Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Anemia And Its Public Health Implications In Population Health, Sahar Abdul Wahab Alshaban, Raghda Shams Akram, Alaa Al-Noori, Noor Thair Tahir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

One to three percent of people worldwide suffer from anemia, a condition that impairs brain development, increases illness and mortality, and lowers labor productivity. Developing successful interventions to address specific causes of anemia and evaluating anemia management programs require an understanding of the numerous and diverse causes of anemia. The description and categorization of anemia, the physiological processes by which anemia arises, the importance of inherited hemoglobin abnormalities in specific populations, and a number of circumstances that contribute to the development of anemia are all covered. The conclusion of this review is as follows. Anemia is a significant global health …

Flowable Resin-Based Composites: From Fundamental Science To Modern Restorative Techniques, Farah Badri Mahdi, Hiba Ammar Yahya, Kawther Ali Adnan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The function regarding flowable resin-based composites in restorative dentistry has considerably changed as they have been first introduced as low-viscosity alternatives in late 1990s. Because of the degraded mechanical properties and lower filler content, they were first just suitable for low-stress applications, like cavity liners. However, further advancements in the material science have produced highly-filled, next-generation flowables. The traditional trade-off between durability and fluidity is being challenged by materials’ improved properties, which include higher flexural strength and wear resistance. Furthermore, the development regarding bulk-fill flowables, which use advanced photoinitiators as well as polymerization modulators for the purpose of enabling uniform …

The Efficacy Of Traditional Versus Herbal Extracts Chelating Agents On Dentin Micro-Hardness, Sara Murtadha Abdul Hussein, Raghad A. Al-Hashimi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different chelating agents including EDTA, citric acid, green tea extract (Camellia sinensis, and chitosan on dentin micro-hardness.Materials and Methods: Fifty palatal roots of maxillary first molars were instrumented using ProTaper Next system and randomly divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation protocol: Group A (NaOCl +distilled water - Negative control), Group B (17% EDTA-Positive control), Group C (10% citric acid), Group D (green tea extract), and Group E (0.2% chitosan nanoparticles). Dentin micro-hardness was measured using Vickers hardness tester. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and …

Sport And Athletes Under The Shadow Of Covid-19 Pandemic, Abdul Razzaq Jabr Al Majidi, Rebah N. Algafari, Rehab S. Ramadhan, Rafia S. Fathi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The end of 2019 witnessed the announcement of worldwide pandemic Covid-19 around the world that influenced every part of human life. Sports and athletes were one of these parts affected by the pandemic since many competitions and tournaments were canceled or postponed and put athletes under spotlight as an important category susceptible to infection or as they been admired and loved by the population may help in spreading infection. Following reports dealing with athletes, exercise, immunity, and severity of infection, the following points were concluded: first, moderate practicing boosts immune system and make the human less affected by Covid-19 infection …

Gamma-Ray Knife And Application Features In Medicine, Yaqoob. M. Baqer, Ayad A. Al-Taweel

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) is a sophisticated procedure that delivers a concentrated dose of ionizing radiation to a pre-identified therapeutic target. A non-invasive radiation therapy intended to address numerous disorders impacting the brain and upper spine. The inaugural GKR facility was established by Leksell in 1951, during an era when intracranial surgical interventions resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Initially intended for the management of functional problems, it was first employed to treat a patient with a craniopharyngioma and another with a pituitary adenoma. Initially, gamma radiation from radioactive cobalt sources was used instead of proton beams and linear accelerators. …

Comprehensive Review Of Facial Asymmetry: Etiology, Diagnosis, And Management Strategies, Hiba Ammar Yahya, Sara M. Al-Mashhadany

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

A certain degree of facial asymmetry is not only a normal biological variation but can also contribute positively to perceived beauty. However, delineating the precise boundary between ‘normal’ asymmetry and ‘abnormal’ asymmetry, the latter necessitating clinical intervention, remains a complex and subjective endeavor. Minor facial asymmetry is commonly observed even in individuals with aesthetically attractive faces, typically remaining indiscernible and thus not requiring any treatment. The determination of when ‘normal’ asymmetry transitions into ‘abnormal’ is frequently influenced by clinician’s aesthetic judgment and, critically, the patient’s perception of imbalance. The perceived abnormality of facial asymmetry is, therefore, highly dependent on individual …

Genetic Basis Of Diabetic Retinopathy: Uncovering Molecular Links And Risk Factors—A Review Article, Ammar Kadhim Alzubaidi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Genetics play a major role in diabetic retinopathy DR, which is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although the factors such as how long a person has had diabetes and high blood sugar are important, the wide variation and progression of DR indicates to a clear genetic influence. Early studies focusing on a few candidate genes (such as VEGF) produced conflicting and population-dependent results. This confirmed the multifactorial nature of the disease and the limitations of small-scale studies. Conversely, genome wide association studies (GWAS) have provided more consistent findings in detection a new genes related to DR. For example, rs2239785 …

Relationship Between Hashimoto Thyroiditis And Some Immunogenic Markers, Amani Mahmood Tuama, Aliyaa Taresh Obaid

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder, affecting women 7–10 times more often than men, that develops because of genetic susceptibility, X chromosome inactivation patterns modulated by environmental factors as well as micro biome composition, and leads to an imbalance in self-tolerance mechanisms. The consequential thyroid infiltration by lymphocytes, potentiated by antibody-mediated autoimmune response through the antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO Abs), leads to a destruction of thyrocytes. The presence of TPO Abs is associated with a 2 to 4-fold increase in the risk of recurrent miscarriages and preterm birth in pregnant women. Aim: The aim of the study …

Wettability Assessment Of Room-Temperature Soft Liners Incorporated With Strontium Titanate Nanoparticles, Zakaria Azzam Alabed, Aseel Mohammed Al-Khafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: Soft denture liners are widely used in prosthodontics for their ability to cushion masticatory forces and enhance comfort in patients with compromised oral mucosa. However, conventional liners often exhibit limitations such as poor adhesion to the denture base, microbial colonization, and inadequate mechanical stability. Materials and Methods: Strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) nanoparticles were incorporated into a self-cured soft denture liner. Three equal groups of fifteen specimens were created, each of which contained 0%, 1%, and 1.5% SrTiO₃ by weight. All procedures were conducted under simulated intraoral temperature, following manufacturer guidelines. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences …

Gpbb And Tg/Hdl Ratio As Emerging Indicators In Iraqi Patients Diagnosed With Acute Coronary Syndrome, Alzahraa Ahmed Ammash, Walaa Ismael Jassim, Mohammed Mezher Hussien

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Background: ACS is one of the most critical health challenge worldwide. It consists of several conditions resulting from a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle. The early diagnosis is essential to improve the diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification. This relies on finding early, sensitive and specific biomarkers. Among these biomarkers are GPBB (glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB), also referred to as the brain-type isoform (PYGB), which is primarily expressed in the brain and heart tissues and the triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL). GPBB has recently gained interest as a potential early marker for myocardial ischemia with high novelty, whereas …

The Effect Of VItex Agnus-Castus L. Medium On In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Rate, Nabaa Al-Nawab

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes offers a possible alternative to traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for individuals susceptible to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The use of plant-derived bioactive composites as supplements in culture media has attracted attention for their potential to enhance oocyte developmental competence in the absence of synthetic hormones. This investigation aims to examine the effect of Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC) aqueous extract on the in vitro maturation rate of murine oocytes. A total of 16 mature female mice were divided into two groups, 8 animals in each group. Immature oocytes were collected and cultivated for …

Detection Of Uropathogenic Bacteria In The Samples Of Iraqi Male Patients, Marwa M. Al-Attar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Prostate disease is found in elderly persons, the prostate is a male reproduction organ. It is approximately the size of a plum that may be found near the bladder’s base. It is the primary cause of the three commonest diseases: prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PC). This study designed to identify the uropathogenic bacteria that caused prostate disorders in Iraqi male samples. A current study included 180 subjects from the Iraqi population, 135 patients were divided into three groups (prostate cancer, benign prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis), according to signs, symptoms and diagnosis by the physician each group …

Prevalence Of Aminoglycoside Resistance Genes Among Esβl Producer P. Aeruginosa In Burn Cases, Yasser Rabee Ibraheem, Majida Malik Alshammari

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Pseudomonas aeruginosa recurrently develops resistant towards aminoglycosides by gaining of aminoglycoside modifying enzyme (AME) genes. The study aimed to assess the antibiotic susceptibility profile of P. aeruginosa isolated from burn infections in hospitals in Baquba, AL Najaf and Karbala. Detection of genes that mediate the production of AMEs. 175 Burn swab (110 males and 65 females) were collected then cultured on MacConkey‘s and Blood agar for primary culture, and Cetrimide agar was used to isolate and purify the bacteria and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. Then, Vitek 2 system to validate the results. Results revealed that 70 (40%) …

Antimicrobial Resistance Trends And Sccmec Typing Among Mrsa-Infected Diabetic Foot Cases In The Al-Najaf Community, Zahraa Hashim Abd Zaid Al-Sharoofi, Majida Malik Alshammari, Mohammed Abdzaid Akool

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, often linked to multidrug resistance and limited treatment options. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of MRSA isolates recovered from diabetic foot ulcers in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. A total of 76 S. aureus isolates were collected from patients attending three major hospitals. Identification was conducted using conventional microbiological methods, and methicillin resistance was confirmed phenotypically via cefoxitin disc diffusion and genotypically through PCR amplification of the mecA gene. SCCmec typing was performed using multiplex PCR. The findings revealed that 92.1% of …

Structure-Based Repurposing Of Clinically Approved Compounds For Pde-5 Inhibition: Integrative Computational And Pharmacokinetic Evaluation, Albashir Tahir, Yasir Idris Saleh, Ibrahim Khaleel Muazu

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Background: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) regulates intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, modulating vascular smooth muscle tone. Sildenafil, a well-established PDE-5 inhibitor, is effective for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension but causes dose-dependent adverse effects. Identifying alternative scaffolds with comparable efficacy and improved safety remains a pharmacological priority.

Methods: A ligand-based virtual screening of the DrugBank database was performed using sildenafil as a reference. Compounds exhibiting ≥60% structural and electrostatic similarity were docked into the PDE-5 catalytic domain (PDB ID: 2h42) using Glide XP in the Schrödinger Suite. Top-scoring ligands were assessed for physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (ADMET), and toxicity parameters using SwissADME and …

Design And Mechanistic Investigation Of Novel Metallodrugs: From Structure-Activity Relationships To Selective Cancer Cell Targeting, Samad Khaksar, Nosrat Behzadi, Hasan Zakeri Zakeri, Peyman Salahshour, Sara Abdolmaleki

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

The relentless pursuit of alternatives to conventional platinum-based chemotherapeutics, hampered by severe side effects and drug resistance, defines a critical frontier in oncology drug discovery. This review consolidates and highlights the significance of our recent advances in designing novel metallodrugs based on pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate derivatives coordinated with various metal ions (Ga(III), Ce(IV), Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Sr(II)). Through systematic synthesis and evaluation, we establish how strategic structural modifications dictate cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and mechanistic pathways. Our comprehensive in vitro profiling across a panel of human cancer cell lines (including A431, SW480, BEL-7404) revealed potent anticancer activity, with IC50 values as low as …

Sphenocentrum Jollyanum: Pharmacological Insights Into A Neglected African Medicinal Plant, Albashir Tahir

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae) is a West African medicinal plant used traditionally for various ailments, including malaria, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. Despite its ethnobotanical significance, comprehensive scientific validation of its pharmacological properties remains limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant’s ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific insights to guide future research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, covering publications up to April 2025. Search terms included "Sphenocentrum jollyanum", "ethnobotanical use", "pharmacological effects", and related keywords. Relevant articles were screened, and …

Green Pharmaceutical Systems: Alpha-Tocopherol Encapsulation In Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Via Microwaves-Based Technique As Advanced Topical Drug Delivery Systems, Hayder Kadhim Drais, Mohammed A Albarki, Hayder Ridha-Salman, Ahmed Abbas Hussein, Ashraf Abbas Drais

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) is practically insoluble in water. It is important for skin health due to its many therapeutic actions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop, prepare, and evaluate nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)-based hydrogels as a topical dosage form to improve stability and therapeutic activity of vitamin E. The microwave-based method prepared five lavender oil-based NLCs (LN1–LN5) formulations that were assessed thermodynamically and entered into characterization processes. Hydrogels formulations based on NLCs (LNG1–LNG5) were prepared and evaluated. All of the lavender oil-based NLC formulations (LN1–LN5) had suitable surface charge, a …

History And Prevention Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus In Iraq: A Review, Ashwaq M. S. Al-Jbouri, Baraa Hamid Hadi, Saad Mardi Muhammad, Raoof J. A. Maaroof, Nada Khazal K. Hindi, Karrar Kamoona, Zainab Ayad, Rusul Ahmed Mohammed

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences

Foot-and-mouth disease Virus (FMDV) is an extremely transmittable viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed faunae, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. This study aimed to demonstrate the history and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Iraq. This virus poses a significant threat to the economy, necessitating strict measures to control and prevent its spread, particularly due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in young faunae. It is one of the most contagious diseases as it is transmitted directly or indirectly from a diseased fauna to a healthy one through contact with resources contaminated with the virus, such as …

Public Perception About Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy In South Central Nebraska, Rita Nnenne Oparaocha

Biology Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

The COVID-19 pandemic created a shift in the trajectory of vaccination hesitancy, altering risk perceptions and vaccination attitudes among individuals in rural communities. The 5C framework highlights confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility as influencing factors of vaccine hesitancy. This study assessed the proportion of adults who refused COVID-19 vaccination and identified the individual reasons for hesitancy among those who refused the COVID -19 vaccines in South Central Nebraska. Data was analyzed from a local cross-sectional public health survey administered to 2,034 adult participants over a six-month period (March-August 2024), including 91 respondents who were from outside the seven-county …

Assessment Of Polymeric Chloroquine Formulations For Targeted Therapy Of Ulcerative Colitis And Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Neha Kumari

Theses & Dissertations

Effective targeted drug delivery is a critical unmet need in the management of both ulcerative colitis and metastatic colorectal cancer, where conventional systemic therapies may be hindered by suboptimal efficacy and significant side effects. This thesis explores the development and preclinical assessment of polymeric chloroquine (PCQ)-based nanotherapeutics, leveraging stimuli-responsive designs for disease-specific delivery and action.

For ulcerative colitis, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanogel system was engineered to release PCQ, a macromolecular derivative of hydroxychloroquine, specifically in the inflamed areas within the colon. Nanogels with well-defined size and positive surface charge were synthesized via reversible fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization …

Development And Characterization Of Non-Viral Delivery Systems For Pulmonary Delivery Of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Kasturi Siddhanta

Theses & Dissertations

The development of non-viral delivery systems for pulmonary delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics is driven by the need for safer and more accessible approaches to treat lung diseases, while avoiding the systemic side effects and immune responses associated with viral vectors. Such systems encompass both non-invasive inhalation-based platforms, and systemically administered platforms designed to achieve localized lung delivery. These strategies aim to enable high drug concentrations at the site of action, rapid onset of therapeutic effect, and greater therapeutic efficacy than existing treatments. Designing effective pulmonary delivery systems requires precise optimization of particle properties—including size, morphology, surface characteristics, cell-specific targeting, …

Development Of Self-Assembled Polymeric Polyplexes For Microrna Delivery: Toward Treatment Of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease, Marjina Akter Kalpana

Theses & Dissertations

Self-assembled polymeric polyplexes have the potential to serve as an RNA interference (RNAi) delivery platform for the combined inhibition of CXCR4 and miR-155 in the treatment of alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). A central challenge in RNA delivery is balancing the extracellular stability of polyplexes, cellular uptake, and intracellular release of RNA cargo. We developed polymeric polyplexes using the CXCR4-antagonist polymer PAMD, designed to target CXCR4 on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and deliver therapeutic miRNA to activated Kupffer cells (KCs) in fibrotic liver. We improved the polyplexes by cholesterol modification of PAMD and by PEGylation of PAMD-Ch. The cholesterol modification …

Abc Pharmaceutical Company Change Model: Implementing J.P. Kotter's 8-Step And Adkar Change Models For Ethical Alignment, Shelbi B. Chandler, Amalfi Gayosso, Alison Lawton, Ali Holness-Roland

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

In this paper, we use the pseudonym ABC Pharmaceuticals (ABC) to refer to the company under examination, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). ABC Pharmaceutical (ABC) must assess, adapt, and change to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain and attract employees, and remain competitive. ABC has a history of erroneous practices and is at risk internally with employees, and externally with regulators and the public sectors. The authors applied J.P. Kotter’s (1996) 8-step and the ADKAR (Hiatt, 2006) models for change management. J.P. Kotter’s top-down model addresses leadership’s role in creating a compelling vision aligned with its actions, and the ADKAR bottom-up model assesses employees’ readiness …

Exploring Therapeutic Frontiers: The Beep Regimen In Breast And Brain Metastases, Destiny Carroll

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Examining The Influence Of Mapped Bloom's Taxonomy Items On The Student Pharmacist Experience, Annaston Young

Student Scholar Symposium

Objective: To evaluate the impact of transparent Bloom’s Taxonomy (BT) item mapping on the student experience.

Methods: First-year student pharmacists were oriented to BT twice during their first semester. Using a quasi-experimental research design, a point-of-care testing (POCT) active learning exercise and related low-stakes assessment were identified for the intervention. Following the active learning, a five-question “exit ticket” on Google Forms was randomly distributed based on QR codes: Group 1 (n=20) had no BT item mapping and Group 2 (n=20) had BT labels for each item. Performance, confidence, and experience evaluation were captured on each exit ticket. Descriptive statistics were …

Quantum Rings Simulations Of Cisplatin, Clinton Hutchins, Laci Walmer

Student Scholar Symposium

Cisplatin is a major chemotherapy drug that relies on a platinum-based core to deliver the properties necessary to combat cancer. This platinum-based core creates an undesired toxicity that poses challenges during treatment. The aim of this research is to employ quantum simulations to explore the stability of biochemicals such as cisplatin and predict their binding affinities for targets of interest. Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) simulations are used to explore if the substitution of a core like Au or Pd are possible to retain anticancer efficacy but reduce its toxicity. With the use of these quantum simulations, we can run different …

Spilling The Tea: Effects Of Uv Disinfection On Bioactive Compounds In South African Rooibos Tea, Sora Ghanem, Leah Ankiah, Yusra Ahmed

Student Scholar Symposium

This study investigated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection on key bioactive flavonoid compounds in rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis). There is an interest in non-thermal food preservation technologies, and UV treatment offers potential advantages for beverage processing. However, concerns exist regarding possible degradation of health-promoting compounds during treatment. Rooibos tea samples were subjected to five UV exposure intensities (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mJ/cm²), and concentrations of four major flavonoids (aspalathin, orientin, vitexin, and rutin) were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Surprisingly, most flavonoids showed stability or slight concentration increases at higher UV doses. Aspalathin concentrations …

Developing Nlp-Based Open-Source Tools To Improve Titratable Infusion Order Interpretation In Ehr Systems, Benjamin Brewer, Jay Dorris

Student Scholar Symposium

This study evaluates the feasibility of using natural language processing (NLP) tools to identify errors in titratable infusion orders for Joint Commission readiness. Titratable infusions are adjusted at the bedside by nurses based on predefined parameters, such as monitoring goals, titration rate, conditions for adjustment, and maximum dose. These parameters are often documented as free text within order sets but can be inadvertently removed during the verification process. Some electronic health records (EHRs) may not prominently display this critical information, leading to potential Joint Commission violations. A synthetic dataset was generated using artificial intelligence to simulate one year’s worth of …

Investigation Of Aldehyde Oxidase Inhibition By Clopidogrel And Its Thiol Metabolite, Rachel Crouch, Merna Kamal, Hilina Woldeamanuel

Student Scholar Symposium

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is an enzyme that metabolizes drugs containing aromatic azaheterocycles. Small thiol-containing molecules have been reported to inactivate AO. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that is bioactivated in vivo by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 into a thiol metabolite. Our research aims to explore whether the clopidogrel thiol metabolite can inhibit AO, leading to potential drug-drug interactions when co-administered with other drugs that are metabolized by AO. In order to determine whether the prodrug clopidogrel and/or its thiol metabolite inhibit AO, O6-benzylguanine (AO substrate) was incubated with human …