct wet mounts and Concentration Methods using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation or zinc sulfate flotation to concentrate ova/cysts analyzed. The findings indicate that no significant differences among study groups individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica out of 222,133 individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica (32%) females most frequently infected than males (27%). Giardia lamblia according to gender of individuals, females most frequently infected than males (37.3, 34.4 %) age group of (18-32) was more frequently infected with Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Blastocystis hominis; the study also showed that November was more frequent month spreading with infection by Entamoeba histolytica (18.8%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (16.3%).

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are significantly altering pharmaceutical advertising by facilitating personalized patient engagement and enhancing treatment optimization. Their adoption presents substantial ethical, regulatory, and equity challenges that require thorough analysis. Objectives: The objectives of this review are to analyze: (1) the implementation of AI technologies, such as chatbots and predictive analytics, in pharmaceutical advertising; (2) ethical risks, including algorithmic bias and misinformation; (3) deficiencies in global regulatory frameworks, specifically those of the FDA and EMA; and (4) effects on health equity, with a focus on vulnerable populations. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using several databases with structured search terms related to AI, pharmaceutical advertising, ethics, regulation, and equity. The inclusion criteria encompassed English-language articles and reviews published between 2019 and 2024. Results: AI chatbots improve engagement; however, they demonstrate significant biases, such as racially biased advertising targeting, and present compliance risks, with 22% of AI-generated responses failing to include drug risk information. Regulatory systems face challenges in addressing AI's real-time adaptability, resulting in an "ethics-regulation gap." Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and racial minorities, experience heightened disparities resulting from biased algorithms and barriers to accessibility. Hybrid human-AI oversight and design centered on equity are essential mitigations. Conclusion: Although AI presents significant opportunities for personalized healthcare, persistent ethical and regulatory issues may worsen existing inequities. Successful outcomes necessitate collaborative governance, inclusive design, and aligned global standards to guarantee patient safety and equity.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive problems, and obesity exacerbates these symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive profiles of women with PCOS, as well as to investigate how body mass index (BMI) influences these variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 113 PCOS-diagnosed women at Azadi Teaching Hospital's Gynaecology Department in Duhok, Iraq. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal data were gathered, and individuals were divided into two groups depending on their BMI: normal and elevated. Results: Elevated prolactin (>23.4 ng/mL) was observed in 38.9% of patients, 16.8% had an LH/FSH ratio ≥ 2, and 8.8% had raised testosterone (>0.73 ng/mL). Metabolic disturbances were common: elevated LDL-C (46.0%), low HDL-C (20.4%), elevated fasting blood sugar (21.2%), and dyslipidaemia in a substantial proportion. Women with an elevated BMI exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and lower HDL-C levels compared to those with a normal BMI (all p < 0.05), whereas fasting blood sugar, pulse rate, and hormonal parameters did not differ. Reproductive abnormalities were frequent, including oligomenorrhoea (49.6%), amenorrhoea (38.1%), hirsutism (87.6%), and acne (70.8%). Subfertility was reported in 75.8% of married patients and was significantly higher in women with elevated BMI (p = 0.009). A positive family history of PCOS was more common in the elevated BMI group (p = 0.027). Conclusion: PCOS is linked to a variety of clinical and metabolic problems. Even in the absence of severe hormonal abnormalities, an elevated BMI is strongly associated with poor metabolic outcomes and infertility. These findings underscore the importance of BMI-based risk assessment and early metabolic screening in women with PCOS to support appropriate management methods.

Background: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are cells that can differentiate according to the tissue they are lying in. The transplantation of such cells is either autologous or allogeneic. Autologous storage is required until the patient finishes his intensive chemotherapy. Whilst allogenic storage is required until finding the suitable matched recipient for this cellular therapy. Storage is in deep frozen state (–80°C) with cryoprotectant compound. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) has been used as cryoprotectant due to its electrophilic property that makes H-bond between DMSO and H₂O, which is 2.6 times stronger than the H bond between two water molecules. As a result, minimal concentration of DMSO prevents formation of water crystals during freezing storage of cells. Objectives: Assessing the cytotoxicity of DMSO on stored HSC, by determining the cells' viability after adding DMSO with concentration of 10%, after deep-freezing in specialized deep freeze at (–80°C), then in ordinary freeze at (–20°C), in room temperature, in ordinary refrigerator at (+4°C), and lastly in water bath incubation at (+37°C), each for 24 hours. Methods: Using trypan blue dye, the vitality was assessed by counting the alive cells (uncolored), and dead cells (blue colored). Results: Cells retain high membrane integrity when kept at (–80°C) and (–20°C), but when exposed to room temperatures (+22°C) and physiological temperature (+37°C), this will rapidly decrease cell viability. Conclusions: Although prolonged incubation time further decreases viability, the essential driver of DMSO cytotoxicity is elevated temperature. The post-thaw cytotoxicity of 10% DMSO cryopreserved peripheral HSCs is greatly temperature dependent.