Al-Turath Journal for Biology (ATJB) Scientific, open-access, peer-reviewed journal by Al-Turath University. Published quarterly (4 issues/year) under CC-BY 4.0. We use Turnitin to ensure originality. Free for authors and readers immediately upon publication. Journal Identity Abbreviation: Al-Turath Med. J. P-ISSN: 3080-5732 E-ISSN: 3080-5740 Language: English Metrics & Editor Frequency: Quarterly (4 issues/year) Acceptance: 45% Analysis: Scopus | WoS | GS Editor: Prof. Dr. Suha Maher Abed Submission Guidelines New Users: Click "Register" in the top bar. After email verification, you can login. *Do not re-register if you already have an account. Authors & Reviewers: Use the "Login" button to submit manuscripts, track progress, or complete reviews. To update your profile, login and click "Update My Information" at the top.
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Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infection after jaw surgery with a focus on the Iraqi clinical context
Background: Surgical site infections are among the most frequent and costly complications of maxillofacial surgery, including orthognathic surgery and the management of mandibular and midface fractures. Although routine preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is widely used to prevent these complications, the specific protocol varies and remains controversial. In settings such as Iraq, where antibiotic resistance is growing and prescribing is often inconsistent, this issue becomes more complex. Objective: To summarize the available evidence on the efficacy, regimen, and duration of antibiotic prophylaxis in maxillofacial surgery, and to analyze this evidence in light of the realities of antibiotic prescribing and resistance in Iraq. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional surveys, primarily published between 2018 and 2026, with earlier seminal studies consulted where appropriate. Eligible studies addressed antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery, mandibular fracture fixation, or maxillofacial injuries, or described antibiotic prescribing and resistance patterns in oral and maxillofacial infections, with a particular focus on Iraqi and regional data. Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. A single intravenous dose of a beta-lactam antibiotic preoperatively (usually amoxicillin–clavulanate or cefazolin, with clindamycin as an alternative for patients with penicillin allergy) appears sufficient for most orthognathic procedures, with no proven benefit from prolonged postoperative use. In mandibular fracture surgery, perioperative prophylaxis is strongly recommended, whereas prolonged postoperative use beyond 24–72 hours does not appear to reduce surgical site infection rates and may contribute to increased selective pressure for resistance. Iraqi data present a strikingly contradictory picture: maxillofacial infection isolates exhibit resistance rates ranging from 57.6% to 65.8% (penicillin 65.8%, tetracycline 61.3%, gentamicin 58.1%, ampicillin 57.6%), while surveys of Iraqi dentists and trainees document inconsistent and often guideline-contradictory prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics and prolonged courses. Conclusion: Global evidence supports short-acting, narrow-spectrum antibiotics for most maxillofacial surgeries; however, their application in the Iraqi context is challenged by high antibiotic resistance and inconsistent prescribing. There is a pressing need for a localized, culturally appropriate, and well-governed antibiotic protocol based on single-dose or short-term perioperative regimens, regular local antibiogram monitoring, and structured prescriber training.
surgical site infection; maxillofacial surgery; orthognathic surgery; antibiotic resistance; Iraq.
Copyright (c) 2025 THIS IS AN OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE UNDER THE CC BY LICENSE http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prevalence and Distribution of Bacterial Isolates from Blood Cultures Among Patients with Fever: A Retrospective Study
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a critical cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among febrile patients. Understanding the local epidemiology of bacterial isolates from blood cultures is essential for guiding empiric antimicrobial therapy and improving clinical outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates recovered from blood cultures of patients presenting with fever. This retrospective cross-sectional study involved analyzing 186 blood culture records of patients presenting with fever. All blood samples were analyzed using routine microbiological procedures which involved culture of samples on suitable media, biochemical identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (disk diffusion technique). Demographic data (age and sex) the culture result, organism identified and antibiotic susceptibility profile were retrieved and analyzed. Of the 186 blood cultures analyzed, 33 (17.7%) yielded bacterial growth while 153 (82.3%) showed no growth. Gram-positive organisms constituted the majority of isolates at 72.7% (n=24), with Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n=12, 36.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=11, 33.3%) being the predominant species. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 24.2% (n=8) of all positive cultures. Female patients comprised 55.4% of the study population and demonstrated a slightly higher culture positivity rate (18.4%) compared to males (16.8%). Notably, high rates of multidrug resistance were observed, particularly among Staphylococcus isolates, while vancomycin and linezolid retained full activity. The predominance of Gram-positive organisms underscores the importance of local surveillance data in guiding empiric antimicrobial therapy. The high prevalence of multidrug resistance highlights the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs and continuous monitoring of resistance trends to inform treatment protocols.
Blood culture; bacterial isolates; bloodstream infection; retrospective study; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Copyright (c) 2026 THIS IS AN OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE UNDER THE CC BY LICENSE http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Agricultural Runoff-Derived Fertilizer Contamination on the Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Biological Quality of Tigris River Water in the Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq
Background: Agricultural intensification along the Tigris River corridor in Salah al-Din Governorate has substantially increased the volume of nitrogen- and phosphorus-enriched runoff entering the river, particularly during rainfall events. The seasonal mobilization of synthetic fertilizers from adjacent farmlands represents one of the most underexamined stressors on Mesopotamian water resources. Aim: This study aimed to assess the extent and seasonality of fertilizer-derived contamination in the Tigris River by quantifying physicochemical, nutrient, heavy metal, and biological parameters at sites situated upstream, adjacent to, and downstream of active agricultural zones. Methods: Water samples were collected bi-seasonally (spring and autumn of 2022–2023) from four river sites spanning approximately 140 km of the Tigris within Salah al-Din. Physicochemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, BOD, COD), dissolved inorganic nutrients (NO₃⁻-N, NO₂⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N, PO₄³⁻-P), trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr), and biological indicators (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton density, water quality index) were determined following standard APHA (2017) and ISO protocols. One-way ANOVA with Duncan's post-hoc test was used for inter-site comparisons. Results: Agricultural sites recorded significantly elevated concentrations of NO₃⁻-N (14.62 ± 1.43 mg/L in spring), PO₄³⁻-P (0.62 ± 0.07 mg/L), and total coliforms (1840 ± 182 CFU/100 mL) relative to the upstream reference site (p < 0.05). Turbidity, BOD, and COD at Site 2 exceeded Iraqi national standards by 3.7-, 1.9-, and 1.9-fold, respectively. The water quality index dropped from 88.4 ± 3.2 (good) at the upstream site to 41.6 ± 4.8 (poor) at the primary agricultural site. Chlorophyll-a and phytoplankton abundance were approximately 6.7- and 8.0-fold higher at agricultural sites, indicating incipient eutrophication. Partial recovery was observed at the downstream site, though several parameters remained above permissible limits. Conclusion: Rainfall-driven fertilizer runoff from adjacent agricultural lands constitutes a quantifiable and seasonally variable threat to Tigris River water quality in the Salah al-Din region. Targeted best management practices, including riparian buffer zones, controlled-release fertilizers, and drainage regulation, are urgently needed to mitigate non-point source nutrient loading.
Tigris River; agricultural runoff; non-point source pollution; nutrient loading; eutrophication; water quality index; Salah al-Din; Iraq
Spatial assessment of the ecological hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), and soil thermal footprint. Fallujah, Iraq
Post-conflict environments in Iraq, and Fallujah (Anbar Governorate) in particular, have been subjected to repeated high-intensity military operations, widespread building demolition, open burning of infrastructure, and fuel-depot destruction, all of which are known to deposit pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) into adjacent agricultural soils. Despite an internationally recognised legacy of environmental and health concern in Fallujah, comprehensive organic soil contamination datawith spatial resolution, quantitative risk assessment, and soil-quality indexing remain scarce in the peer-reviewed literature. Objectives: To determine the concentrations of the 16 USEPA priority PAHs, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH C10–C40), benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalent quotient (BaP-TEQ), and black carbon (BC) across a twelve-site spatial network in Fallujah; to compute the Pollution-Load Index (PLI), Contamination Factor (CF), and Integrated Soil-Quality Index (SQI); to identify PAH sources using diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA); to characterise the spatial decay from the conflict epicentre; and to assess ecotoxicological and human-health implications against international soil-screening standards. Methods: Twelve surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from sites spanning 120–2,850 m from the Al-Sarai conflict epicentre in November 2023 dry season to minimise leaching bias. Σ₁₆PAHs and individual congeners were quantified by GC-MS (SIM mode; deuterated surrogate internal standards; seven-point calibration; MDL 0.005 µg/mL); TPH (C10–C40) by GC-FID (ISO 16703; nine-point calibration); black carbon (BC) by thermo-optical analysis (EUSAAR_2 protocol). Physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TOC, CEC, TN, available P, CaCO₃) were determined by standard methods. Contamination indices (CF, PLI, BaP-TEQ), source fingerprinting (diagnostic ratios; Fla/(Fla+Pyr); Ant/(Ant+Phe); IcdP/(IcdP+BghiP); BaA/(BaA+Chr)), PCA, ordinary-kriging interpolation, and Spearman/Pearson correlations were computed. Spatial decay modelling used nonlinear least-squares exponential fitting. Results: Σ₁₆PAH ranged from 0.24 mg/kg (background, S-12) to 16.56 mg/kg (epicentre, S-01), with extreme contamination (> 10 mg/kg; Maliszewska-Kordybach class IV) at three sites within 220 m of the epicentre. BaP-TEQ peaked at 4.97 mg/kg at S-01, exceeding the 1.0 mg/kg indicative action level at three sites. TPH peaked at 3,079 mg/kg (S-01) versus a background of 105 mg/kg; the Dutch TPH target value (50 mg/kg) was exceeded at nine of twelve sites. The integrated organic PLI reached 14.75 at S-01; ordinary-kriging surfaces show PLI > 3 (highly polluted) persisting to ≈ 400 m and PLI > 2 to ≈ 600 m from the epicentre. Exponential spatial-decay modelling estimated half-distances of 333 m (Σ₁₆PAH) and 276 m (BaP-TEQ). PCA (PC1 = 92.4% variance) and diagnostic ratios (Ant/(Ant+Phe) > 0.10; Fla/(Fla+Pyr) > 0.50) confirmed a dominantly pyrogenic combustion source at epicentre and high-tier sites. SQI was severely impaired at the three extreme sites (SQI ≤ 0.072 vs background 0.90). Conclusions: Fallujah agricultural soils within ≈ 400 m of the Al-Sarai conflict epicentre are severely contaminated with carcinogenic pyrogenic PAHs and petroleum hydrocarbons, with organic PLI values exceeding all published Iraqi and regional benchmarks. The SQI data confirm concurrent biological soil function impairment. These findings provide a spatial, multi-parameter evidence base for prioritised remediation, agricultural land-use restrictions within the extreme tier, and continued environmental health monitoring in Fallujah as mandated by UN Environment Programme principles for post-conflict recovery.
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; soil quality index; Iraq; pollution-load index; organic pollutants
Prevalence of blaTEM and mecA resistance genes, their molecular characteristics, and associated risk determinants in bacterial isolates from patients suspected of having bacteraemia at Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading global health threat, responsible for 1.27 million attributable deaths in 2019, and Iraq has experienced a poorly characterised escalation in multidrug-resistant nosocomial infections. The blaTEM and mecA genes are among the most clinically significant antimicrobial resistance determinants, yet their co-prevalence and predictors in Baghdad bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates remain undocumented.To determine and compare blaTEM and mecA prevalence in bacteraemia patients versus healthy controls at Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad; characterise antimicrobial susceptibility profiles; reconstruct phylogenetic relationships; and identify independent predictors of resistance gene carriage. This cross-sectional comparative study (March–September 2024) enrolled 50 bacteraemia patients and 20 healthy controls. Isolates were identified by Gram stain, VITEK-2, and MALDI-TOF MS; susceptibility was tested by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion (CLSI M100-S34). blaTEM and mecA were detected by PCR, with selected amplicons Sanger-sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Independent predictors were identified by multivariable logistic regression. Blood cultures were positive in 44/50 (88.0%) clinical and 8/20 (40.0%) control samples. S. aureus (31.8%), K. pneumoniae (25.0%), and E. coli (20.5%) predominated. blaTEM was detected in 56.8% of clinical versus 12.5% of control isolates (OR 9.21, p=0.046); mecA in 29.5% versus 25.0% (p=0.795). MRSA accounted for 71.4% of clinical S. aureus isolates. Resistance was high to ampicillin (88.6%), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (61.4%), and ceftriaxone (56.8%); imipenem resistance was 15.9%. Clinical group membership (aOR 9.17), prior antibiotic use (aOR 4.52), and K. pneumoniae species (aOR 8.63) independently predicted blaTEM carriage. Sequenced isolates clustered with regional TEM-1b lineages. This study reveals a high prevalence of blaTEM (56.8%) and MRSA (71.4%) among bacteraemia patients at a Baghdad tertiary hospital, with prior antibiotic use as the strongest modifiable predictor. These findings support urgent antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and molecular AMR surveillance in Iraqi hospitals.
Ambient Air Pollution and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in a High-Traffic Residential District of Baghdad, Iraq
Background: Ambient air pollution is a leading modifiable environmental determinant of non-communicable disease, acting through the induction of systemic oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. Baghdad, Iraq, experiences ambient particulate matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations that substantially exceed World Health Organization (WHO) Global Air Quality Guideline (AQG) 2021 levels. Direct neighbourhood-level evidence linking ambient pollution to circulating oxidative stress biomarkers in Iraqi residential populations remains limited. Objective: To compare ambient concentrations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress — malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) — between adult residents of the Al-Amil district (a high-traffic mixed residential-industrial area in southwestern Baghdad) and residents near Al-Zawraa Park (a low-traffic green-space reference area), and to evaluate relationships between pollutant concentrations and biomarker levels against WHO AQG 2021 reference values. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in October–November 2023 among adult residents of Al-Amil (exposed group, n = 80) and the Al-Zawraa Park reference area (control group, n = 80). Ambient PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ were measured using a calibrated real-time monitoring station over 14 consecutive days at each site. Venous blood samples were collected; serum MDA was quantified by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) spectrophotometric method and GSH by the Ellman (DTNB) method, each referenced to a freshly prepared calibration curve. Group comparisons used the independent-samples t-test; associations between pollutant concentrations and biomarkers were assessed by Spearman correlation and linear regression (α = 0.05). Results: Mean 14-day PM₂.₅ at the exposed site was 89.8 ± 13.0 µg/m³ versus 30.1 ± 5.4 µg/m³ at the control site (p < 0.0001), exceeding the WHO AQG 2021 24-hour reference of 15 µg/m³ by 5.99-fold and 2.01-fold, respectively. PM₁₀ was 181.2 ± 16.9 versus 69.1 ± 9.6 µg/m³ (p < 0.0001); NO₂ was 56.9 ± 10.5 versus 19.1 ± 5.7 µg/m³ (p < 0.0001); SO₂ was 24.9 ± 5.4 versus 9.2 ± 3.6 µg/m³ (p < 0.0001). Serum MDA was significantly higher in the exposed group (3.76 ± 0.62 nmol/mL vs. 1.88 ± 0.40 nmol/mL; p < 0.001) and GSH significantly lower (18.7 ± 4.1 µg/mL vs. 33.6 ± 4.7 µg/mL; p < 0.001). Strong positive Spearman correlations were observed between PM₂.₅ and MDA (ρ = 0.736, p < 0.0001) and between NO₂ and MDA (ρ = 0.744, p < 0.0001). Linear regression yielded: Serum MDA = 0.031 × PM₂.₅ + 0.929 (R² = 0.749, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Residential proximity to a high-traffic mixed-use Baghdad district is associated with substantially elevated ambient pollutant concentrations all exceeding WHO AQG 2021 reference values and a concomitant oxidant-antioxidant imbalance characterised by significantly elevated MDA and depleted GSH. These findings support the urgent need for traffic management, industrial emission control, and green-space expansion policies in Baghdad, and provide a neighbourhood-level, WHO-referenced evidence base for Iraqi environmental health policy.
air pollution; oxidative stress; malondialdehyde; glutathione; particulate matter; nitrogen dioxide; Baghdad; Iraq; WHO air quality guidelines
Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Some Steroid Hormones on the Structure of Muscles in Adult Male Albino Rats
This study aimed to histologically evaluate the effect of some steroidal hormones on muscular tissue in adult rats. This study was conducted at the College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Tikrit. This study was conducted on adult white rats, where 32 rats were used ranging in age between 10–12 weeks and weighing (150–180) grams, and the experiment was divided into 8 groups each containing 4 rats. The experiment included three doses, the first therapeutic, the second prophylactic, and the third toxic, and the steroidal hormones in each dose included testosterone and boldenone together and testosterone and trenbolone together. The laboratory experiment results showed the appearance of muscular tissue with intact structure and normal regular muscle fibers in which the cytoplasm and peripheral nuclei appear in the negative control group (tap water), while in the positive control group (DMSO) simple and partial necrosis was found in the muscle fibers with slight infiltration of white blood cells as a result of mechanical stress during injection. Regarding the low therapeutic dose of testosterone and boldenone and testosterone and trenbolone, they had anabolic effects as the fibers appeared regular and compact with parallel bundles and their cytoplasm was acidophilic in staining with spindle-shaped nuclei, and leukocytic infiltration was also found reflecting an inflammatory response. As for the prophylactic dose of the same hormones, it revealed the presence of hypertrophy in the diameter of muscle fibers with intact structure and regularity of fibers and fibrotic hypertrophy. On the other hand, the toxic doses of these steroidal hormones showed severe and highly harmful and dangerous effects at the level of skeletal muscle fibers represented by tissue disintegration of these fibers and the appearance of prominent grooves in the cytoplasm and disintegration of muscular bundle continuity with acute focal necrosis and degeneration. Based on these results, it is clear that steroidal hormones represent a double-edged weapon as they enhance the construction of muscular tissue and hypertrophy of muscle fibers at low and moderate prophylactic doses, but at high or toxic doses they transform into a destructive risk factor for the structure of muscular tissue and cause severe histological and vascular damage.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of green algae Scenedesmus amatus in bioremediation of petroleum-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Background: Iraq’s economy depends heavily on oil production and exports. However, oil extraction, transportation, and refining generate substantial environmental pollution that can adversely affect water resources, human health, and other living organisms. Oil spills and refinery emissions contribute to increasing pollution levels and ecosystem degradation, highlighting the importance of adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly remediation strategies. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the green microalga Scenedesmus amatus to remove acenaphthylene from contaminated media at different initial concentrations. Methods: The bioremediation potential of S. amatus was investigated using acenaphthylene at initial concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/L. Residual acenaphthylene concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the removal efficiency was calculated for each treatment. Results: HPLC analysis demonstrated complete acenaphthylene removal, with a remediation efficiency of 100%, at initial concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/L. The findings indicate that S. amatus exhibited a high capacity to remove acenaphthylene under the experimental conditions. Conclusion: The green microalga Scenedesmus amatus showed promising potential for the bioremediation of acenaphthylene-contaminated environments. This biological approach may provide an economical and environmentally sustainable method for reducing petroleum-related pollution. Further studies are required to evaluate removal efficiency at higher pollutant concentrations and under field conditions.
Influence of Hemoglobin and Platelet Levels on Maternal Health Across Trimesters in Pregnant Women in Ramadi City, Iraq
Background: Anaemia during pregnancy remains a major public health problem in developing countries. This burden may be intensified in conflict-affected areas such as Ramadi City, Iraq, where access to healthcare services and adequate nutrition may be limited. However, evidence from Anbar Governorate remains scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate haemoglobin concentrations and platelet counts among pregnant women during the three trimesters of pregnancy, assess their relationships with maternal symptoms, and identify factors associated with anaemia in Ramadi City, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 114 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ramadi City between January and April 2025. Blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin concentration and platelet count using an automated haematology analyser. Demographic, clinical, and obstetric data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26. Results: Mean haemoglobin concentration declined significantly from 12.12 ± 1.40 g/dL during the first trimester to 10.45 ± 1.45 g/dL during the third trimester [F(2,111) = 9.60; p < 0.001]. Platelet counts did not differ significantly among the three trimesters (p = 0.798). Women with a previous history of anaemia had significantly lower haemoglobin concentrations than those without such a history (9.86 versus 11.76 g/dL; p < 0.001). Women receiving iron supplementation also had significantly lower haemoglobin concentrations than those who were not receiving supplementation (10.48 versus 11.54 g/dL; t(112) = −3.82; p < 0.001). Haemoglobin concentration was negatively correlated with fatigue (r = −0.239; p = 0.011), shortness of breath (r = −0.187; p = 0.047), and pallor (r = −0.257; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Haemoglobin concentrations declined significantly with advancing pregnancy and were associated with greater maternal symptom burden among pregnant women in Ramadi City. Platelet counts remained relatively stable across the three trimesters. The lower haemoglobin concentrations observed among women receiving iron supplementation may reflect supplementation prescribed in response to pre-existing anaemia rather than an adverse effect of supplementation. Routine antenatal screening, timely management of anaemia, appropriate iron supplementation, and improved access to prenatal healthcare are needed to reduce the burden of maternal anaemia in this population.
mir31and mir214 as a Potential Biomarker: Evaluating Its Expression and Progesterone Levels in Breast cancer
Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women globally. (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that critically regulate gene expression and are often dysregulated in various malignancies, serving as potential biomarkers for cancer progression. Progesterone, an endogenous steroid hormone, acts as a key regulator in mammary gland development and can significantly influence breast cancer risk and cyclical tumor cell proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of mir31 and mir214 as potential blood-based biomarkers in Iraqi women with breast cancer, and to assess their correlation with serum progesterone levels across different age groups and clinical stages. To achieve this, a case-control study was conducted involving 100 participants, including 50 apparently healthy controls and 50 breast cancer patients (clinical stages I–III, pre-metastasis, both treated and untreated). Circulating miRs were extracted, and the relative expression fold changes of mir31 and mir214 were quantified via Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) using a SYBR Green assay, normalized against the miRU6 small nuclear RNA housekeeping gene, while serum progesterone levels were determined using the Cobas e 411 automated immunoassay system with statistical analyses performed via IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. The results demonstrated that the highest distribution of breast cancer patients was within the 51–60 years age category (48.00%), showing a statistically significant difference compared to other age groups (p = 0.01). Significant differences were also observed across clinical stages, with mean values reflecting advancement from stage I to stages II and III (p = 0.001). Serum progesterone levels showed age-dependent fluctuations, with significant decreases in the 41–50 and 61–70 age brackets compared to healthy controls (p = 0.05). Notably, correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the expression fold changes of mir31 and mir214 in association with progesterone hormone levels (r = 0.284, p = 0.026). These findings suggest that the dysregulated expression of circulating mir31 and mir214, alongside their positive correlation with serum progesterone levels, underscores their potential utility as non-invasive blood-based biomarkers for monitoring breast cancer progression and hormonal alterations in Iraqi patients.
Patterns of Social Media Use and Their Perceived Effects on Academic Performance and Well-Being among Medical Students at Al-Kindy College of Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: It is becoming increasingly common for students to incorporate social media into their daily lives, raising concerns about its effects on academic performance and individual well-being. This study aimed to explore how medical students engage with social media and the effects they perceive it has on their lives. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Kindy College of Medicine during the 2023–2024 academic year. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to all students. Data obtained from 509 respondents were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 24. Results: The study included 509 participants, of whom 70.7% were female and 29.3% were male. Third-year students had the highest participation rate, accounting for 50.3% of the sample. A substantial proportion of students (36.7%) reported spending four to six hours daily on social media, with Instagram being the most frequently used platform (64.6%). Although 69.0% of students did not acknowledge that social media negatively affected their academic performance, considerable adverse effects were reported in other areas. More than 92% of students reported being distracted from their studies, while 88% indicated that social media affected their mood. Furthermore, 86% reported poor time management, 89% believed that their productivity was negatively affected, and 67.0% perceived a negative effect on their self-esteem. Conclusions: Medical students demonstrate extensive daily engagement with social media, particularly Instagram. Although students do not universally perceive a direct negative effect on their academic grades, the findings reveal substantial self-reported adverse effects on distraction, mood regulation, time management, productivity, and self-esteem. These areas represent important challenges to student well-being and academic efficiency.
Abstract Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a critical cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among patients presenting with fever. Understanding the local epidemiology of bacterial isolates recovered from blood cultures is essential for guiding empirical antimicrobial therapy and improving clinical outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates recovered from the blood cultures of patients presenting with fever. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved the analysis of 186 blood culture records from patients presenting with fever. Blood samples were examined using routine microbiological procedures, including inoculation on appropriate culture media, biochemical identification of bacterial isolates, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk-diffusion method. Demographic data, including age and sex, as well as culture results, identified organisms, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, were retrieved and analysed. Results: Of the 186 blood cultures analysed, 33 (17.7%) yielded bacterial growth, whereas 153 (82.3%) showed no growth. Gram-positive organisms constituted the majority of isolates, accounting for 72.7% (n = 24), with Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n = 12, 36.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 11, 33.3%) being the predominant species. Gram-negative organisms represented 24.2% (n = 8) of all positive cultures. Female patients comprised 55.4% of the study population and showed a slightly higher culture-positivity rate of 18.4% compared with 16.8% among male patients. High rates of multidrug resistance were observed, particularly among Staphylococcus isolates, whereas vancomycin and linezolid retained complete antimicrobial activity against the tested Gram-positive isolates. Conclusions: The predominance of Gram-positive organisms among positive blood cultures highlights the importance of local epidemiological surveillance in guiding empirical antimicrobial therapy. The high prevalence of multidrug resistance, particularly among Staphylococcus isolates, demonstrates the urgent need for effective antimicrobial stewardship programmes and continuous monitoring of resistance trends to support evidence-based treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Molecular Detection of pilA Gene and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Patients
Abstract Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly infectious and antibiotic-resistant pathogen and is considered one of the most important opportunistic bacteria associated with burn wound infections. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial-resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from burn patients in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, and to determine the frequency of the pilA virulence gene. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 burn wound swabs were collected between January and April 2025. Isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa were performed using conventional microbiological and biochemical methods, including growth on cetrimide agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the disc-diffusion method in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Molecular detection of the pilA gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 100 clinical specimens examined, 42 (42.0%) yielded P. aeruginosa isolates. Results: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high resistance rates to several commonly used antibiotics, including ceftazidime and gentamicin (85.7% each), cefepime (71.4%), aztreonam (61.9%), tobramycin (59.5%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (57.1%). A resistance rate of 50.0% was recorded for meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and colistin. Molecular analysis detected the pilA gene in 38 of the 42 isolates (90.5%), indicating its high prevalence among the isolates and its potential role in bacterial adhesion, motility, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa among patients with burn wound infections and highlight the potential contribution of the pilA virulence gene to bacterial pathogenicity. Continuous antimicrobial-resistance surveillance, rational antibiotic use, and strict implementation of infection-control measures are required to limit the spread of resistant and highly virulent P. aeruginosa strains in healthcare settings.
Effects of Al-Doura Thermal Power Plant Emissions on Soil Quality: A Multivariate Assessment with Long-Term Environmental Projections
This study determined the effects of industrial pollution from the Al-Doura Thermal Power Station, south of Baghdad, Iraq, on the physicochemical properties and contamination gradient of adjacent soils. A distance-based sampling design was used across three sites: Site A (high pollution, <100 m), Site B (moderate pollution, 300–500 m), and Site C (control, >800 m). Thirty soil samples collected at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm) were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, organic matter, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn), and soil temperature. All parameters differed significantly among the sites, with Site A showing the highest values and a progressive decline with increasing distance from the pollution source. One-way analysis of variance confirmed significant between-site differences (p < 0.05), and Tukey’s post-hoc test separated Site A from Sites B and C. Pearson correlation analysis, computed using the full sample-level dataset, showed strong associations between TPH and EC (r = 0.87, p < 0.01), and between soil temperature and Ni (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified a primary axis (PC1, 52.8% of the total variance) dominated by TPH, EC, and soil temperature, and a secondary axis (PC2, 23.4%) dominated by heavy metals. A separate controlled biochar-amendment experiment conducted on heavily contaminated soil markedly reduced TPH, EC, and Ni while restoring soil-enzyme activity and crop performance. A conceptual, scenario-based projection suggested accelerated soil degradation and contaminant mobility by 2050, broadly consistent with global estimates indicating 15–17% cropland degradation. These findings provide a multivariate framework for understanding soil degradation under combined industrial and climatic pressures in semi-arid environments.
Industrial pollution; soil contamination; total petroleum hydrocarbons; heavy metals; biochar; principal component analysis; Al-Doura Thermal Power Station; soil degradation.
Analysis Study of Vaccinated Peoples with Coronavirus patients and measurement Immunoglobulin G levels
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), spread rapidly worldwide and became a major global health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of infections and deaths were reported during the pandemic. Antibodies directed against the viral spike protein play an essential role in viral neutralisation and immune protection. This study included 186 blood and nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from individuals of different ages and both sexes at several hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq, between 7 September 2022 and 16 April 2023. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in all participants using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Haematological parameters and ABO blood groups were determined, while anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Complete blood count analysis showed that white blood cell counts, haemoglobin concentrations, and platelet counts were higher in Group 1, comprising unvaccinated patients, than in the control group, whereas lymphocyte counts were lower. Analysis of ABO blood groups showed that blood groups A and O were more frequently represented among infected participants than the other blood groups. Moreover, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG concentrations were elevated in Group 1. These findings indicate that vaccination status may be associated with differences in haematological and immunological parameters among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Further controlled studies are required to confirm these associations and determine their clinical significance.
COVID-19, Vaccination, Immunoglobulin G, CBC, Blood Groups, SARS-CoV-2
Bioremediation of Lead, Cadmium and Zinc in Industrially Contaminated Soils of the Al-Ma’amal Area, Baghdad, Iraq, Using Indigenous Pseudomonas and Bacillus Isolates
Rapid and poorly regulated industrialisation has resulted in the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils within the peri-urban industrial zones of Baghdad. This study quantified lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) contamination in surface soils from the Al-Ma’amal industrial area, located near brick kilns and open waste-burning sites, and evaluated the ability of indigenous Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. isolates to reduce metal concentrations under controlled microcosm conditions. Surface soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm from two contaminated sites and one reference site and analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Soil contamination was assessed using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). A 60-day laboratory-scale microcosm experiment was conducted to evaluate metal removal by a two-strain bacterial consortium. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured as indicators of bacterial adaptation to metal-induced oxidative stress. At the most contaminated site, mean concentrations reached 210 mg kg−1 for Pb, 16 mg kg−1 for Cd, and 117 mg kg−1 for Zn. Pb and Cd concentrations exceeded the commonly cited WHO/FAO guideline values by approximately 2.5- and 5-fold, respectively. The calculated Igeo values indicated strong-to-extreme Cd enrichment, while the PLI was approximately 9, confirming substantial overall contamination. The bacterial consortium reduced soil metal concentrations by approximately 62–70% after 60 days. SOD and CAT activities increased markedly under metal-stress conditions compared with the controls, reaching approximately 3.3-fold higher levels. Metal concentrations were strongly and positively correlated with antioxidant enzyme activities, with Pearson correlation coefficients exceeding 0.90. These findings demonstrate substantial anthropogenic Pb and Cd contamination in the soils of the Al-Ma’amal industrial area and support the potential application of indigenous Pseudomonas–Bacillus consortia as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for the bioremediation of metal-contaminated industrial soils in Iraq.
Heavy metals in soils; bioremediation; Pseudomonas; Bacillus; geoaccumulation index; contamination factor; pollution load index; oxidative stress; Baghdad; Al-Ma’amal
Advances in Thin-Film Deposition Technologies: From Physical and Chemical Vapor Deposition to Computational Modeling
Because of their many uses in microelectronics, optoelectronics, energy systems, biomedical devices, protective coatings, and surface engineering, thin-film deposition technologies are essential to contemporary materials science and engineering. The structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical characteristics of thin films are largely dependent on the choice of a suitable deposition method. The main thin-film deposition techniques, such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and computational simulation techniques, are thoroughly covered in this review. The operating principles, benefits, drawbacks, and common uses of both traditional and cutting-edge PVD methods—such as thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation, sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, ion plating, activated reactive evaporation, and ionized cluster beam deposition—are covered in this review. Additionally, it highlights the deposition mechanisms and process features of the major CVD processes, including conventional CVD, plasma-enhanced CVD, and laser-assisted CVD. Additionally, the contribution of molecular beam epitaxy to the production of superior epitaxial thin films is discussed. Furthermore, recent advances in computational modeling are reviewed as useful tools for comprehending film growth mechanisms, optimizing deposition parameters, and enhancing coating performance. These include molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo methods, multiscale modeling, and predictive control techniques. Lastly, the review highlights the suitability of various materials and industrial applications by contrasting the capabilities of physical, chemical, and simulation-based approaches. For researchers and engineers interested in thin-film deposition technologies and their future development, this work offers a succinct and current reference.
coating; chemical vapor deposition; thin film preparation; physical vapor deposition
Isolation and Morphological Identification of Two Freshwater Green Microalgae Isolated from Different Aquatic Habitats in Iraq
Microalgae that live in freshwater form an important element to wetlands and there has been much interest developed surrounding their ecological significance and their potential use in biotechnological applications and remediation efforts for environmental conditions. We aim, in the current study, to examine the morphological characteristics of the samples taken from multiple aquatic ecosystems across Iraq's freshwater environments. Samples were obtained from a wastewater treatment basin at the Samarra Drug Industries Plant and along with two sample sites along the Tigris River, which receives wastewater effluent, within Baghdad (where discharge occurs). Isolation of the samples was performed using serial dilution and streak plate methods on CH-13 medium maintained under laboratory conditions. Purified cultures of axenic strains were produced that were free of bacterial and/or fungal contamination. Light microscopy and taxonomic keys were used in morphological assessments. Morphologically, the isolates were all different based on the size, shape, and structural characteristics of their cells, cell walls, chloroplasts, and reproduction. The Chlorococcum humicola isolate was characterized as large (spherical or subspherical) with thick walls, dark green pigment, and parietal chloroplasts. Alternatively, the Chlorella vulgaris isolate was described as small and spherical, with bright green pigmentation, cup-shaped chloroplasts, and reproducing via autospore formation. The fact that two species were isolated from contaminated aquatic habitats suggests there is some resilience to environmental stresses and points toward their potential application in wastewater treatment and bioremediation. The data generated here contributes to existing data regarding the microalgal biodiversity indigenous to Iraq, and provides information that can be utilised in future physiological and environmental studies.
Microalgae, Chlorococcum humicola, Chlorella vulgaris, Morphological Identification, Isolation, Freshwater Algae, Iraq
Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria and copper oxide nanoparticles on the tissues of male mice
L. acidophilus is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries to improve the natural gut flora, which is related to human digestive health. It offers excellent therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits due to its biological activity in producing bacteriocins that inhibit pathogenic bacteria, as well as its ability to bind to epithelial cells. This binding prevents the adhesion of intestinal bacterial pathogens through competitive exclusion. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and identify strains of L. acidophilus from local yogurt and evaluate the inhibitory effect of the metabolites of these bacterial strains on the tissues of male mice infected with E. coli-induced diarrhea. This research was conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Life Sciences at Samarra University from September 1, 2025, to November 1, 2025. In this research , a strain of L. acidophilus, a lactic acid bacteria, was obtained. The results showed that the metabolites of this strain possess good efficacy in inhibiting the E. coli serotype causing diarrhea. Histological sections were taken from 0% and 10% of mice with liver, intestinal, and kidney infections. Inflammatory cells infiltrated the subcutaneous layer due to anaerobic E coli bacteria. This resulted in congestion, hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the intestinal epithelial layers, tissue necrosis, deterioration of the stratified squamous epithelium, increased number of dead cells in the external lumen, breakdown of the keratin layer, and a change in the appearance of the stratified squamous epithelium, giving it a fibrous appearance.
Lactobacillus acidophilus = L. acidophilus, pathogenic bacteria= E.coli , Histo inflammatory = infection tissue liver, intestinal, and kidney infections
Diversity and Conservation of the Mesopotamian Marshes of Southern Iraq: A Survey of a World Heritage Site
Mesopotamian Marshes are the most significant wetland ecosystem in Iraq and an internationally significant location of migratory waterbirds in the West Asian- East African Flyway. In this paper, extensive surveys of waterbirds were examined during 12 months long (way, October 20236 September 2024) on three large marsh systems (Central, Hawizeh, Hammar). With the standardized number of counts of 48 sites (576 individual counts), we recorded 127 species (134,682 individuals) that belonged to 18 different families. All systems had species accumulation curves that approached asymptotes, which showed sufficient effort in sampling. There was a significant difference in the diversity of Shannon (H') between marsh systems (ANOVA: F=8.42, p<0.01): Central Marshes (H'=3.84) > Hawizeh (H'=3.62) > Hammar (H'=3.21). Twelve conservation concern species were listed with three being Vulnerable (Marbled Teal, White-headed Duck, Ferruginous Duck). Peak of Winter was 68,420 people (January). The species richness decreased by about 23 percent and winter populations by about 65; but due to methodological variations, the two cannot be exactly compared to past data in the 1970s (Scott 1995). The marshes maintained [?]1 percent of flyway populations of eight species and so met the qualifications of international status. The threats that are still present are the decrease in the water inflows, illegal hunting, and degradation of habitats. These results compose a very important base line information on conservation management of this UNESCO world heritage site.
Waterbirds, Mesopotamian Marshes, Biodiversity, Conservation, UNESCO, Iraq, Wetlands
Water Pollution Effect on Community Structure and Diversity of fish in Shatt al-Arab River, southern Iraq
Shatt al-Arab River is subjected to extreme levels of environmental degradation due to decreased inflow of freshwater, intrusion of salinity and industrial/agricultural wastes. The paper evaluated the fish diversity and heavy metal pollution within a 120-km long area between Qurna (freshwater) and Fao (marine-influenced) between the months of February and September 2024. Standardized gill nets collected a total of 2,847 fish specimens representing 24 species, 12 families and this was the effort (3 nets 12 hours per site per month). The species richness of fish decreased greatly downstream (ANOVA: F=18.4, p=0.001), as there were 18 species at Site 1 and 9 species at Site 4. Shannon diversity index (H 7 ) was between 2.41 (Site 1) and 1.28 (Site 4). The native freshwater species declined by 72 per cent upstream and 28 per cent downstream by euryhaline/marine species. Analysis of heavy metals showed that Pb levels in water (18.4-42.6 ug/L) is more than WHO (10 ug/L) recommendations in Sites 3-4. Cd levels in fish muscle tissue (0.12-0.38 ug /g wet weight) were greater than FAO/WHO limit (0.05 ug/g wet weight) in Planiliza abu and Coptodon zillii at downstream localities. The bioaccumulation factors were between 156 and 2840. Such results reveal the extreme amount of ecological degradation and food safety issues, which require immediate management actions such as the restoration of the freshwater flows and the prevention of pollution.
Fish diversity, Heavy metals, Shatt al-Arab, Bioaccumulation, Salinity intrusion, Water pollution, Iraq
In vitro Study on the antibacterial Activity of Selected Iraqi Medicinal Plants against Multi Drug Resistant Clinical Isolates
The solutions to this are more sought after by the emergence of the multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The paper tested the MDR clinical isolates (n=5 total: MRSA, ESBL-producing E. coli, P. aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii) on the antibacterial activity of methanol and aqueous extracts of five Iraqi medicinal plants ( Thymus vulgaris, Nigella sativa, Matricaria chamomilla, Rosmarinus officinalis and Punica granatum ). The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration were established using broth microdilution technique according to CLSI guidelines (M07-A10). Thymus vulgaris methanolic extract had the highest antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.12-12.5 mg/mL and MBC values of 6.25-25 mg/mL (MBC /MIC ratio 1-2, which indicates bactericidal activity). Nigella sativa was also found to be very active against MRSA (MIC 6.25mg/mL, MBC 12.5mg/mL). The Punica granatum peel extract showed a broad-spectrum activity (MIC 6.25-25mg/mL). Thymol (42.3) and carvacrol (28.6) were found to be major constituents of T. vulgaris by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, with NIST 17 library. These results believe in the possibilities of the Iraqi medicinal plants as sources of natural antibacterial agents, but the MIC values are quite high compared to conventional antibiotics (normally <0.001 mg/mL) which implies their use as complements and not as alternatives to conventional antimicrobial treatment.
Medicinal plants, Antibacterial activity, Multi-drug resistance, MIC, MBC, Thymus vulgaris, Nigella sativa, Iraq
Bacterial Diversity and Water Quality Assessment of Tigris River in Baghdad during Wet and Dry Periods: A Cross-Sectional Study
The Tigris River is the major source of drinking water of Baghdad citizens, but it experiences growing pollution of urban, industrial, and agricultural sources. This was a cross-sectional study to determine the bacterial diversity and water quality parameters at 5 sampling locations across the Tigris River in Baghdad in wet (January-April) and dry (May-August) seasons in 2024. One hundred and twenty water samples were taken out (5 sites x 8 months x triplicate). The outcomes indicated a great seasonal change in the bacteria count (two-way ANOVA: season effect F=42.6, p=0.001; site effect F=28.4, p=0.001). The mean total coliform, in the dry period (geometric mean of 3.8x104 CFU/100mL) was very high in comparison with the wet period (1.6x104 CFU/100mL) (p<0.001). E. coli was observed at 100 percent of the sites with a greater number of CFU down the stream (mean 4.2x103 CFU/100mL) than the up stream (1.8x103 CFU/100mL). The number of identified bacteria species (16) belonged to 8 families, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H) ranged at 1.86 (upstream) to 2.42 (downstream). There was negative correlation between dissolved oxygen and bacterial counts (r=-0.68, p1). According to WHO recreational water guidelines, all the sites have a high health risk level when considering the E. coli level. These results show that there are severe fecal pollution of the Tigris River, and the further enhancement of the wastewater treatment is needed.
Bacterial diversity, Tigris River, Water quality, Coliform bacteria, E. coli, Baghdad, Iraq
Immune receptors and cytokines and their effect on the immune status of leishmaniasis patients
The study samples were collected from Samarra General Hospital and external dermatology clinics. The number of studied samples was 60 samples infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis after clinical confirmation by a specialist physician and 30 samples from healthy individuals. The study period was from October 2022 to March 2023 and the results were as follows: For tumor necrosis factor alpha, the results in patients were (1.1923 + 0.0713) pg/ml, which is high when compared to healthy people (0.4831 + 0.0528) pg/ml. As for the level of interleukin-2, the results in patients were (0.908 + 0.258) pg/ml compared to healthy people (0.4259 + 0.0554) pg/ml. As for the levels of interleukin-4, the results in patients were (0.769 + 0.236) pg/ml compared to healthy people (0.5187 + 0.0950) pg/ml. As for the levels of interleukin-13, the results in patients were (1.132 + 0.173) pg/ml, while in people The healthy people had (0.4748 + 0.0776) pg/ml, while the results of Toll-2 receptors in the infected people were (0.700 + 0.184) pg/ml, which is a high percentage compared to healthy people (0.3660 + 0.0874) pg/ml. As for Toll-4 receptors, the results of the infected people were (0.960 + 0.226) pg/ml compared to healthy people (0.574 + 0.108) pg/ml.
Copyright (c) 2025 Al-Turath Journal for Biology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing SOD 1 Activity in Thalassemia: New insights
Thalassemia is an inherited blood illness where there is a decrease or lack of one or more globin chains in haemoglobin, resulting in anaemia and associated problems. The disease's pathogenesis includes inadequate erythropoiesis, hemolysis, and significant oxidative stress caused by iron excess, particularly in patients receiving frequent blood transfusions. The ELISA technique was utilised to quantify the amounts of superoxide dismutase1( SOD1) in the samples under investigation. Each group comprised 10 participants. The average SOD level in the patient group was 17,856 units, with a median of 16,492 units and a standard deviation of 6,391 units. The control group had a mean SOD level of 19,915 units and a median of 13,548 units, showing a higher variability with a standard deviation of 16,874 units.
Evaluating SOD1 as a Prognostic Factor in Leukemia
Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of leukemia, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) playing a critical role in the defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The assessment of SOD levels in leukemia patients can provide insights into the oxidative stress profile and its association with the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 10 patients diagnosed with leukemia and 10 healthy controls. SOD levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a highly sensitive method allowing for precise measurement of the enzyme activity in the blood. Results: The patient group exhibited higher mean (19,759) and median (15,079) SOD levels compared to the control group (mean: 13,445, median: 11,562). However, a substantial overlap in SOD levels was observed between the two groups, as evidenced by the standard errors (patient group SE: 4794, control group SE: 2373). The difference in SOD levels did not achieve statistical significance (P-Value: 0.253), suggesting that within the limits of the study's scale and design, the results did not conclusively indicate a distinct difference in SOD levels between patients with leukemia and healthy individuals. Conclusion: Although an increased trend in SOD levels was noted among leukemia patients, the study did not find a statistically significant difference. The results warrant further investigation with a larger cohort to determine the relevance of SOD levels in leukemia and its potential as a biomarker for oxidative stress-related pathology in the disease.
leukemia, superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen species
Bioremediation of pesticide Glyphosate (Ground-UP SL) and Remove Cd, Cr elements from polluted aquatic media by using Chlorococcum humicola, Chlorella vulgaris algae
Within this study, the effectuality of green algae cells represented by the Chlorococcum humicola and Chlorella vulgaris species have been tested for the remediation of Glyphosate pesticide and the removal of elemental Cd and Cr from a polluted aquatic medium by using different components of pesticides and elements (25, 50, 75, 100) mg/ L (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25) (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) mg/L. The exposure time that is applied in the study is 3, 6, 9 and 12 days under laboratory conditions of 25 °C with lighting intensity of 3000 Lux and 16 hours lighting: 8 darkness in the middle of the static and dynamic (shaker) medium at a speed of rotation 150 rpm. The end results showed that the higher capacity of cells C. humicola algae was able to destroy the pesticide at a rate of 78.5% dynamic medium and 61.1% for the static medium compared to the C. vulgaris algae. This recorded the highest rate of the destroyed comprising of 17.7% for the dynamic medium and 15.3% for static medium. As for the results of removing heavy elements, we found that the efficiency of the first algae of Cd element recording 99.5% in the dynamic medium and 98.80% for the static medium at a concentration of 12.5 mg/L. While the Cr element was recorded with 78.7% of the dynamic medium and 76.6% for the static medium at a concentration of 1 mg/L. In retrospect, the removal results for the second algae were lower. The highest removal rate for the Cd element appeared at a concentration of 2.5 mg/L which was 86.7% for the dynamic medium and 75.7% for the static medium , whereby the Cr element was 72.7% and 71.07% for the concentration of 1 mg/L in the dynamic and static medium respectively. The conclusion of this study is that C. humicola algae can be mostly characterized by a higher capacity in order to destroy the Glyphosate pesticide as well as the removal of high concentrations of Cd compared to Cr , and with high efficiency in the dynamic medium more than the static medium in the most treated.
Bioremediation, dynamic medium, and static medium
Study of the Aquatic Oligochaetes Community in Tigris River Sediment, Baghdad Iraq
The present investigation is concerned with study the community structure of aquatic oligochaetes collected fromTigris River sediment in three sites within Baghdad province Including site (S1),is located north of Baghdad, at A- Rashydia district, site (S2) is located in middle at Al- Sarafiya District, , while the third site (S3) is located south Baghdad at Al-Za'afaraniya district. for the period from December 2018 to November 2019. A total of 1999 individual represented 13 species were sorted, seven species of them belonging to the subfamily Tubificinae , two species to the subfamily Rhyacodrillinae, two species to the subfamily Naidinae , in addition to one species of each of subfamily pristininae, and family Enchytraeidae). The result revealed presence of Embolocephalus velutinus (Grube,1879) and Limnodrilus maumeensis (Brinkhurst and Cook,1901), which are considered as new records for Tigris River fauna.. According to the Relative abundance Limnodrilus spp specially L. hoffmesisteri in all study sites. Temporally , the most species richness was recorded during Limnodrilus species were record.
Aquatic Oligochaetes; Naididae ; Tigris River