Articles in This Issue
Abstract
Objective: To compare the distribution of ApoE polymorphisms between women with PCOS and healthy controls to explore whether specific ApoE genotypes contribute to the genetic susceptibility of developing PCOS, and to investigate the association between APOE gene polymorphisms and lipid profiles in PCOS patients. Methods: A case-control study was conducted between November 2023 and January 2025, enrolling 120 women with PCOS diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria and 60 age-matched healthy controls. Participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessment, hormonal evaluation (FSH, LH, total and free testosterone), lipid profiling, and inflammatory marker analysis. DNA extraction was performed from whole blood, followed by PCR amplification and direct sequencing of ApoE gene fragments containing SNPs rs429358 and rs7412. Results: PCOS participants demonstrated significantly higher age, body weight, and height compared to controls (p<0.05). Hormonal analysis revealed characteristic PCOS patterns with elevated LH, total testosterone, free testosterone, and C-reactive protein levels, alongside reduced FSH concentrations (p<0.001). Lipid profile analysis showed significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL levels, with lower HDL concentrations in PCOS patients (p<0.05). Genetic analysis identified three ApoE genotypes (ε3ε3, ε2ε3, ε3ε4), with ε3ε3 being most prevalent in both groups. No significant differences were observed in ApoE genotype or allele distribution between PCOS patients and controls (p>0.05). However, within the PCOS group, ε4 allele carriers exhibited significantly elevated total cholesterol (p=0.039), triglycerides (p=0.013), and VLDL levels (p=0.026) compared to ε2 and ε3 carriers. Conclusions: ApoE gene polymorphisms do not appear to significantly influence PCOS susceptibility, as genotype distributions were comparable between patients and controls. However, ApoE variants, particularly the ε4 allele, may modulate metabolic dysfunction severity in women with established PCOS, potentially affecting cardiovascular risk stratification and therapeutic management approaches.
Abstract
Background: Lifestyle medicines (LSMs) are used to help people alter their lifestyles. These medicines are used for purposes other than medicine or health. Aims & Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of LSM use among the students of the university, the rationale for their utilization, and the kinds of consequences, in order to give useful data for reasoning and prevention of this problem. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive research study was carried out. university students in Wasit, Iraq, by using a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were usefully recruited through online platforms. The questionnaire consist of four sections, including sociodemographic profile, knowledge, and awareness in a validated questionnaire format. Results: A total of 500 students aged between 18-25 and more were surveyed. The number who utilize LSMs was 470(94%). The most common agents utilized by a high number of students were vitamins 136(28.94%) followed by Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 41(8.72%), then caffeine-containing substances 38(8.09% ). The most frequent adverse effects related to use of LSMs were lethargy and fatigue and 68 (14.47%), and insomnia 41(8.72%). Conclusion: Awareness of Lifestyle Medications (LSMs) was moderate, with medical advice being the primary source of information. The study found a high prevalence of LSM use, with vitamins being the most commonly used. Adverse effects varied among users, with fatigue and the lethargy being the most reported. Despite diverse perceptions toward LSMs, a significant differences in awareness were noted based on gender and study field, highlighting the need for targeted education and intervention strategies.
Abstract
The use of radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer is now an integral part of modern nuclear medicine. Gamma-emitting isotopes such as technetium-99m and iodine-123 serve as the main diagnostic imaging weapon enabling great sensitivity and specificity, non-invasive functional visualization of thyroid physiology and disease. Todine-131 is the dominant therapeutic isotope, emitting cytotoxic beta radiation for the treatment of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer and thyroid remnant ablation. The effectiveness of radioactive iodine treatment is dependent on various factors including sodium-iodide symporter expression as well as dosimetry methods seeking to maximize absorbed dosages whilst simultaneously achieving successful treatment alongside minimizing non-target organ toxicity. Molecular radiotheragnostics and personalized dosimetry methods are slowly entering the clinical routine and will ensure higher diagnostic power and treatment efficacy in the future. Radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancers have long been challenging to manage, warranting novel approaches to integrate molecular biology, targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The changing context of radionuclide use in thyroid care highlights the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches, which promise to increase patient outcomes and the management of thyroid cancer
Abstract
Introduction and analysis: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The paper analyses works published within 2013 and 2025 were highlighted to ensure up-to-date judgements. Microorganism settle with all human body surfaces like gastrointestinal tract. Affecting broad of aspects regarding body physiological activities as a mediator, homeostasis, metabolism, inflammatory responses and most important is the interaction between gut microbiota enzymes and orally administered drugs. The review discuss many interventions regards microbiota within drugs that leads to hinder and fluctuates the bioavailability and effectiveness. Some interactions lead to reduce the efficacy of intake drugs while other may boost the therapy, by its effect on absorption, metabolism and reconditioning. A list of examples easy to access within database reveals the dug microbiota interaction by different mechanism, this review shows few examples upon different way of interaction to present a clear understands to such interventions. Conclusion: It is worthy to aim targeting the gut microbiota in different diseases, to assist in slow progression and improve the treatment. Therefore, by concentrating on all of these gaps and offering a genuine answer through creative methods, new trustworthy diagnostic tools, and microbiome targeted therapy, it is hoped to reduce response fluctuation and improve quality of life.
Abstract
Floating Drug Delivery Systems (FDDS) is a very recent approach in the development of oral drug delivery systems, which can be employed to control the gastric emptying time of filled device for both sustained and controlled release (CR) preparations, to locate the CR in a particular site, to minimize the drug loss and to improve drug delivery. These types of systems have a low density, are buoyant in gastric fluid, maintain longer residence time in the stomach with controlled drug release. FDDS can be prepared in tablets, capsules, powders, granules, films and microspheres and are especially valuable when dealing with highly water-soluble drugs with short halflife, having absorption window low in the gut or having instability at intestinal pH. There are several types of FDDS such as effervescent, non-effervescent, raft-forming, the hydrodynamically balanced and the inflatable system that uses different ways to float and consequent modification of release. Their performance is highly dependent upon physiological parameters, such as gastric pH, motility, meal content, age, and body position. FDDS have various advantages such as increased bioavailability, rapid onset of action, a lower frequency of dose administration, better patient compliance, and long site-specific action in the stomach, which is useful in the case of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. Nevertheless, gastric emptying variability and complexity of the formulation still pose obstacles. Newer excipients and polymers and newer carriers will continue to improve these systems, making FDDS a potential weapon for future gastroprotective and controlled-release therapies.
Abstract
The screening, production, and optimization of extracellular lipase from a fungus Aspergillus niger isolated from different sources were examined in this work. The isolated fungi were screened on tributyrin hydrolysis method to detect exogenous lipolytic activity. A promising lipase producing isolate of A. niger-6 was selected and identified as the highest lipaseproducing strain. The optimal conditions were determined for: inducer oil, carbon source, nitrogen source, initial pH value, incubation temperature, incubation period, inoculum size, and shaking speed for lipase production using one factor at a time approach. Maximum lipase production was observed in 1% olive oil, 2% glucose, 2g/l ammonium sulphate, pH6, 30°C, 5days, 1x106spores/ml-1, and 150 rpm, respectively.
Abstract
Objective: Wireless technologies are expanding rapidly, leading to a marked increase in human exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), mainly in the microwave frequency band emitted by mobile phones. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cell phone–generated microwave radiation on human red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro. Methods: Blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers and exposed to microwaves emitted from mobile phones at a distance of 1 cm for durations of 1, 5, and 20 minutes. Both computerized and manual hematological parameters were analyzed, including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), RBC count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), aggregation, deformability, and osmotic fragility. Results: A significant reduction in Hb concentration was observed after 20 minutes of exposure, along with a significant decrease in RBC count after 1 minute. The flow rate increased markedly, while aggregation and deformability parameters indicated alterations in the RBC membrane. Conclusion: The findings suggest that non-thermal microwave exposure can affect RBC morphology and function, likely through modifications in membrane integrity and surface charge, which may have implications for blood rheology under prolonged EMR exposure.
Abstract
Diabetic ulcer is a significant medical issue affecting millions of patients globally due to consequential morbidity, mortality, and health care system costs. The complex pathophysiological process of delayed wound healing in diabetic patients remains inadequately addressed with conventional treatment modalities. This review summarises recent advances in smart, responsive engineered drug delivery systems for the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Moreover, we exemplify these strategies using emerging technologies, including nanotechnology, hydrogel matrices, stimulus-responsive systems, and bioactives. New methodologies, including next-generation approaches such as 3D-printed scaffolds, nanofiber systems, and theranostic platforms, are presented as alternative treatment options that could change the landscape of diabetes-related wound care. Discussions on the challenges of translation, regulation, and application of new pharma-technologies in clinical research are offered
Abstract
Objective: Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogenic bacterium with clinical attributes of nosocomial infection and resistance to antibiotics. Phage therapy represents a potential solution because it can specifically target MDR strains. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a lytic bacteriophage specific to A. baumannii, evaluate its kinetic and lytic properties, and investigate the effects of laser treatment on enhancing phage antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods: Clinical specimens were collected from patients in three hospitals in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, and A. baumannii isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests, API systems, and 16S rRNA PCR sequencing. Environmental samples were screened to isolate lytic phages, which were propagated, purified, and analyzed using plaque assays and scanning electron microscopy. Phage kinetics—including adsorption rate, eclipse period, lysis time, and burst size—were assessed using standard bacteriophage quantification methods. Laser treatment was applied to evaluate its effect on phage activity under different temperatures and pH conditions. Results: A lytic phage specific to A. baumannii was successfully isolated, exhibiting an icosahedral head and a long tail typical of virulent phages. The phage showed rapid adsorption, a short eclipse period, and a high burst size (~111 phages per infected cell). It demonstrated strong lytic activity at temperatures between 35–45 °C and pH 8–10.5. Laser exposure, at 250 pulses, significantly enhanced phage antibacterial activity, resulting in faster bacterial lysis and increased phage productivity. Conclusions: The combination of phage therapy and laser treatment represents a promising strategy for combating MDR A. baumannii
Abstract
One of the most interesting pharmaceutical drug delivery systems with minimally invasive technique are Microneedles. In the recent years, many researchers have concluded that Microneedles can be a leading method in the future. As a drug delivery system, Microneedles can improve drug delivery by avoiding many barriers that were linked with the conventional system, these unique properties could make Microneedles widely used. The primary mechanism for improving drug delivery to the targeted site with minimal complications is by creating micro-sized pores in the skin layer. The growing interest of Microneedles in biomedical and pharmaceutical research is obtained by easy delivery of active ingredient with low invasive technique. Vaccines, peptides, and hormones are examples of molecules delivered by Microneedles. In this review, we will discuss Microneedles efficiency as drug delivery carriers, fabrication materials, and several related patents