Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: The inflammation of the tonsils is known as Tonsillitis; it is a well-known clinical condition that an
infection of either virus or bacteria. It significantly affects children especially. The aim of the present study was to
identify knowledge of mother toward childhood tonsillitis and to find the relationship between mothers\' knowledge of
childhood of tonsillitis and some variables.
Methods: A cross section study design was adopted in order to achieve the objectives of study. Data collection began
from 17th September 2023 until 30th January 2024. A non-probability convenience sample of 160 mothers were recruited
to the study. The sample of this study comprised (160) mothers with children diagnosed with tonsillitis by a physician,
all the (160) mothers attend (5) PHC in Al Najaf city, during the time of data collection, the researcher developed a
structured questionnaire to collect information.
Results: The results of a study show the overall assessment was poor knowledge (86.8%) of the study sample It represents the largest proportion of the sample under study, (9.4%) of them had fair knowledge and the lowest percentage
(3.8%) had good knowledge. And it had been found that a significant associated with occupation of mother and highly
significantly associated with educational level.
Conclusion: The study concludes the majority of mothers were (85%) housewife. And the study concludes that the
children from larger families are at high risk to infected with tonsillitis compare to those from smaller families.
Regarding Knowledge level the highest percentage has poor Knowledge and only (3.8%) of mothers in Al- Najaf primary
health care centers had good knowledge regarding tonsillitis.

Background: Complete knee replacement is a resolving method for treatment for severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis that relieves pain and restores function. Individuals in necessary condition to do bilateral surgery total knee
arthroplasty underwent two different surgical procedures, or one stage of surgery with one anesthesia session.
Aim of the study: To compare the knee and functional outcome, safety, and possible complications between one stage
and staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty.
Patients and methods: An interventional study conducted in the Orthopedic Department in Al- Yarmouk Teaching
Hospital and private hospital, Baghdad, Iraq during a time of three years from (June 2020 to June 2023). It included 40
patients complaining of bilateral knee problems with severe pain unrelieved by conventional therapy which was
diagnosed with clinically significant osteo-arthritis or even rheumatoid arthritis in both knees requiring bilateral primary knee arthroplasty either in one-stage or staged. All patients were evaluated in knee and functional score, complications, surgical time and hospitalization period.
Results: We noticed that knee and function scores in both study groups were significantly increased postoperatively
than that before operation. Means of time of operation and hospitalization period were significantly lower among onestage group than that in staged group.
Conclusion: One-stage both knee total knee replacement is a good choice for patients with advanced osteoarthritis or
rheumatoid arthritis that affects both knees and has not responded to conservative measures for symptom relief.

The use of dietary supplements (DS) has been observed to be increasing among patients with diabetes. However, the
effect of DS on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still an understudied area. This study aims to evaluate the
prevalence of DS use among diabetic patients, their attitudes toward these supplements, and their effect on HRQoL. A
cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients attending an outpatient facility in Baghdad, Iraq. A validated survey instrument was used to collect data on DS use, attitudes, and HRQoL using EQ-5D measures. The study
found that 73.8% of patients used DS, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and probiotics. Users reported a positive
attitude towards DS (P ¼ 0.002). HRQoL measures showed issues in walking, personal care, daily activities, pain, and
moderate depression. Thirty-six health statuses were reported, and the highest rated was health status 12,222. A significant difference was noted between users and non-users of DS on the EQ-5D measure, where a positive effect of DS
use was seen on diabetic patient health status (P < 0.001). It is necessary to implement complex interventions to improve
patients’ health based on broad approaches to treatment.

Background: The kidneys are crucial organs responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body by regulating water,
electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and excreting metabolic waste products. Each kidney contains about one million
nephrons, the functional units that filter blood to produce urine. There is growing interest in finding natural alternatives
to chemical treatments, including exploring the therapeutic potential of plant-based extracts.
Objective: The study aimed to develop a nano-extract from Nigella sativa seeds and evaluate its role in reducing or
preventing tissue damage in the kidneys of rats with induced anemia.
Methods: Thirty-six male albino rats, aged 9e11 weeks and weighing 230e265 g, were divided into six groups, with six
animals in each group. The study involved administering Tartrazine and Nigella sativa nano-extract at various concentrations and monitoring their effects on body and kidney weight.
Results: Treatment with Tartrazine (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced body and kidney weights compared to the
control group. In contrast, the nano-extract of Nigella sativa seeds (75 and 100 mg/kg) increased both body and kidney
weights. Histological examination showed significant kidney tissue damage in the Tartrazine-treated group, while
the group treated with 75 mg/kg of Nigella sativa nanoparticles exhibited no significant histological changes,
Results showed that tartrazine treatment led to a significant increase in body weight, while treatment with Nigella
sativa nanoparticles, particularly at higher concentrations, helped mitigate the harmful effects of tartrazine. Additionally, histological examinations revealed that tartrazine caused glomerular atrophy and degeneration in the kidney
tissue, while the groups treated with Nigella sativa nanoparticles exhibited no such damage, indicating a protective
effect.
Conclusion: This study investigated the effect of tartrazine and Nigella sativa nanoparticles on body weight, kidney
weight, and histological structure of male albino rats. The results showed that tartrazine at a dose of 20 mg/kg significantly increased the body weight of the rats, while the addition of Nigella sativa nanoparticles at varying concentrations
produced varying effects on body weight. Specifically, the combination of tartrazine and Nigella sativa nanoparticles
resulted in no significant differences at 75 mg/kg. However, at 100 mg/kg, a significant increase in body weight was again
observed.
In terms of kidney weight, no significant changes were observed in most treatment groups compared to the control
group. However, the combination of tartrazine and Nigella sativa nanoparticles at a dose of 75 mg/kg showed a significant increase in kidney weight, suggesting a potential protective effect at this dose.
Histologically, tartrazine treatment resulted in significant structural changes in the kidney, including glomerular
atrophy, dilatation of the urinary tract, and renal tubular degeneration. However, administration of Nigella sativa
nanoparticles at doses of 75 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg effectively prevented these histological changes, suggesting a
protective effect against tartrazine-induced kidney damage. This protective effect is consistent with the
known antioxidant properties of Nigella sativa, which have been documented in various studies. Overall, the
study highlights the potential of Nigella sativa nanoparticles as a protective agent against tartrazine-induced
toxicity, especially in the kidney. Further research is needed to optimize the dosages and understand the full herapeutic potential of Nigella sativa nanoparticles in mitigating the effects of environmental or dietary toxins such
as tartrazine.

In a regular dental facility, the correct management of the pre-cleaning and sterilisation phases plays a significant role
in the good management of personnel and instruments. Thorough cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation are critical in
dental clinics as most of instruments are reusable in daily practice. However, the sterilisation process of some equipment
is difficult because of their complex structure, small size and presence of surface details. One of the most potent devices
for cross-infection in dental clinics is a dental bur, present in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes with highly complex
surface features. Evidence suggests transmission of viruses such as hepatitis B and bacteria such as Staphylococcus
aureus can occur because of contamination with saliva, blood or tooth structure remnants. Therefore, the purpose of the
current study is to investigate the transmittable bacterial contamination and identify the effectiveness of sterilisation
protocols adopted by dentists in Najaf city-Iraq. The accurate diagnosis of bacteria was made using the compact Vitek 2
compact system, which is considered one of the modern methods that give very high accuracy in diagnosis. Results
suggest that autoclave is still the gold standard approach followed by approximately 60% of clinics. However, precleaning procedures such as brushing and soaking are not always applied, as 15 out of 37 samples showed contamination
with Gram-positive species due to insufficient sterilisation set-up. Further local and regional survey is recommended to
provide more data about sterilisation effectivity and the level of dental staff awareness of sterilisation guidelines.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal known to be associated with various health issues, including cancer. Elevated blood
cadmium levels can be a concern and may require medical evaluation and intervention. Some studies describing the
etiology of cancer have focused on heavy metals, however, there is little information available for uterine cancer. This
study assessed the levels of cadmium in the serum of 60 women with benign and malignant uterine tumors. Blood
samples were obtained and analyzed using FAAS spectrometry in Najaf City, Iraq. Serum cadmium levels exhibited
higher concentration in patients with malignant uterine tumors than those with benign tumors, (20.48 ± 14.66;
9.74 ± 5.81) respectively. A statistically significant correlation (P꞊0.000, P < 0.05) was observed between the average
concentrations of benign and malignant tumors for Cd element, this study also noticed an increase in cadmium concentrations whenever the number of studied cases increased with age. This research's ability to contribute to a better
understanding of cadmium concentrations in blood serum for patients with uterine tumors would indirectly contribute
to improving women's health and preventing the effect of cadmium exposure from an early age.

The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes complications was established, emphasizing the
importance of good glycemic management. However, due to its high cost, the HbA1c test is considered to be not affordable or
not available. The high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its more risky comorbidities in most populations necessitate
the requirement for regarding an alternative test. The aim of the current study was to estimate if there is a relationship
between HbA1c and random glucose levels in DM patients. The current study was a cross-sectional study that comprised 106
known diabetic patients of both types (type 1 and type 2). Participants were regarded as having good glycemic control when
HbA1c < 8 %, whereas those with HbA1c ≥ 8 % were regarded as having uncontrolled diabetes. Correlation analyses
revealed significant direct correlations between HbA1c and RBG (r ¼ 0.47, P < 0.001). RBG was directly correlated with
HbA1c and may be utilized to indicate glycemic control in patients with DM when the accessible to HbA1c test is difficult or
not available.

Background: In implantology, piezosurgery is a novel and cutting-edge method of bone surgery. Various ultrasonic
frequencies can be used for selective cutting, which preserves essential anatomical structures by only operating on
solidified hard tissues. Piezoelectric osteotomy is a technique that can be used to precisely and safely prepare receptor
sites for procedure implants, acquire bone grafts classified as autogenous (blocks and particles), perform osteotomies
used for alveolar crest bone expansion, lift the maxillary sinus, and remove dental implants. Clinically and physiologically, the outcomes are outstanding, especially regarding osteocyte vitality.
Objectives: This review aims to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of piezosurgery compared to conventional
surgical techniques and demonstrate its practical applications in implant dentistry through a literature review.
Method: Piezosurgery, piezoelectric surgery, ultrasonic vibration, Dental implant, and osteotomy were the search terms
utilized to review the biomedical literature using PubMed and Medline, two electronic databases.
Conclusions: The procedure's significant advantages encompass precise bone cutting, preservation of soft tissues,
minimal blood loss, a clear surgical area, low noise and vibration, and excellent patient comfort with utmost safety to the
dental structures. With its unique ability to cut bone using ultrasonic micro-vibrations, piezosurgery offers a sophisticated and safe approach, delivering consistently reliable results.

Additive manufacturing commonly known as 3D printing is now becoming a disruptive element in industries such as
aerospace, automobile, and consumer goods. A process that builds up solid objects layer by layer from digital models is
building a 3D construction out of solid materials, is now being designed for the pharmaceutical industry. The use of 3D
printing in developing drugs is gradually becoming popular because of the possibility of developing a drug that will fit a
patient\'s need and requirement. It conceives great potential for enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness and minimizing
adverse drug effects due to internal inconsistency in patient\'s pathophysiology and pharmacology.
Array of processes are used in 3D drug production and these processes have propriety benefits and disadvantages.
Some of these technologies include; Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM); Stereolithography (SLA); Selective Laser
Sintering (SLS); and Inkjet Printing. FDM is indicated to generate and manufacture drug formulations using filaments
impregnated with drugs implying that it is cheap to use in developing models. SLA uses a light source to cure resin and
form a particular drug shape making it useful in developing intricate drug courses. SLS involves the process of using
lasers to melt and combine drug particles in powder form offers the opportunity to build drugs with the desired geometries and release profiles. Inkjet printing provides high-resolution and multi-layer deposition capability which is
applicable for the production of transdermal system and oral administered dosage forms.
The components that have been used in the formulation of drugs involve polymers, hydrogels, ceramics, and metals,
all of which are printed by the 3D printers. Biodegradable polymers as PLGA and PEG exhibit biocompatibility and
control over drug liberations and hydrogels which have the ability to absorb water and act like biological tissues and
improve the bioavailability of drugs. Hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate are also considered for bone tissue
engineering and dental applications as well for drug delivery since they are biocompatible and possess proper structure.
The use of metals such as and titanium and stainless steel is common in the manufacturing of implantable medical
devices and drug delivery systems owing to the metals’ strength and fitness for use in the human body.
There are some drawbacks of 3D printing application in drug design. Some of the key issues concerning the regulation
including the approval procedures, quality assurance and manufacturing, endure to be of immense concern. An ideal
bio-compatible and mechanically suitable material for 3D printed drugs is essential for safe and effective delivery to
patients. Also, it is highly desirable to obtain high printability and resolution in terms of a pattern to address the issues
of correct drug release profiles in complex formulations. However, a major drawback of 3D printing of drugs is its
applicability at commercial level and the issue of high costs of machinery and materials.
The future scope of research work needs to address these issues in order to build up the new materials that can
provide better biocompatibility and controlled drug release profile. The possibility of multi-material printing is in the
fact that it will enable development of the multifaceted drug delivery systems with numerous drugs or release profiles.
Self-assembly 3D printing with live cells and bio-materials is potentially useful in the field of tissue engineering and
tailored drug delivery systems. Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning in the 3D printing process can enhance the drug design process by integrating the large data set which can be used for drug release profile prediction. In conclusion, 3D printing brings a great anticipated to individualized medicine which is beneficial in
continuous manufacturing, less waste production, and meeting the consumers\' or patients’ needs on a continuous basis.