Journal of the Faculty of Medicine Baghdad

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease restricted to the large
intestine, characterized by superficial ulceration. It is a progressive and chronic disease requiring
long-term treatment. Although its etiology remains unknown, it is suggested that environmental
factors influence genetically susceptible individuals, leading to the onset of the disease. (C-X-C)
ligand 9 is a chemokine that belongs to the CXC chemokine family, it plays a role in the
differentiation of immune cells such as cytotoxic lymphocytes, natural killer T cells, and
macrophages. Its interaction with its corresponding receptor CXCR3 which is expressed by a variety
of cells such as effector T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and macrophage, leads to stimulation of the
production of IFN-γ and TNF-α and in turn, stimulates the production of Th1 chemokines which
results in promoting the inflammation.
Objectives: To assess the significance of serum chemokine (C-X-C) ligand 9 as a potential marker for
identifying ulcerative colitis in adults with inflammatory bowel disease.
Patients and Methods: This is a case-control study that included 50 patients diagnosed with UC,
aged between 18 and 75 years, compared to 50 apparently healthy controls, aged between 18 and 60
years. The study was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023, at the Gastroenterology
and Hepatology Teaching Hospital at the Medical City Complex in Baghdad. The serum samples were
analyzed using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.
Results: The mean ± SD in pg/ml of serum CXCL9 in patient group was 26.9 ± 9.05 and in control
group was 6.4 ± 2.37 (p< 0.0001) which indicates a highly significant difference.
Conclusion: CXCL 9 may be employed as a biomarker for identifying ulcerative colitis and it can be
used as a tool for measuring disease activity, in addition to the possibility of being a potential
therapeutic target.

Background: Bowel cancer is the most prevalent digestive system cancer and is the 4th largest cause
of cancer-related death worldwide. In Iraq, colon and rectal cancer (CRC) is the 6th most common
malignancy in males and the 5th in females. This cancer is sluggish in growth, which gives a window
of opportunity to screen for both precursor lesions and early cancer. The Cluster of Differentiation 47
(CD47) protein is a type of transmembrane glycoproteins found on nearly all human cells, including
non-hematopoietic and hematopoietic cells. CD47 promotes CRC growth by triggering angiogenesis
and apoptosis of tumor cell.
Objectives: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of (CD47) in various colorectal
samples from Iraqi patients with CRC by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay.
Specimens and methods: A total of 45 paraffin-embedded CRC tissue specimens and clinical data
were obtained from the Medical City Teaching Hospital in Baghdad and a number of private
laboratories in Baghdad, Iraq. In addition, 30 control colon and rectum tissues with no significant
pathology were collected from the Forensic Medicine Department for comparison purposes after
taking the official approvals.
Results: The results revealed a high expression of CD47 in CRC cases, but with no significant
correlation with clinicopathological features. Also, the result of figures in this study revealed negative
membranous expression of CD47 (score 0), strong membranous expression of CD47 (score 8),
moderately membranous expression of CD47 (score 7), and weak membranous expression of CD47
(score 4)
Conclusion: Patients with CRC had high CD47 expression, allowing tumor cells to modulate
CD47SIRP inhibitory signaling and prevent immune cell attack

Background: Acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract characterized by an acute cough, is a prevalent clinical illness that leads patients to seek out primary healthcare services. About 5 percent of adults in the United States report having acute bronchitis annually, with 90 percent of those affected are seeking medical attention.
Objectives: The study aimed to determine Nitric oxide, Procalcitonin (PCT), WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and Oxidative stress index (OSI) levels in acute bronchitis patients.
Methods: The study involved 120 volunteers aged 20–50 years old in Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital, Wasit City. 80 patients with acute bronchitis were conducted between (10 November 2022 to 20 March 2023). 40 people were used as a control group. Blood samples were collected from patients and controls. Complete blood account CBC was calculated using a blood sample with EDTA. Serum was used to calculate NO, PCT, and OSI. Blood counts were performed using the SYSMEX XP-300. Nitric oxide and Procalcitonin levels were measured using an ELISA kit. OSI was calculated using the equation OSI = Total oxidant status /Total antioxidant status x100.
Results: The current research presents the results of the Procalcitonin, nitric oxide, oxidative stress index, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Age, BMI, and WBCs in acute bronchitis did not show any significant variances when compared between the two groups. In contrast, nitric oxide, Procalcitonin, oxidative stress, and Neutrophil levels showed a highly significant change among the acute bronchitis patient group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Procalcitonin and nitric oxide may have a role in the diagnosis of acute bronchitis, in addition to lymphocytes and neutrophils

Background: In eukaryotic cells, the acidification of intracellular compartments is the responsibility of vacuolar H+ ATPase, a family of proton pumps, sometimes known as V-ATPases. Small GTPases are signaling molecules that regulate important cellular processes as well as subcellular activities making them essential players, particularly in a wide variety of coronavirus infection processes.
Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the levels of ATPase and GTPase in fibrotic lung disease patients who had received or had not received the COVID-19 vaccination, and then to compare these levels with those of the control group.
Methods: A total of 150 individuals took part in this study, which were divided into three groups. The first group was the control group (N=50). In the second group (N=50) patients with fibrotic lung disease ()did not get the COVID-19 vaccination. A total of fifty patients who had received the COVID-19 vaccination made up the third group(N=50). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was the method that was used to determine the amounts of ATPase and GTPase. The P- P-value of 0.05 or less is considered statistically significant. ROC tests were examined for ATPase and GTPase.
Results: The data analysis reported that there was a significant rise in alkaline phosphatase, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate-aminotransferase () among the three groups. Both ATPase and GTPase levels were shown to have significantly increased in Groups 3 and 2 as compared to Group 1 levels. Moreover, a substantial rise was discovered in Group 3 in comparison to Group 2 which was detected.
Conclusion: ATPase and GTPase levels are increased in patients with fibrotic lung disease regardless of the COVID-19 vaccination state.

Background: Cell adhesion molecules are protein entities that are located on the cell surface. The vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression is related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with dyslipidemia.
Objectives: To determine the levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in T2DM patients with dyslipidemia and to explore the relationship between VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and the development of dyslipidemia in T2DM patients.
Patients and methods: The study included 150 individuals with an age range of (35-55) years. Patients with diabetes for more than 5 years were excluded. Fifty healthy individuals constituted Group 1 (G1), fifty patients with T2DM constituted Group 2 (G2), and fifty T2DM patients with dyslipidemia constituted Group 3 (G3). Whole blood samples were drawn to measure HbA1c based on fluorescence immunoassay technology. The serum was separated to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by manual methods, while VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were determined using the ELISA test. The study was conducted between November 2022 and April 2023 at the National Center for Diabetes Treatment and Research, Baghdad, Iraq.
Results: Significantly higher levels of FSG and HbA1c were detected in G2 and G3 compared to G1, but non-significantly so when G3 was compared to G2. Significant higher levels of TG and TC levels were detected for G3 when compared to G1 and G2, but non-significantly so when G2 was compared to G1. HDL levels were significantly lower in G3 compared to G2 and G1, but non-significantly so when G2 was compared to G1. VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were significantly higher in G2 compared to G1, and VCAM-1 level was significantly higher in G3 compared to G2. Non-significant differences in ICAM-1 levels were found between G3 and G2.
Conclusion: VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 are potentially significant factors in the development of dyslipidemia in diabetes patients. They might serve as biomarkers to accurately predict the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive airflow limitation that is preventable but not curable. It is associated with persistent symptoms that cause a considerable burden on individual productivity at work, and daily activities, and reduced quality of life, also burdening the healthcare system and society. Objectives: The study aims to measure the burden of COPD on patients in terms of daily activities and work productivity. It also seeks to investigate some inflammatory biomarkers' levels and their correlation with selected outcomes. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 120 stable COPD patients who were diagnosed and treated according to the GOLD guidelines at Kirkuk General Hospital's chest and Internal Medicine consultation clinics, and in private internist clinics in Kirkuk City, Iraq between January and April 2023. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI-COPD) measured the Burden of COPD. The symptom burden was assessed by the COPD assessment test (CAT). The level of IL-6 monoclonal antibodies was measured via a Roche Cobas 6000 analyzer and TNF-α using the ELISA sandwich technique. All these devices and machines were authorized by the Ministry of Health, Iraq. Results: The mean age was (54.1 ± 8.12) years, 62.5% being males and 37.5% being females; 41.7% were public sector employees, and 39.2% were self-employed. Due to COPD, the overall work loss was (45.9±18.91) days, the mean percentage of absenteeism was (10.9% ± 12.31%), activity impairment was (47.5% ±17.79%) among all patients, presenteeism was (40.8 ± 15.05%,) and COPD-related retirees were 14.2% of the study group. The mean CAT score (19.3±5.63) was high and the most troubling symptom among patients was chest tightness. WPAI-COPD scores were higher in older age and longer disease duration. The levels of biomarkers were above the reference ranges, the mean IL-6 level was (69.4 ± 35.29) pg/ml, and the mean TNF-α was (72.3 ± 22.45) pg/ ml.
Conclusions: COPD patients exhibit a disease burden in terms of productivity loss at work and activity impairment that increases with aging and disease duration. COPD patients with low BMI are more prone to a decline in lung functions and to worse symptoms.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a condition that results from an indefinite change in the structure and function of the kidneys. A slow, steady progression characterizes it and is irreversible.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the findings of certain biochemical and hematological tests in samples from Iraqi CKD patients.
Methods: This study included 90 subjects, where 70 patients with chronic kidney disease and 20 healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from the patients during their visits to Ghazi Al-Hariri Surgical Specialties' Hospital- Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. Age, sex and body mass index were assessed for each participant followed by renal function tests [serum blood urea, creatinine, uric acid and estimated glomerular filtration rate], and complete blood count. Also, serum levels of uromodulin and cystatin C were measured statistically studies were carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: the study demonstrated a highly significant (P<0.001) increase in blood urea, serum creatinine and uric acid levels, while a significant (P<0.05) decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate levels in patients compared to the control group. On the other hand, it showed a highly significant (P<0.001) decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit values and an important (P<0.05) decrease in the red blood cell count. Patients had revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase in cystatin C level and a decrease in uromodulin level when compared to the control group.
conclusion: the present study shows that chronic kidney disease patients have upregulated renal function parameters blood urea, serum creatinine, and downregulated estimated glomerular filtration rate, while hematological disorder was more prevalent in patients. On the other hand, cystatin C level revealed an increase while uromodulin level showed a decrease in Iraqi patients.

Background: The known risk factors for gastric adenocarcinoma are chromosomal instability, TP53 mutations, aneuploidy, translocations, proto-oncogenes, and tumor suppressor gene changes. Microsatellite instability (MSI) affects DNA replication accuracy and is detected by the heterodimeric protein complex hMSH2/hMSH6, which recruits hMLH1 and hPMS2 for re-synthesis. MSI can cause sporadic gastric cancer and Lynch syndrome.
Objectives: To examine the relationship between P53 and MSI immune markers expression with the clinicopathological parameters of gastric adenocarcinoma by using immunohistochemistry.
Materials and methods: The study examined 40 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded gastric adenocarcinoma tissue blocks. The samples were retrieved from archived materials in the histopathology department of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Teaching Laboratory Institute, and some private laboratories in Baghdad, Iraq. The samples were taken from patients between 2020 and 2023, while their retrieval spanned from October 2022 to October 2023 for the sake of examining primary cases, surgical tissues, and available clinicopathological data. The immunohistochemical (IHC) expression was assessed using a scoring system. Data were analyzed using SPSS, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests, with a 95% confidence level and a 0.05 P-value or less considered significant.
Results: IHC staining for P53 was positive in 65% of the samples, while MSI findings were positive in 97.5% of the samples. The MLH1/PMS2 heterodimeric couple showed 32.5% positive results, while the MSH2/MSH6 heterodimeric couple showed 87.5% positive results. P53 stain was significantly correlated with lymph node involvement and grade, but not with the other parameters. No significant association was found between MSI markers and the studied parameters. There was no significant association between MSI heterodimeric couple (MLH1/PMS2) and the clinicopathological parameters, but there was a significant association between MSI heterodimeric couple (MSH2/MSH6) markers and metastasis only.
Conclusion: P53 is a key biomarker for evaluating lymph node involvement and aggressiveness in grading, indicating prognosis, and identifying high-risk cancer patients for metastasis

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) may affect one or more organ systems; as time goes on, other manifestations may start to appear. Musculoskeletal, cutaneous, renal, and endocrine systems are all involved in SLE. The nervous system, hematological, vascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and ocular imbalance of the immune response and the production of autoantibodies such as anti-oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein LDL antibodies have a clear impact on the body’s organs and the development of complications of the disease.
Objectives: To assess the levels of anti-oxLDL (IgM-Abs) and anti-oxLDL (IgG-Abs) as biomarkers for disease activity in SLE patients and their relationship to demographic characteristics.
Patients and Methods: The study comprised 100 of SLE patients admitted to the Rheumatology Unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, age range (33.4 to 9.95) years, including 7 males and 93 females. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay ELISA was used to measure the levels of serum oxLDL (IgM-Abs) and oxLDL (IgG-Abs).
Results: The results of the present study showed that there was a significant difference between the levels of anti-oxLDL IgM antibodies(Abs) in SLE patients in obese and non-obese groups since the levels of anti-oxLDL-IgM Abs in obese patients were (3.14 μg/L) and non-obese patients were (5.13 μg/L) (P=0.005), while in SLE patients with Diabetes Mellitus (D.M.), the levels of anti-ox LDL-IgM Abs were (3.80 μg/L) and in SLE patients with no DM were (5.13 μg/L). Also, the results showed that there were no significant differences between levels of anti-oxLDL IgG Abs in obese patients with SLE (6.28 μg/L) and non-obese patients with SLE (10.25μg/L) P > 0.05.
Conclusion: There was found a significant difference between levels of anti-oxLDL IgM Abs in obese and non-obese patients with SLE, and no significant differences between the levels of anti-oxLDL IgG Abs in the same groups of patients.

Background: Aspergillus spp. causes a wide range of diseases called Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) which is a fatal illness that affects a variety of immunocompromised people worldwide.
Objective: Using the lateral flow test for the detection of Galactomannan antigen in immunocompromised patients suspected to have IA.
Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 72 patients, whose samples (serum, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Blood) were collected from the Hematology-Oncology Unit at Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Pediatric Welfare Hospital, and ICU in Ghazi AL-Hariri Surgical Specialties Hospital, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center in period between November 2022 to February 2023. Patients’ blood and sputum were sent for fungal culture to confirm the diagnosis in most cases.
Results: QuicGM Aspergillus Lateral Flow Assay was conducted on 72 patients, of whom 34 (47.2%) were positive and 38 (52.7%) were negative (P-value of 0.001 and 0.5) respectively. This screening aimed at detecting IA. One week later, the second confirmative result was obtained from 24 patients to determine the response to antifungal drugs or recovery from neutropenia on which 15 readings were negative and nine were positive. Out of 48 single readings, 25 were positive and 23 were negative. All for 72 members of the control group gave negative results. This study is the first in Iraq to use this assay.
Conclusion: QuicGM Aspergillus Lateral Flow Assay was found to be reliable, sensitive, and specific, and proved to be a very good guide for the early diagnosis of IA in immunocompromised patients and in monitoring treatment outcomes and follow-up.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is widely recognized as a significant etiological agent responsible for infections around the world. One of the biggest problems in world health care is antibiotic resistance to the MRSA strain. The use of herbal medicines is one of the promising techniques for countering bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Objectives: The study is designed to investigate the chemical composition of clove oil extract and its in-vitro antibacterial activities against MRSA.
Methods: The clove oil extract was obtained by using hydro-distillation by Clevenger apparatus. After that, phytochemical analysis was done to determine the secondary metabolites by Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. In-vitro antimicrobial activity of clove oil extract against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was carried out by agar well diffusion method, the broth microdilution method, and in-vitro time-kill curve kinetic. Least significant difference –LSD test (Analysis of Variation-ANOVA) was used to significant compare between means of results in this study.
Results: The results of this study revealed that the extraction percentage of the clove yielded 50%. The Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry results of the clove oil extract analysis showed that caryophyllen at 28.9%, Humulene at 21.6%, and eugenol at 13.06% were the primary bioactive ingredients of the prepared extract. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of clove oil extract against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were found to be 2.5μg/ml and 5.0 μg/ml respectively. Time killing curve of 2xMICs and 4xMICs of clove extract achieved the highest significant bactericidal effect (P≤0.05) in comparison to other concentrations.
Conclusions: The clove oil extract exhibited good in-vitro antibacterial properties and this can be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds such as caryophyllene, humulene and eugenol.

Background: The increasing global prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) has become an important challenge, leading to a heightened demand for oral medicine in developed nations. This demand arises from the recognition of the association between psychiatric disorders and other conditions, including various orofacial pain disorders.
Objective: This study are to evaluate oral conditions such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, and altered taste and to assess salivary alpha-amylase in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Methods: This research uses a cross-sectional study design that includes a sample of 49 patients who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and who have undergone treatment for at least two weeks. The control group consists of 34 healthy subjects with no signs or symptoms of systemic disease. The study group received the diagnosis in Najaf City according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). With respect to recurrent aphthous ulcers, the results of this study show the percentage of patients with oral ulcers is significantly higher than in the control group.
Results: The results also show that the prevalence of burning mouth syndrome is significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in healthy controls. A highly statistically significant difference was found between the study group and the control group regarding altered taste. There is also a significant difference in salivary alpha-amylase levels between the study and control groups (p = 0.009).
Conclusion: Major depressive disorder patients have much higher incidences of reported recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, and altered taste than healthy subjects, indicating the importance of psychological factors in these conditions. Additionally, salivary alpha-amylase levels were higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in the control group

Background: Ropinirole hydrochloride is a non-ergoline antiparkinson drug. It is a highly hydrophilic drug and classified as class III according to Biopharmaceutical Classification System with low absolute oral bioavailability of approximately 50% upon oral administration due to significant hepatic first-pass metabolism. Objective: to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of Ropinirole when administered orally in the form of an Ropinirole bilosomal dispersion in contrast to an oral Ropinirole solution.
Methods: This study involved the use of twelve male Wistar rats, with an average weight of 220±11 g, and these rats were divided into two groups, comprising six rats each. A 1.1mg/kg doses of pure Ropinirole and Ropinirole bilosomes were administered orally through gavage after reconstituting in distilled water. Ropinirole was quantified in the rat's plasma using HPLC, subsequently establishing a spiked calibration curve with plasma samples and utilizing paracetamol as an internal standard. The statistics included mean values (± SD; n = 6) for pharmacokinetic parameters, with statistical significance assessed using a Student's t-test.
Results: For the oral bilosomes, the values were 9.4±0.11 μg /ml for Cmax, 3±0.00 h for Tmax, and 55.56±2.12 μg h/ml for AUC0-24. In contrast, for the oral solution, the corresponding values were 7.2±0.14 μg/ml for Cmax, 1.5±0.00 h for Tmax, and 23.70±2.23 μg h/ml for AUC0-24. These parameters were significantly higher (P<0.05) as compared with a pure drug solution. The comparative bioavailability of Ropinirole (AUC0-24 oral solution / AUC0-24 oral bilosomes ) is equal to 42.66%, which indicates the bioavailability of the oral RH solution was less than that of RH bilosomal dispersion.
Conclusions: The use of nanovesicular carriers (bilosomes) shows significant potential as an effective delivery system for improving the oral bioavailability of ropinirole hydrochloride

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is the most prevalent metabolic disorder worldwide. Effective diabetes self-management and keeping the Glycosylated hemoglobin level within the normal range could decrease the burden on the health system by reducing hospital admissions and diabetic complications, lowering the financial strain on the health system.
Objective: To recognize the potential risk factors of poor glycemic control in patients having type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Baghdad, Iraq.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Diabetes and Endocrine Center at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from June to November 2020. The total number of the study's participants was 234. Based on the cutoff point of glycosylated hemoglobin of 7, the patients with glycosylated hemoglobin of ≥7 were considered uncontrolled, and those with glycosylated hemoglobin of <7 were considered controlled.
Results: The proportion of cases with uncontrolled diabetes was 68.4% (160). The remaining 74 patients had controlled diabetes. Age, sex, marital status, and employment status were not significantly associated with the control status (P>0.05). The binary analysis showed a significant association observed between the control status and level of education (P=0.001), income (P=0.001), presence of comorbidities (P=0.028), positive family history (P=0.03), dyslipidemia (P=0.001), cholesterol level (P=0.002), high triglyceride level (P=0.001), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (P=0.025). The smoking status, body mass index, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level were not significantly associated with the control status (P>0.05). The disease characteristics, including the disease duration, fasting blood glucose, type of medication, self-monitoring, healthy diet, physical activity, and medication adherence, were significant factors (P<0.001). The multivariate regression method showed that dyslipidemia, FBS≥130, physical inactivity, and poor medication adherence were significant predictors for uncontrolled DM (P-value = 0.03, 0.001, 0.03, and 0.043, respectively).
Conclusion: The most important potentially modifiable risk factors for poor diabetes control were dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and poor adherence to the management protocol. Enhancing the education of patients and their healthcare providers on these factors is crucial to improving the patients’ control status.

Background: Correct mouth function is one of the functional matrices that contribute to the growth of the maxilla, which is connected to the growth of orbit, and vice versa. Objective: to ascertain how dental malocclusion affects the visual acuity related salivary transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 653students, 8–10 years of age from elementary schools in the governorate of Al-Diwaniyah during the period from 1st of November 2022lto 30th March 2023. Using the Snellen E chart and Angle's classification to identify malocclusion, they were subjected to visual-capacity testing for refractive disorders. Sub-samples were selected from the normal and visually impaired groups for salivary transforming growth factor beta-1 salivary analysis measurement.
Results: Only 70 out of 653students were found to have reduced visual acuity. When compared to students with normal visual acuity, they had significantly higher levels of salivary transforming growth factor beta-1. Those who with reduced visual acuity were found to have a much higher occurrence of dental malocclusion utilizing molar's relation of Angle's categorization.
Conclusion: The students with impaired visual acuity were more likely to have dental malocclusions and increased levels of TGF-β1.

Background: Emotional abuse is a widespread form of child abuse. It is suggested that the adverse outcomes from all forms of abuse mostly result from the emotional impacts. Resistin, a polypeptide high in cysteine, can serve as a valuable biochemical indicator of periodontal tissue damage when detected in the saliva.
Objective: To assess the relationship of emotional abuse with periodontal status and salivary resistin levels.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 522 intermediate school students aged 13-15 years in Kirkuk/Iraq. Information on emotional abuse was obtained using Glaser criteria which is a self-administered, structured, questionnaire form. The levels of emotional abuse were categorized into mild (score between 24-26), moderate (score between 27-42), and severe (score between 43-72). Periodontal health was assessed by using the community periodontal index (CPI). Non-stimulated saliva was collected and salivary resistin levels were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: The most common level of abuse was moderate. The largest percentages of participants with dental calculus were observed in moderate (48.2%) and severe (57.5%) abuse groups and the highest mean number of sextants with gingival bleeding was observed in participants who experienced a moderate level of abuse (0.34). While the level of resistin was higher in the mild abuse group (237.06), all of its relationships with the periodontal condition were non-significant.
Conclusion: Emotional abuse affects salivary resistin levels but has no obvious effect on periodontal status. Non-significant correlations were observed between salivary resistin levels and the levels of abuse with periodontal conditions.

Background: Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth create acid from carbohydrates that can be fermented. Along with factors related to the person (like genetics or oral hygiene habits) and saliva, this process leads to cavities. During Ramadan fasting, when eating habits change, there could be effects on health, particularly on the salivary biomarkers that are important for dental well-being.
Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to detect the activity and concentrations of salivary levels of secretory immunoglobulin A and Statherin during and after Ramadan fasting and to evaluate the association between these biomarkers with dental caries.
Methods: The study comprised 40 individuals, aged 20-25 years, diagnosed with dental caries. Participants were assessed for periodontal parameters using the Plaque Index and the Gingival Index. Saliva samples were collected during the fourth week of Ramadan fasting and two weeks after Ramadan fasting. The concentrations of both secretory IgA and Statherin were measured in salivary samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay .
Results: A significant decrease in the mean concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A was observed during Ramadan fasting (2.14±0.21 ng/L) compared to post-fasting (3.34±0.35 ng/L) (p=0.001). However, there was a non-significant difference (p=0.05) in statherin levels between the fasting state (2.25±0.18 ng/L) and the post-fasting state (2.85±0.22 ng/L). No statistically significant difference was found concerning both the Plaque Index and the Gingival Index within fasting and post-fasting state.
Conclusion: Low concentration of sIgA and Statherin during Ramadan fasting may indicate altered salivary gland activity or systemic response to fasting, potentially affecting oral health.

Background: Dutasteride, is a drug whose mechanism of action is inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It has been approved for use in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Dutasteride has low solubility and high permeability, which classifies it as Biopharmaceutics classification system class II, according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. It has a water solubility of only 0.038 ng/mL and a slow dissolving rate, resulting in its exclusive availability in the market as a formulation contained within soft gelatin capsules.
Objective: The aim of this study involves two parts. First, is the enhancement of dutasteride dissolution rate, by the creation of dutasteride nanosuspension, and second is the enhancement of patient compliance by the transformation of this nanosuspension to oral fast-dissolving film, which is characterized by its fast disintegration, stability, and ease of administration.
Methods: The solvent anti/solvent precipitation method was used to formulate dutasteride nanosuspension. In addition, dutasteride nanoparticles oral fast dissolving films were prepared by using the solvent casting method.
To compare the in vitro release patterns of pure dutasteride film and selected dutasteride nanoparticles film, the statistical analysis for the dissolution investigation was conducted using the model-independent technique (employing similarity factor f2) utilizing a DD solver. The selected dutasteride nanoparticle film was supposed to be the test material, while the pure dutasteride film was supposed to serve as the reference.
Results: dutasteride nanosuspension demonstrated a high enhancement of the dissolution rate. In addition, the prepared dutasteride nanoparticles oral fast-dissolving film exhibited a further increase in the rate of dissolution and fast disintegration, and the administration is easy, all of these properties making it a promising dosage form.
Conclusion: Nanosuspension is an excellent approach for enhancing the solubility, dissolution rate, and effectiveness of drugs with limited aqueous solubility such as dutasteride. In addition, the oral fast-dissolving film can be considered a promising dosage form that will increase patient compliance due to its high dissolution rate, fast disintegration, and easy administration.

Background: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is globally acknowledged as a prominent contributor to both hospital-acquired and community infections. Understanding key virulence factors including coagulase production, hemolysis ability and biofilm formation, is crucial.
Objective: The study aimed to establish a molecular characterization of mecA gene and virulence factors genes (hla, icaA, and coa) in clinical isolates of MRSA obtained from two hospitals in Baghdad.
Materials and Methods: A hundred and five isolates were obtained from clinical sources from November 2022 to March 2023 and their antibiotic sensitivity was assessed using the agar diffusion test against seven different antibiotics (Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Rifampin, Trimethoprim, Ofloxacin and Oxacillin), through Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction, the presence of virulence factor genes including mecA, hla, icaA, and coa, was determined in MRSA isolates.
Results: All MRSA isolates (100%) harbored the mecA, hla, and icaA genes while the coa gene was recognized in 50% of the isolates. Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, all MRSA isolates (100%) demonstrated sensitivity to Nitrofurantoin. Additionally, 96.8% of the isolates were sensitive to Oxacillin.
Conclusion: Molecular detection of methicillin resistance genes and virulence genes can be used to diagnose MRSA isolates in hospitals. The presence of these genes may affect their pattern of sensitivity to antibiotics.